A DANCING procession among the flower beds and pony rides past vegetable patches were among the eclectic attractions at a popular East Oxford fundraiser this weekend.

The Elder Stubbs Festival returned for the 28th time on Saturday, bringing with it a diverse array of live music, charity and community stalls, as well as local traders and food sellers.

The Rymers Lane allotment was transformed into a rainforest for the annual event, which raises money for Oxford mental health charity Restore.

All things environmental were celebrated this year with children dressing up as colourful rainforest animals in a fancy dress parade led by dance group Sol Samba and a rainforest-themed cafe.

Colin Tassell, and his wife Sonica, 66, were among the hundreds who return year after year to the quirky festival.

The 72-year-old said: "We have an allotment at Elder Stubbs and have been to almost every one since it was first created.

"It's a very East Oxford event. It really brings the community together and celebrates the diversity of the area, as well as promoting mental health."

He added: "It has got bigger over the years and the range of activities has increased as well."

Colourful attractions included a cooking demonstration with Sophie Grigson.

The festival also continues to attract a new generation, with Jeanna Sandhall and her two-year-old son George drawn in by the music.

She said: "We live nearby and were going by when we heard the music and decided to go inside.

"There seems to be a really good selection of activities, especially for children.

"My son was most taken with the dragon sculptures in the garden though."

The site is shared between the Elder Stubbs Charity Allotments and Elder Stubbs Recovery Group, which is part of Restore, with both coming together to put on the event.

Restore co-chief executive Mark Adams said the diversity of the event was one of its major strengths.

He added: "It's a great way of fundraising and promoting the work we do here, from woodwork to gardening.

"It's a real green lung for East Oxford and its great to show it off to the community."

Restore is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, and money raised from the festival will go towards a special goal to fund the salary costs of an extra mental health recovery worker with a total target of £25,600.

Visit restore.org.uk.