It was the festival that almost never happened.

After 14 years and appearances by some of the world’s biggest names Cornbury Music Festival held its ‘last ever’ showcase of music and performances in July last year.

Barely three months after the climactic showdown festival director Hugh Phillimore announced a U-turn and declared that the show must go on.

Fast forward to this weekend and Cornbury Festival 2018 saw thousands pour into the site at Great Tew, near Chipping Norton, to enjoy the blistering heat for the event, which has become known as ‘poshfest’ for its well-heeled clientele.

Speaking of this year’s extravaganza which saw headline acts from UB40, Alanis Morissette and Squeeze, organisers said they were thrilled with the turnout.

Speaking to Oxford Mail festival director Hugh Phillimore said: “I could not really have asked for anything more than this.

“Fantastic weather, fantastic turnout. The acts have blown everyone away, particularly Alanis Morissette’s performance.

“It has been a really good turnout, not as big as last year because last year was massive but in all I am really pleased.”

Asked if the festival was set to return in 2019 he said: “We will be back next year I am sure of that.

“What makes this festival special is the team that runs it and the team that come to it, it is really amazing.”

Among the wealth of acts on offer was ska and reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, 90s dance-crossover act Stereo MCs, Lukas Nelson - son of country legend Willie, and country-rockers Danny & The Champions of the World.

Saturday saw a number of acts taking to the stage including Mavis Staples, Amy Macdonald, Nina Nesbitt, Pixie Lott, PP Arnold, Grainne Duffy and reality TV star Megan McKenna.

Sunday’s bill featured Mark Cohn, Mari Wilson, Staks soul, Lissie and 60s pin-up Andy Fairweather Low of the band Amen Corner, best known for belting out hits If Paradise Is Half as Nice and Wide Eyed and Legless.

Aside from the music there was also a comedy tent with some giants of the live circuit scene, among them James Acaster, Katy Brand, Phil Wang, Felicity Ward, Ivo Graham, Suzi Ruffell and Vicar of Dibley writer Paul Mayhew Archer, who lives in Abingdon.

TV’s Hairy Bikers also turned out to wow crowds and one half of the celebrity duo - David Myers, also praised the event on the day.

Speaking on Sunday he said: “It was absolutely brilliant, it has been much better than expected and it has been quite difficult in the heat.

“This is the first we have ever done and we hope its the beginning of a good relationship.”

Organisers said that the seminal Oxfordshire event would return again next year with acts and ticket prices to be confirmed.