THOUSANDS enjoyed family activities, live music and demonstrations as the Oxfordshire County and Thame Show returned with a bang after a year off.

The agricultural show, which is more than 120 years old, returned on Saturday to the showground in Kingsey Road.

It was axed last year after losing about £116,000 in the previous four years, but also because of the clash with the 2012 London Olympics and celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Mum-of-two Kerry Taylor, from Thame, went to the show with her children Katie Mace, four, and six-year-old Jake Mace.

The 29-year-old said: “We had a lovely day. The children had a great time.”

Daughter Katie added: “I enjoyed the baking.”

There was face painting, show jumping and a falconry display during the one-day event, as well as competitions for cattle, sheep, horses and donkeys.

Crowds also enjoyed a food and drink village featuring local producers, including county breweries.

Martyn Hacker performed at the show as part of the 1066 Pipes and Drums from Hastings.

The pipe major, from Eastbourne, said: “It has been good.

“We have had a good response from the crowd.”

David Bretherton, former chairman of the show’s organising committee, said: “It was a brilliant day.

“We didn’t have a show last year because of the clashes with other events, particularly the Olympics.

“We always intended to come back this year with a show in July.

“It was great to be back.

“There were an awful lot of pessimists who said we would never come back, but there was a lot of goodwill from the farmers and the community around Thame.

“We have had a lot of support from the community.”

But he added it was too early to tell whether the show had made enough money this year and if it was financially viable to continue.