GIANT hay bales, furry ferrets and an Olympic-themed contest kept villagers in high spirits this weekend.

Villagers bid farewell to the summer as they delighted in the fun and frolics at the Binsey Village Fete yesterday.

It was the ninth time the festivities have erupted within the village, raising cash for West Oxford Community Primary School, Oxford Food Bank and the village church.

Olly Wills, one of the organisers, joined the open-air celebrations at pub The Perch with his family, even jumping on stage with his band The Epstein.

The 37-year-old, who has been part of the fete since its launch, said: "We were very concerned when we were setting up in the morning because the clouds came down but luckily the rain held back. It was a good day, we were really happy. We like to think it's the last big hurrah of the summer."

Audiences were left dazzled by performances from acts including The Gees, Papa Nui, The Hoolie Band, Rainbow Reservoir and Botley Crew on the Main Trailer Stage.

Youngsters spent hours flinging themselves onto a pyramid-shaped hay bale, while punters indulged in their favourite tipple in the real ale tent.

Mr Wills, who lives in the village with wife Celine, Beatrice, four and son Hugo, two, said: "Binsey is quite a unique place - it's a big open space within the city. We have a good number of people in he village who get involved and put a good energy into the fete."

The musician also revealed organisers are setting their sights on transforming the fete into a bigger extravaganza next year, marking a decade since they launched the event.