Total attendances for some of the UK's largest annual sports events have reached "record" highs in 2011, according to new analysis carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

PwC has found that the total number of people attending the top four events - Wimbledon; the British F1 Grand Prix; Royal Ascot; and the Cheltenham Festival - increased this year. Wimbledon and the British F1 Grand Prix - attracting nearly 495,000 and 315,000 visitors respectively - were both reported to have experienced their best ever years in 2011.

PwC has listed the top 10 sports events by attendance as part of its analysis, with the Open Championship; Moto GP; the Grand National; and the Epsom Derby also featuring. PwC UK head of sport Julie Clark said: "Despite uncertainties around the strength of the UK's economic recovery, these figures demonstrate the sustained appetite for live sport.

"The public continue to be attracted to the live experience and sense of occasion offered by the highest profile sporting events; a trend confirmed by the huge demand for tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games." Glorious Goodwood and the BMW PGA Championship also featured in the top 10 events.

Image: The 2011 British F1 Grand Prix attracted 315,000 visitors - formulasantander.com