THOUSANDS of people turned out to celebrate the history of Oxfordshire's canals after a last-minute scramble to ensure a popular annual event could take place this year.

Residents were left disappointed in February when Banbury's waterways-based celebrations were cancelled due to building work planned for the waterside, as part of the expansion of the Castle Quay shopping centre.

When these planned works were postponed in August, organisers Banbury Town Council worked flat out to make the popular event happen after all - bringing together all the boaters, charities, clubs, businesses and others who have made the event so successful in past years.

The hard work paid off at the weekend when visitors flocked to the Oxfordshire town's towpaths to enjoy a colourful and fun-filled day of celebrations.

Food and drink stalls lined the canal route, while entertainment was hosted in Spiceball Park including falconry, fairground rides and go-karts.

Boats were naturally out in force taking part in rides and demonstrations.

Mayor Councillor Colin Clarke, who arrived by narrowboat to open the event, said: “Everyone had a good time and once again we had a successful day.

“I’d like to thank everyone who turned out to make the event a success.”

Banbury and Cherwell Canoe Club was on hand to provide waterside paddling tuition and all-day dancing in Compton Road car park also took place.

Banbury Museum joined in the fun, offering free activities and a charity market filled Castle Quay car park while Chamberlain Court car park was full of arts and craft stalls.

A five-hour folk concert in General Foods Social Club’s garden was a popular attraction and Tooley’s Boatyard was open to visitors.

The event is run annually by Banbury Town Council to highlight the history of the waterway.

Canals opened in the town in 1778, bringing wealth and prosperity.

The network of waterways provided a cheap and reliable supply of Warwickshire coal and other goods manufactured in the industrial Midlands.

Despite the decline in their industrial use, the waterways are still very busy with holiday boaters and walkers who use the towpath as a quiet and picturesque route around town.