The rain was fairly constant throughout the service but it failed to dampen the spirits when Witney came out in force to celebrate the coronation.

The weekend began with the raising of a new Union flag at the Town Hall by the Mayor, Cllr Liz Duncan, to mark the occasion.

It joined the red, white and blue bunting in and around Market Square created by Witney crafting individuals and groups.

Oxford Mail: mayor

On coronation day, families and friends came together to enjoy a free screening of the ceremony at the Corn Exchange kicked off with a coronation cry from Town Crier Jean Postlethwaite Dixon.

Thousands of people enjoyed the sun at Big Lunches on the second day of events.

Many people had lunch together on The Leys, in Witney with plenty of Union flag hats and flags on show.

Kids could practise their ball skills with goal nets and giant target organised by Witney Vikings while others enjoyed being king or queen for a day in the dress-up photo booth.

Fun and refreshments were organised by The Coffee Shed and Hatwells' Funfair provided rides while others enjoyed the sunshine and ice cream and later pizza and music from Jazz Amour featuring Ebony.

Singers from WOAPA drew the event to a close with a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

Mayor Liz Duncan said: "It was lovely to meet so many people who came along to the activities over the weekend.

"We are lucky to live in such a friendly town and a big thank you to the Town Council staff for their hard work.

"I was also honoured to give a reading at the special Civic Service at St Mary’s Church as well as welcoming visitors from our twin town of Le Touquet who came to Witney specially to celebrate with us." 

Ducklington was just one of the many villages that held a street party.

With around 400 people on the day, there was a picnic, steam engines, live music, Ducklington Morris, free tea and coffee and cakes and free games for children.

Oxford Mail: d

Carterton children enjoyed coronation lunches in the Town Square.

The council thanked the ladies who prepared the meals and said: "The day was a huge success and thanks goes to everyone involved in making this day so special."

Congratulations to Pippa, Oliver and Aashreya who won the Crown Competition.

Meanwhile among the 520 smart blue uniformed, white-gloved Royal Air Force personnel who took part in the historic parade down the Mall were some from RAF Brize Norton - even if the old British rain put paid to a more substantial flypast.

Oxford Mail: c