THE ICONIC Witney Feast was as popular as ever as it celebrated its 775th birthday.

Yesterday marked the final day of a milestone year for the annual event, with one of the largest fun fairs in the country enthralling revellers once again.

The celebrations began on Saturday, with St Mary's Church holding its own Oktoberfest, before the traditional Golden Gallopers church service formally opened proceedings the next day.

Thousands of fair-goers from West Oxfordshire and beyond flocked to The Leys on Monday and yesterday for two days of fun.

As ever, the rides came courtesy of Bob Wilson's Fun Fairs, which has been involved with the Feast since the 1940s.

With more than 50 attractions to choose from, visitors were not left disappointed as a range of activities offered something for everyone.

Adrenaline-seekers gravitated towards the white-knuckle rides, including the 30-metre tall Sky Flyer swing tower and Storm, which promised '40 metres of pure adrenaline'.

High in demand were Air, one of the top-rated thrill rides touring the UK today, and The King - the only looping rides of their kind on British shores.

In a throwback to a bygone age, newer rides stood alongside classics like the Waltzer, Dodgems and a great selection of 'pink knuckle' rides just for the little ones.

Those looking to stroll around the Leys and soak up the atmosphere were also catered for in the form of several traditional stalls serving games and refreshments.

A huge fireworks display lit up the skies above Witney on Monday night to salute an extra special year for the much-loved event.

Bob Wilson's Fun Fairs brought along a steam engine to power the carousel, while a venison roast proved very popular, in a nod to the Feast's history.

Emily Wilson of Bob Wilson's Fun Fairs said: "It's been a long time since a steam engine powered a fun fair ride.

"You've got the old rides alongside the new and it's made it a wonderful spectacle for everyone."

She added: "It's had a very special feel and I thought the best moment was the fireworks display.

"The weather's been kind, starting with the events at the weekend and continuing through to the fair.

"We've had the best attendance for many years with thousands of people coming out.

"It was lovely to see Mums and Dads with their children sitting out on the grass."

The venison roast ensured revellers ate like the very first Witney Feasters in 1243, when King Henry III provided two deer from the Royal Forest of Wychwood to celebrate the rededication of St Mary’s Church.

Townsfolk feasted on those deer in the celebrations that followed, giving the event its name.

Bob Wilson's Fun Fairs provided a traditional hog roast as always, with the proceeds donated to the church.

Witney Town Council gave the Feast special status in May, ensuring the event will be prioritised in all council decisions for many years to come.