A COMMUNITY turned out in force for an afternoon of entertainment in Oxford.

The sun shone as hundreds of people of all ages enjoyed the third Barton Bash, which took place at Barton Neighbourhood Centre.

Lord Mayor of Oxford Susanna Pressel cut the ribbon at midday and soon the festivities were under way.

The Strawberry Fayre Majorettes swirled and swivelled to pop music outside in the newly-refurbished Underhill Circus, and before long the Redeemed Church Gospel Choir was in full swing.

Later, there were performances from the Messy Jam Dance Troupe and the Barton Singers.

There were also plenty of raffles and tabletop sales, as well as facepainting and slides. In the neighbourhood centre's basement, teenagers played games, urban music and painted.

Community police officers took the chance to survey residents, while the centre's new café - Eatwells - kept energy levels high.

Sue Holden, secretary of Barton Community Association, who was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours that day, said: "I panicked a little at midday, thinking - where is everybody? But by 1pm, we were brim full.

"The idea was to give families a really good time without having to spend a huge amount of money, which these days is quite hard.

"Fortunately the sun was on our side which we weren't really expecting."

Budding artist Elliott James, 14, from Cranley Road, Barton, is part of a youth project raising money to buy music and art equipment for the neighbourhood centre.

He told the Oxford Mail he thought the community event was a great idea. He said: "It's good because they have lots of different things happening - I enjoy the art and music."

Pensioner Joan Webb, 87, also from Cranley Road, added: "I've enjoyed myself - it's been a wonderful day. I thought it was going to rain, but it's been beautiful.

"Since the new café opened, I have been down to the neighbourhood centre nearly every day. It's only £3 for my lunch."

Jenny Kevis, 59, from Wheatley, came along to see her friend perform for the Barton Singers.

She said: "I came last year as well. I think it's very good. It gets everyone together and creates a sense of community. It's good to get young people involved in things."