HEADINGTON’S biggest community event is set to make a return this year, and organisers hope it will be better than ever.

The annual Headington Festival attracts thousands of people to Bury Knowle Park.

Last year it wasn’t held because of the Diamond Jubilee, but now it’s ready to make a big comeback for its 10th edition.

Patrick Coulter, chairman of Headington Action which organises the event, said: “We normally get around 3,000 people but this year will probably be even better because Oxford City Council is coming in with us and it will have a family sports day feel to it.

“There will be a lot of stalls. All groups from the community will have one and there will be sports as well, with dancing, a magician and a fun fair.”

And Festival committee member Keith Frayn said: “We are looking forward to a great fun-packed event.”

This year’s festival takes place on Sunday, June 2, between 1pm and 5pm and this time the city council has offered to organise sport-based activities.

Headington Quarry resident Richard Bradley, who is involved in organising it, said: “It is a good day and there is a lot going on with a lot of variety. Providing we get some good weather it is a fantastic afternoon.

“It is a community festival to try and make a bit of spirit for Headington but it is also there for groups to promote their activities and raise a bit of money.”

As well as stalls for local groups there will also be ones for people or businesses wanting to sell things, as well as food and drink stalls.

Instead of having a festival last year, Headington Action tried to organise a “festival of street parties” across the area and encouraged as many neighbours as possible to take to their streets.

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “We have provided the Headington Festival organisers in-kind support. Our sports development team are organising all the sports taster session as well as helping with some of the initial planning. Our events officer has also provided support at their event planning stage.”