WOODSTOCK came alive with the sights and sounds of the last 900 years at the weekend.

This year’s annual carnival celebrated nine centuries since the wall that surrounds the Blenheim estate was built and took the theme of Woodstock’s Horrible Histories – 900 years of Sagas and Scandals.

It was officially opened on Saturday by Dorothy Hughes, Oxfordshire’s first female Chelsea pensioner, with music outside the Town Hall.

Mrs Hughes told the crowds: “I am very proud and honoured to be a Chelsea pensioner and also to open your carnival.”

Sylvia Mullin was at the carnival with grandsons Joseph White, eight, and George White, three, White, of Woodstock.

She said: “It’s really great with a fantastic atmosphere. The children did really well singing the song and we could see they were all really enjoying themselves.”

Dennis Allen, chairman of the carnival committee, said: “While going through some old records, Peter Jay, the old mayor, noticed this was the 900th anniversary so it was a bit of a rush to come up with the theme.”