The traditional ox roast at the annual Houghton Feast which began in the 1500's in Houghton-le-Spring near Sunderland.(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

20 mouth-watering pictures as the traditional ox roast at the Houghton Feast attracts huge queues

The Houghton Feast is running until October 13

05 Oct 2024, 18:02 by David Huntley · ChronicleLive

The Houghton Feast is well under way, and Saturday was one of the highlights of the whole event - the traditional ox roast.

The massively popular event is running until October 13 and organisers say this year will be the "biggest and best" schedule yet. On Saturday, it was time for the famous ox roast. An entire roasted ox, which is usually prepared overnight, was served up in sandwiches in the grounds of the Old Rectory.

The grounds were where the first oxen were roasted by Rector Bernard Gilpin to feed the town's poor in the 16th Century and it has turned into a Houghton tradition. Rector John Barron blessed the traditional roast before a lengthy queue built up.

Newbottle Street and The Broadway was full of families as they watched the parade walk through the town. Pipers, choirs and brass bands all played throughout the day.

On Monday night, there will be a firework display choreographed to music at 7.30pm on the playing fields at Durham Road, viewing points are Durham Road and Dairy Lane.

Here are 20 pictures of the famous ox roast at the Houghton Feast.