In pictures: Windsor Ox Roast

An ox from the Queen's own farm provided the centrepiece for a day of celebration and joy at historic Bachelors Acre this week.

The afternoon began yesterday with the roasted ox being blessed by the Dean of Windsor the Right Reverend David Conner, before the governor of Windsor Castle Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen carved the first slice watched by the town's MP Adam Afriyie.

The Royal Borough's mayor Cllr Colin Rayner took part in the auction to buy that first slice and ended up getting it for £80.

During the afternoon 1,000 slices were eaten. But for faint hearts put off by the sight of what was left of the ox after it was taken off the spit, there was plenty of vegetarian food.

Bachelors Acre was packed as members of the public enjoyed an exhibition by Windsor and Maidenhead Sports Co-operative and an appearance by  Bookstart Bear from the Windsor council's libraries. While a balloon man kept the children entertained.

A background of relaxing jazz was provided by the Gershwin Gang.

It was all organised by the Windsor and Eton Town Partnership and Windsor St George Rotary Club. Town centre manager Paul Roach said: "There has been a great turn-out and the ox has come from the Queen's own farm which makes it even better.

"All the money raised will go to the Prince Philip Trust which supports good causes in the borough."

See more photos in our gallery below and visit our diamond jubilee page.