DOWNTON Cuckoo Fair celebrated its 40 year anniversary on Saturday, with tens of thousands turning out for the event.

Around 20,000 people descended on the village as it also celebrated another milestone – 60 years of the iconic British Mini and Downton’s role in its history through Downton Engineering Works. 

In conjunction with the Downton Motor Club, a cavalcade of Minis from the last 60 years were driven through the village ahead of the annual procession.

​One of the organisers, Joanna Horbury, said she was delighted with how the day went.

"It was a great success," she added.

"Everyone seemed to be having a great time.

"As a team of organisers, it went really well, and we got lots of compliments about how the event was run.

"My highlight was seeing Christopher the Giant in the parade, as we have not had him for a decade.

"Also, seeing the minis was a spectacle. That was something really new and different."

Visitors to the fair also enjoyed live music throughout the day, Morris performances, as well as trade and craft stalls, beer and cider tents and a range of food stalls.