Banbury Hobby Horse Fair in pictures

 Sunday was the annual Banbury Hobby Horse Fair. It started at 12.30pm with a parade lead by the Fair Lady (not so fair judging by 'her' five-o-clock shadow) upon a white horse. A strange sight it was too, with various curious animals and even a few demons making their way through the sunny streets of Banbury.

 The parade rounded the famous Banbury cross on it's way to the local park.
 

 This colourful chap was great; dancing and swirling energetically and probably freaking out a few children with his quite frankly scary skeleton mask.
 

 There were even a few 'bonnie' bagpipers in the thick of the action.
 

 Not something you see every day. Or is it??....

 In the park the show continued with fun and games in the make-shift arena. These creepy creatures are called 'beasts' and are cheeky so and so's who will steal your hat, snap their clattery wooden mouths at you and general cause mischief.
 

 The local wildlife expanded from squirrels and pigeons to include elephants...

 ...and Giraffes!

Family fun. Obviously.

 And what quirky folk festival would be complete without some Morris Dancing? Lots of skipping, bells and stick bashing. Just watch those fingers!


All in all a fun afternoon and something so very, intrinsically English