More than 200 people gathered in Burford for the 50th Levellers’ Day, an annual event held in honour of three 17th-century political dissidents who were executed in the town in 1649.

The Levellers were early Christian socialists who challenged Cromwellian rule and influenced later movements, including the American and French revolutions.

The day included performances from bands and singers (Image: Supplied)

The commemoration took place in the graveyard of St John the Baptist Church and at Warwick Hall.

Rev Mark Chapman, a professor of theology, led the remembrance ceremony and the laying of poppies in memory of Cornet Thompson, Corporal Church, and Private Perkins.

A fourth set of posies was laid in memory of Tony Benn, after whose visit to the church in 1976 the Day was launched.

It was placed by long-standing friend and Labour MP John McDonnell.

The day included a historical tour through Burford (Image: Supplied)

Mr McDonnell, MP for Hays and Harlington and former Shadow Chancellor, also addressed the crowd in a session titled ‘Fighting Reaction.’

Mr McDonnell said: “This is the most significant political moment in my lifetime.

“You cannot out-Reform Reform. You simply play into their hands. You end up encouraging people to go towards Reform.

“This is a spiral leading to the very pits of an authoritarian state.

Labour MP John McDonnell addressed the crowd in a session titled ‘Fighting Reaction’ (Image: Supplied)

“And it is a Labour Government that is allowing this to happen.”

He stopped short of calling for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.

He said: “We have gone down a cul-de-sac. But we can pull it back.

“We need new policies to unite the country, to bring people together.

“That is why I remain in the party. Give him a chance.”

More than 200 people gathered for the event (Image: Supplied)

The day began with performances by the Seagreen Singers and the Didcot Red Kites choirs in the graveyard, followed by music from folk rock band Stocious and a historical tour through Burford.

Organisers said they were “very pleased” with the turnout.

Attendees travelled from across the region, including from London.

One organiser said: “We want to express our support for freedom of expression, and for the rights of men and women to chose who governs us.”

The Ridgeway Stomp covers 100 miles in just five days, starting at Avebury Stones and following the full length of the Ridgeway to Ivinghoe Beacon before finishing in Markyate.

Hertfordshire duo Tim Goodman, 67, and Sara Chegwidden, 50, are taking on the challenge, which is especially meaningful as Mr Goodman is currently living with prostate cancer.

He said: “We’re incredibly proud to be taking on this journey and bringing it all the way home to Markyate.

“But this isn’t just about the finish line – it’s about every single step along the way.

“We’ll be relying on the encouragement of people across all the villages and communities we pass through.”

The pair are calling on residents, including those in Wantage and across south Oxfordshire, to show their support as they pass through each town and village.

They will stop at King Alfreds Head in Wantage for lunch on Tuesday, June 2, at around 1pm.

Their trek will continue through The Bell Inn in Aldworth on Wednesday, June 3, and The Bull in Streatley and The White Hart in Nettlebed on Thursday, June 4.

Mr Goodman said: “Seeing friendly faces, hearing a cheer, or even a quick wave will make a huge difference and help keep us going for everyone affected by cancer.”

Wallingford town councillor Nigel Hughes was sworn in as the new Mayor of Wallingford on May 12, taking over the reigns from councillor Ros Lester, with councillor Mark Hoskins as deputy mayor.

The traditional mayor making ceremony at the town hall involved both the incoming and outgoing mayors, and was attended by local dignitaries, former mayors and other town councillors.

Councillor Nigel Hughes took over from Ros Lester as Mayor of Wallingford (Image: Wallingford Town Council)

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Having served in office for the municipal year since last May, Mrs Lester thanked those who had supported her throughout her year in office, including deputy mayor councillor Christine Sandall.

The new mayor gave a speech which thanked Mrs Lester for her service, and paid tribute to the town council and its past members for its ‘strong tradition of public service’.

Looking ahead to the year ahead, the mayor highlighted a number of key priorities for the council, including progressing the Bull Croft play park project, finding a realistic path forward for the Regal Centre, and supporting much-needed renovations to the historic town hall to ensure it continues to serve the community for generations to come.

Mr Hughes also spoke about the importance of Wallingford’s community groups, volunteers and residents, stating his commitment to supporting the people and organisations that make the town such a strong and vibrant community.