THOUSANDS of families are expected to bask in the sunshine as a summer fiesta arrives in Florence Park on Saturday.

Organisers of this year’s Flofest are hoping the six hours of celebrations will be as big as last year’s event, which saw about 4,000 residents fill the park.

Lead organiser Alan Brown said: “It’s been a privilege to be involved. So many people have come together and worked so hard to achieve so much.

“It’s been a fairly long road getting here. Now we are here, everyone is feeling quietly anxious and relaxed.”

Festivities within the park will take place between 11am and 5pm, including a music arena and outdoor food court.

Musicians will steal the spotlight on the festival’s music stage, with acts set to entertain visitors throughout the afternoon.

Music stage curator Dave Nobel, better known as vocalist Natureboy, along with Flofest organiser John Flint have lined up acts including the Larkrise Samba Band and musician Nick Cope.

Tony Arbarno, chef at Iffley Road’s Magdalen Arms, will lead the event’s food court, serving dishes to guests using vegetables grown at the Elder Stubbs allotments, in Rymers Lane.

Mr Brown added: “The food is going to be an exciting component of the event.”

A puppet show, card tricks, singing and a mime act are just some of the performances that will dazzle audiences at the festival’s talent tent.

Visitors can also enjoy a dog show, as well as indulging in treats at a community market.

Bouncy castles, sports tournaments and pony rides will be on offer, while staff from the Pitt Rivers Museum will join the event with their educational tent.

Mr Brown said it is important to bring families from around Florence Park, as well as across the city, together for the summer festival.

He said all organisers, including those involved with the catering, have come within walking distance of the park Mr Brown added: “It’s just a real nice cultural melting pot. It cuts across the sections of the Oxford community.

“It’s a great family day out and being able to walk, cycle or bus it there means it makes for a very good-value day out.”

He added: “It will be nice to begin exploring how we can get together with other communities event organisers and spread good practice.

“What’s needed is people with a genuine heart and enthusiasm from the local community, getting on board and working together and then amazing things can happen.”

See flofest.uk