Churchgoers are breaking with centuries of tradition to dance the night away in the heart of their medieval church.
The sounds of a jazz band and orders for pints of beer will fill the normally tranquil inner walls of Witney's historic St Mary's Church.
Vicars and wardens have agreed to take out the pews for the night and sanction a one-off party to celebrate the Millennium on the evening of September 16.
The Millennium Ball will raise money as part of a 500,000 appeal for repairs, including a new church roof.
The Rev Will Adam, one of Witney's team vicars, said: "This is a one-off to celebrate the Millennium. It is not going to happen again for a very long time.
"Churches have over the centuries been used for all sorts of things, but this is quite special."
St Mary's dates back almost to the last Millennium, and its 165ft spire has been an enduring landmark in the town for centuries. The St Mary's Millennium Appeal was launched in March.
Tickets for the ball, which starts at 7.30pm, are priced at 30 and can be obtained from Sarah Jones on 01993 778876, or from Sarah Ebanja on 01993 201206.
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