Organisers of an annual gala in Oxfordshire's largest village are praying for good weather after heavy rain washed out the last two events.

In the past, Kidlington Gala - held at Exeter Close - attracted as many as 3,000 people.

But two years ago, organisers had to cancel the event after flash floods engulfed the county. Then, last July, torrential rain swamped the fields surrounding Exeter Hall and forced revellers indoors.

Parish councillor Devena Rae has been involved in organising the gala for nine years.

She told the Oxford Mail: "It just happens we have had dreadful weather these past two years.

"It's been horrendous - last year, the fields were under an inch of water. It just wasn't safe."

This year's gala, which takes place on Saturday, July 19, has also been scaled back because of building work in Exeter Close, although organisers are confident they can still put on a good show.

Mrs Rae said: "It's really hard to judge how many people will come along, but if we had 1,000 that would be a result.

"It's just a case of scaling back the outside activities, like the children's rides - it's just one of those things.

"But it will still be fun. People can have a great day without having to spend lots of money and it brings all the organisations of Kidlington together so they all know what's happening."

Kidlington Gala runs from midday until 5pm.

There will be 40 charity stalls, fun fair rides, fire engines on display in the car park, orchestral music, a table tennis demonstration, reflexology and shiatsu massage, face painting, henna tattooes and hair braiding, as well as lots of food and drink.

Eco-activist group Kidlington Versus Climate Change has also confirmed it will have a stand.

Carol Sheppard, administration assistant at Kidlington Parish Council, has been helping organise the gala for the first time.

She said: "I've been organising things on and off since February. It's been mad, but everybody has been great - I hope it goes all right.

"Everything is free for all the villagers.

"They don't have to pay for anything, apart from refreshments, so I hope lots of people come along."