Pictures: Over 10,000 people attend Waddesdon Feast Weekend

Over 10,800 people turned out as the manor celebrated their first Feast Weekend, a unique food and drink festival, which remembers Ferdinand de Rothschild’s annual ‘Baron’s Treat’.

The Baron’s Treat would see hundreds of children and their families invited to the manor to dine outside on a large picnic table.

By the 1880s the treat had become a large festival with a procession led by the local military band, rides, games and races with prizes, a Punch and Judy show, and dancing as the grand finale. 

The Baron's Treat was continued after Ferdinand's death by his sister, Alice, until the summer of 1914.

From the archives: preparation for the Baron's Treat - by permission of Waddesdon Manor.

Inspired by Baron Ferdinand’s tradition, the North Front of the Manor was decked out with flowers, flags and banners as visitors enjoyed a picnic on Saturday, 20 and Sunday, 21 June.

Artisan food producers such as Chiltern Charcuterie, Chilli Queen, The Blue Beer Company, Supreme Sausages and Olivier’s Bakery cooked up a storm, while the day was also packed with family-friendly entertainment.

Adults and children alike got up on the dance floor to join the Ragroof Players Tea Dance as they danced away to popular dance rhythms from the 1920's to the 1950's, performances from The Birds, Talking Pictures, The Young Pilgrims Marching Band and animated crustacean Lobster a la Cart.

In the Troll’s Kitchen, children got to prepare disgusting ingredients for putrid stews, rancid cupcakes, and mangy salads.

Blush Rose Hair and Makeup were also on hand to provide vintage hair styling in the period of the 1940’s and 50’s.

After a successful first event, the Feast Weekend is due to return to Waddesdon Manor again next summer.