COMMUNITY groups have been busy preparing for what they hope will be the biggest and best Headington Festival.

Organisers are expecting thousands of residents to flock to Bury Knowle Park for a bumper weekend of fun, music and sport tomorrow and Sunday.

The festival was extended to two days this year after 7,000 people turned out for last year’s festivities.

Headington Action hoped the event would bring the community together and encourage more residents to take up sport.

Chairman Patrick Coulter said: “We’ve got the Oxford Lindy Hoppers dancing and there will be a performer playing on the piano in the street.

“We’ve also got a local food and craft fair which will have some pretty exotic food and crafts.

“The festival has been running for about 12 years. We did it to bring people together in Headington.

“It is very much a local event and they come together. There will be a fun fair and events for kids and older people.”

There will be a street fair from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and the town crier will be out in full swing to announce festivities.

Nick Gill, from the Oxford Classic Jazz Band, Jebb the Jester and Headington folk group Hand Picked will feature among a host of performers along London Road and Windmill Road from 11am.

The Hebborns Fun Fair will open in Bury Knowle Park at 2pm.

A sporting Sunday will see families take part in welly wanging and storytelling and there will be a magic show from 1pm to 5pm in Oxford’s Bury Knowle Park.

Mr Coulter added: “It is fun for everyone – we’ve got a fairground for kids and we’ve got sports that they can try. It kicks off the summer in Headington.”

He thanked businesses and shop owners for supporting this year’s festival.

Organiser Jill Cummings has been setting up an odd one out competition in windows of businesses in London Road for children to spot this week.

More than 20 shops have taken part in the contest.

Entries can be posted in Wishy, the walking post box.

Friends of Bury Knowle Park vice-chairman Ms Cummings said: “It is coming out and into the shopping area.

“It is quite important that the businesses are all getting involved as well.”

 

 

 

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