A FEAST fit for a (Viking) king is set to return this bank holiday, attracting thousands of people to an Oxfordshire village.

Harwell will once again open up for its annual feast, featuring a Viking camp, parade of whacky floats and new 'wipe out zone' for teenagers.

The traditional event is one of the biggest village fetes in the area and usually attracts between 3,000 and 4,000 people.

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Sharon Palmer, a member of the organising committee, said the theme for this year is Vikings with living history group the Ulfhrafnar Vikings setting up a camp in the village from noon today.

Visitors will be able to find out how our Viking ancestors lived and watch battle reenactments and archery demonstrations across the afternoon before seeing the group take part in the parade from 11am tomorrow.

This will leave from Townsend at 11am and march to the recreation ground, where the bulk of activities will be located.

Special guest Shane Williams, who made 87 appearances for the Wales national rugby team, will open the fair from 11.30am tomorrow.

He will then judge who had the best float and organisers are hoping he may have time to sign autographs.

The Harwell Scouts will run the wipe-out zone which is aimed at attracting more younger adults to the festivities.

It will feature a demolition wrecking ball, a twin bungee jump run and a pole jousting arena.

Other attractions on offer include falconry displays, a classic car zone, including cars dating back to the 1930s, and a car boot sale, which runs all day.

More than 40 stalls will offer crafts for sale along with family activities including face painting.

Food offerings include a pig roast, fish and chip stand and pizza shop.

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A 'bonny baby' competition will be run the small arena from 12.30pm.

Ms Palmer said: "We've tried to make sure that there is something on offer for the whole family.

"It is a fun afternoon and a vibrant atmosphere."

Every year the event supports charities who make a difference in the Harwell area and this year a charity zone will encourage residents to meet representatives from organisations including Play2Give and local branches of both the RNLI and Cancer Research.

Play2Give's stall will feature a mega tombola to raise money for local charities.

The group also plan to have stocks set up so people can sponge superheroes in return for donations.

Activities run up until 4.30pm and entry is dependent on buying a programme for £2 in advance from local shops or £3 on the day.

See harwellfeast.com