Due to the start of the Second World War Oxford St Giles Fair was suspended. The fairground community feared that their business would be devastated. In the Second World War the Showmen’s Guild extended its authority over the travelling show people. It fought for the continuation of fairs and the needs of its members during this period. With the near collapse of the industry during the First World War in mind, the Guild was better prepared. During the late 1930s it maintained close links with the relevant Ministries. When war was declared in September 1939 the Guild immediately contacted the Government. It wanted to ensure that travelling fairs would be able to continue. Fairs were allowed to continue even under black out conditions. Despite the loss of some Charter events such as Hull Fair which was requisitioned for the war effort, others continued.