In 1809, several individuals in the crowd were injured in an incident at Messrs. Saunder's theatre. Fortunately, no lives were lost. Other attractions included puppet shows, wild animals, and stalls selling gingerbread, ribbons, and toys, along with local farmers competing in a single-stick event, a form of fencing using swords.

In 1810, a travelling menagerie was founded by George Wombwell. He began collecting animals after purchasing two boas from the London docks, and by showcasing them in taverns, he generated a substantial profit. Subsequently, he connected with ships to acquire more exotic animals from distant regions. The menagerie eventually expanded to include fifteen wagons and a brass band. It featured various animals such as Asiatic wild asses, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, hyenas, kangaroos, leopards, lions, llamas, monkeys, ocelots, ostriches, panthers, snakes, tigers, wildcats, zebras, and even a polar bear. A rhinoceros was referred to as "the real unicorn of scripture." Many exotic animals experienced early deaths due to the British climate, and in such cases, Wombwell often sold their remains to medical schools or taxidermists. At one fair, a competitor promoted a "LIVE ELEPHANT ON DISPLAY" after the death of Wombwell's elephant. In response, Wombwell put up a sign stating "DEAD ELEPHANT ON DISPLAY," attracting crowds away from the rival circus, as dead elephants were less common to see. Wombwell successfully raised several animals, including the first lion bred in captivity in Britain. He passed away in 1850 and was interred at Highgate Cemetery beneath a statue of his lion, Nero.

That same year, a horse frightened by the crowd caused a two-wheeled carriage to overturn into a gravel pit. The driver sustained a broken thigh, and two women passengers incurred broken bones, with one losing an eye.

In 1812, the authorities attempted to limit the fair's expansion, prohibiting booths from extending beyond the reach of the oak's branches.