SUPERSTAR rocker Bryan Adams led a rousing tribute to the organisers of Cornbury Festival, as the event celebrated its grand finale in spectacular style.

The Canadian singer-songwriter led the applause for the team behind the three-day festival, which bowed out last night after 14 years.

A record sell-out crowd of 14,000 a day, enjoyed glorious weather and an eclectic line-up, including sets by Keane’s Tom Chaplin, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Kaiser Chiefs, Ward Thomas and The Pretenders. Last night’s action was brought to a close by Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra - before a firework display, and the unfurling of a large banner reading "That's all folks"

Adams delighted fans with a hit-packed set and led the crowd with sing-alongs to his best-loved tunes, Run to You, Summer of 69, This Time and (Everything I do) I do it For You.

“I am honoured to be one of the final acts to play Cornbury,” he said before a rousing rendition of Straight from the Heart. “Put your hands together for the people that organise this festival – and hopefully it will be back!”

Jools Holland also praised the event, leading a field fo cheers for festival director Hugh Phillimore, shouting : "Let's hear it for the man who started it all!"

He added: "I played the very first Cornbury Festival 14 years ago. Someone told me you play Cornbury twice in your career: once on teh way up and once on the way down. It's good to be back!"

In keeping with its long-standing reputation, Cornbury – nicknamed Poshstock for its exclusive VIP areas, Champagne and Pimms bars and celebrity clientele – attracted a smattering of personalities, including Alex James of Blur, who was spotted trying his hand on the shooting gallery, Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh, comedian and quiz show host Alexander Armstrong and former Prime Minister David Cameron.

Also on site was outward bound expert Bear Grylls -though his survival skills went untested on an event distinguished for its great food and drink.

Mr Phillimore admitted to being emotional, as the weekend drew to a close.

“I couldn't have hoped for a better finale," he said. "We've had amazing weather, great performances all round and everyone is asking me when it's coming back!"

He added: “I have decided to give it a rest after 14 years because I need a break. Lots of people have fun, but for me the best part is always Monday morning when it’s all over.

He said he had decided to rest the festival after a run of financially-challenged events. Ironically, the final event, with its impressive line-up and gorgeous weather, was the most successful in its history, one of only two years to have made a profit.

He said: “Unfortunately, one good year can’t pay the debts on all the other years. However, if someone wants to come in with a good offer we might be back. And there may well be something somewhere..."

As well as pulling in big names from both sides of the Atlantic, Cornbury has also provided a platform for new and local bands, on its Riverside Stage. These included Oxford soulful country-rockers The Epstein. Frontman Ollie Wills also expressed sadness at the festival’s demise but paid tribute to organisers.

He said: “It’s the last ever Cornbury: Boo! The Riverside Stage has given huge support to local bands, especially thanks to Andy Pickard.”

Aside from the music, there was a fun fair, comedy tent and a kids arts & crafts area. Among those hosting sessions was Jon MacKay, an art teacher at Oxford’s Cherwell School, who was teaching screen printing . He said: “We have been coming here since 2009, and it’s a really good one. It’s such a shame it’s not happening again.”

He said the art sessions had been a hit with younger festival-goers, adding: “The kids love it. It’s cheap and they can go away with something they have created.”

Mad-cap scientist Professor Pumpernickel was demonstrating the magic of chemistry in a colourful session punctuated with pops, bangs, smoke bombs and confetti explosions. He said: “This has been a  lovely festival and it has been great to be here – it’s a shame it’s not happening anymore.”

Some revellers dressed up for the occasion, including Lisa Robins from Chipping Norton, who joined her friends as characters from the Super Mario computer game.

She said: “It’s sad that this is the finale. I have just moved to the area and it’s fabulous. It’s very civilized but we love it.”