THE sixth Headington Festival saw more than 3,000 people turn up for the stalls and attractions.

A steady stream of visitors came to Bury Knowle Park, in London Road, to enjoy the afternoon yesterday.

Spiderman, Darth Vader and many creatures great and small took part in a fancy dress parade. Other competitions included wellie wanging and creating junk models.

Jubilee Brass (Oxford) Band provided the music for the afternoon while Jonnie's Magic Show kept the younger visitors entertained.

The event is organised by Headington Action, which is an umbrella organisation for groups in the area.

James Bloice Smith, chairman of the group, said: "It would be very odd not to have this now. We are established and it is part of the calendar for the area.

"It's a great focal point for people you don't see from year to year, so it's really nice."

Mary Hope, also of Headington Action, added: "It's a fun afternoon and it appeals to people of all ages as there is something for everybody - it's informal and it's local."

Some 18 stalls sold bric-a-brac, cakes, plants and crafts.

Oxford's Baby Cafe bus also attended to celebrate its first birthday with balloons and a cake.

Leader Julie Osborne said that the bus was launched at the last Headington Festival.

She said: "The first year has been excellent. We started off with three venues and now we have four venues.

"It is really busy here today, we have had several women come and breast feed and ask us questions.

"It's also an opportunity for people to step on board to see what it's all about."

The Strawberry Fayre Majorettes came along to show off their baton twirling.

Co-ordinator Sonia Denmark said: "It's a good experience and it's a nice atmosphere.

"We get a lot of interest and more girls join in."

Kizzy Bockoll brought her two-year-old daughter Kayla to the festival.

She said: "It's really nice to come here, it's really fun. If Kayla is happy then it makes me happy. It's hard getting her off all the rides as she likes them so much."

Father Drew Cooper, of Marston, watched as his three-year-old daughter Leila, dressed as a ladybird, took part in the fancy dress parade.

He said: "We have recently moved to Oxford but we came here last year. It's a really nice relaxing day and there is lots for the children to do."

Sam Holmes' son Kyrese, who is three, dressed as Spiderman.

Ms Holmes, of Norton Close, Headington, said: "We have come for the past two years.

"It's good fun and the kids enjoy it and there are lots of different stalls, including face painting."

Jason Curry and his son Camron, three, said: "The kids love all the kiddie rides and the fun fair and the bouncy castle - we come here every year."