COVID-19 concerns lead to postponement of Banbury fair

Cherwell District Council runs the popular annual event in partnership with Bob Wilson Funfairs, and it would normally attract big crowds to the town centre.

The difficult decision to postpone the fair was taken to protect the safety of the people of the Banbury area and that of the staff who operate the fair. A decision will be made on when the fair can come to Banbury as and when public health conditions permit.

Cherwell district is currently on yellow alert status for the number of coronavirus infections in the community. Government guidance tells people to: avoid meeting in groups of more that six people; keep at least two metres away from people you do not live with; avoid crowded areas; and avoid touching things that other people have touched.

William Wilson of Bob Wilson Funfairs said: “We apologise to the people of Banbury and Cherwell that the fair is not taking place this year. It has been postponed because of the rising cases of coronavirus. The decision has been taken jointly with Cherwell District Council. We look to forward to seeing everyone next year.”

Cllr Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Banbury Fair has brought happy experiences to generations of people from the town and wider area for many years. It would be wonderful to think that we could safely meet in such large groups again, but the virus is still transmitting, and indeed increasing, in Oxfordshire communities.

“However, this is not a cancellation, it is a postponement.

"If we work together and keep following the Government advice we will overcome this virus and be able to welcome the Michaelmas Fair, and other fun events, back to our communities again. That means following the rule of six, keeping a safe distance, washing our hands and wearing face coverings.”