While the historic boat race between Oxford and Cambridge universities took place on the Thames on Saturday, the East End celebrated its own tradition - its annual goat race.

As the drama unfolded on the Thames in west London the two goats - one wearing dark Oxford blue and the other in pale Cambridge blue – took part in an equally nail-biting race at Spitalfields City Farm.

The two golden Guernsey goats, called Bentley and Bramble, set off on their 200 metre sprint at 4pm. But unlike in the rowing, there were no protesters to spoil the show.

Around 1, 700 people turned out to watch the goats race round the cobbled racetrack at the farm in Buxton Street. Cambridge won for the fourth year in a row, with a time of one minute, 26 seconds. Oxford followed hot on his heels, finishing just two seconds later.

Live music, goat-themed market stalls, arts, locally brewed beer and even a treehouse bar were also on offer throughout the afternoon.

Race organiser Anthony Goh said: “It was a fantastic day, there was a real carnival atmosphere. This year for the first time we had a proper sound system and a commentary booth, so it felt like a proper party.”

All proceeds from the race will go towards the upkeep of Spitalfields City Farm.