The Ghosts of the Fair

Imagine experiencing all the excitement of Portland Fair through sound alone.

Ghosts of the Fair is a series of immersive audio experiences by Buried Giants and sound artist Adrienne Quartly - resurrecting the thrills, memories and emotions of Portland Fair in the very places where they once happened.

Using spatial audio technology, these uncanny soundscapes place you at the heart of the fair once more. Feel yourself surrounded by excited crowds, swept onto the Waltzers, jolted in the Dodgems and startled in the Ghost Train, while fragments of conversation drift past: first loves, lifelong friendships and childhood memories.

The audio works combine archive recordings, interviews with local historians, fair workers and Portland residents, alongside newly recorded 360° sound captured on fairground rides.

Experience a single location or follow the complete trail along the original route of Portland Fair through Chiswell.

CREDITS:

Commissioned for b-side festival 2026 - That Other Place

Sound design, recording and editing by Adrienne Quartly. All other design by Buried Giants. 

Special thanks to David Palmer for being our guide into the history of Portland Fair. Also well as Rob Twycross and Kay Townsend for their personal insights into the show folk - and to the following for sharing their memories: Nikki Childs, Gill Lock, Mark Williams, Lucy Hardwicke, Jane Miles and Julie Freeman. 

Produced by Buried Giants and Catherine Bennett (for b-side). Production Management by Spencer Martin. Thanks also to the b-side team: Rokka, Sandy, Cat, Maddi & Poppy.

LINKS TO AUDIO:

Listen in location or listen at home