Thrill seekers were left disappointed this week when St Giles Fair in Oxford was called off due to coronavirus.

The city council and the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain took the decision to cancel next month's traditional fair because of the coronavirus.

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READ AGAIN: St Giles Fair: Readers welcome the event's cancellation

The Michaelmas Fair is held in Abingdon every October but it too could be called off to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

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The town council has not yet officially cancelled the event, and the Runaway Fair which follows it.

The council has been asked to comment.

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The council's website said: "The town council hosts the annual Michaelmas Fair, which is known as the longest street fair in Europe.

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"By law, the fair must take place annually on the Monday and Tuesday falling first before October 11 in the centre of Abingdon-on-Thames: Ock Street, High Street and the Market Place.

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"The origin of the fairs were for the hiring of labour in the period after the Black Death in 1348. "The Runaway Fair was named because it was a chance for anyone who had made a mistake and started work with a master who was perhaps cruel or untrustworthy to literally run away and find another farm to work on at the fair one week later."

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St Giles Fair was due to take place on Monday, September 7 and Tuesday, September 8.

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With tens of thousands of people attending it would be impossible to guarantee safe social distancing.

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Oxford Mail readers said the council and the guild had made the right decision.

We’re really excited to launch We Grew Up in Oxford, a new online community for everyone who loves our great city. In our new Facebook group, we’ll be delving into the archives - both recent and older - to bring you memories of what it was like growing up and living here through the years.

We hope you’ll join us and get involved in the project, and remember to let us know what memories from your glory days you want to see in the group. We Grew Up in Oxford, so now it’s time to celebrate that. See you there!