Lunchtime Talk: 'A History of St Giles Fair' with Tim Healey

'A History of St Giles Fair – and other seasonal sprees in Oxfordshire'

St Giles Fair has excited wonder throughout its centuries-old history. Developing from the medieval St Giles parish wake, it would become famed for the boisterous crowds drawn to its amusement rides, booths and sideshows. ‘It is,’ wrote John Betjeman in 1937, ‘about the biggest fair in England.’

Rowdiness often led to calls for the fair’s suppression, such as when captured rioters were freed by crowds at the fair following the Otmoor Riots in 1830. But, through an oftentimes riotous history, the fair has continued to flourish as a place not only of entertainment, but of innovation; ‘moving pictures,’ for example, were first screened in Oxford at the fair with Taylor’s Cinematograph Exhibition of 1897.

This talk by guest speaker Tim Healey will tell the story of the fair from the earliest times to the present day, also encompassing other seasonal sprees around Oxfordshire – the Witney Wakes for example, and Charlbury’s Forest Fair. Join us for the start of our 2024-25 Lunchtime Talks programme with this richly illustrated presentation capturing all the fun of the fair!

Tickets are available for £5 online or at the Museum Shop (booking fee applies online). We strongly advise booking tickets in advance due to previous demand.

Tim Healey is a freelance writer and broadcaster who has presented many programmes on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4. A popular speaker at local history societies, he is also a frequent contributor to The Oxford Times, taking a special interest in local heritage. Tim studied at Balliol College in Oxford and will be known to many as leader of the 17th-century costume band The Oxford Waits.

Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment.

Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces.

Access at the Museum

There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall is via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then via stairs.

Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access

Photo consent:

Please be aware that photographs will be taken at this event for use in marketing. If you (or a member of your group) would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know during the event.

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