VIRTUAL reality could be on its way to the 775-year-old Witney Feast amid fears that the event is losing touch with its tradition.

William Wilson, managing director of Bob Wilson funfairs, which has managed the event’s funfair for 70 years, predicted the development would be possible ‘in the very near future’.

The Feast, which runs on September 10 and 11, has evolved throughout its history and this year it will be held alongside an art exhibition and the town’s Oktoberfest.

Mr Wilson has blazed a trail over the last seven decades by continuously updating the traditional funfair rides, attracting generations to the much-loved event.

With new generations visiting the Feast every year, the funfair’s organiser revealed virtual reality could soon be on the cards.

He said: “The next big stage is visual involvement and virtual reality.

“It will be possible in the very near future.

“Combining the feeling of being on a ride while standing there will see everyone want to get in on the action – providing you don’t give them a heart attack.

“People got nostalgic for the old rides like dodgems and heater skelters but you’ve also got to have modern rides.

“You’ve got to have a mix otherwise people will be bored to death.”

The fair at the Feast is the largest in the town and one of the biggest in the county and its location on the Leys means it can house larger, thrill-inducing rides.

While virtual reality rides will not be ready in time for this year’s event, Mr Wilson admits a fall in British-based manufacturers of traditional funfair attractions is speeding up the move.

He said: “The amount of money to develop a ride is very high.

“We had some very good manufacturers in Oxfordshire but the only one remaining is down in Kent."

Mr Wilson has been involved in the Feast's funfair since he was a child and has seen several generations of families enjoy the attractions.

While the event's tradition is a huge part of its appeal, concerns have been raised that the Feast's history could be better promoted.

The celebration started way back in 1243, when King Henry III granted two deer from the Royal Forest of Wychwood to commemorate the rededication of St Mary's Church.

17th century records tell of 'dancing, singing and much drinking', while horse races and a pleasure fair were added in the 19th century.

It is a storied past, and the Feast was given special status by Witney Town Council in May, ensuring it would be prioritised in any decisions the council make.

Former Witney mayor Chris Woodward is a regular visitor to the celebrations and called for the event's history to be given greater publicity.

He said: "I think we're really spoilt and people sometimes take it for granted.

"It's important people recognise it's not just a funfair but it's culturally significant to Witney.

"I believe more could be done to get the story of how the Feast came about across."

Town council leader Dean Temple believes Witney's growing population means it is extra important for the event's history to be publicised and claimed that failure to do so would be 'catastrophic'.

He said: "Witney, like most exciting and thriving towns has seen a large influx of people.

"While this opens us up to new and exciting ideas and concepts there is a concern that old traditions will struggle to continue.

"It will always be the premiere funfair in this part of the world thanks to the hard work of and massive investment by the Wilson family.

"But a larger concern that the Feast will become known as just another funfair.

"While this is tragic for the event itself, it will be catastrophic for our dear town."