Hundreds of people have turned out for a pro-EU rally in Oxford despite the wet weather and an official event being cancelled.

Crowds united in post-Brexit despair to fight the "horrific" decision to leave the European Union.

Protesters picketed with pro-EU signs and flags in Broad Street to "raise their voice" after the referendum.

Marston mother-of-two Tessa Clayton, 36, said she organised the rally to show the city's support for its European residents.

She added: "I wanted to show that not all people voted to Brexit, especially in Oxford. Going forward we need to make sure the pro-Europe voice is heard."

Masses turned out in spite of pouring rain and the cancellation of the event on Facebook due to crowd concerns.

People clapped and cheered as others chanted "Oxford stays", while band Horns of Plenty lifted rain-dampened spirits with brass music. 

Oxford University student Daina Šadurska, 25, carried a sign shunning racism and xenophobia.

She said: "I am a Latvian migrant enjoying the EU freedoms and this decision has robbed my English friends of making Europe their home the same way I could. This is a horrific crime in my opinion against the British youths."

In Thursday's EU referendum, Oxfordshire emerged as the most pro-Remain county in England, with 57 per cent of voters balloting to stick with the union.

Oxford city was even more strongly Remain, with 70 per cent of voters going for that option.

The Facebook event page is still active at www.facebook.com/events/559875920881119/