The Didcot Garden Party returns this summer promising a slew of free activities for all ages.

The festivities begin on July 27 with a day of events at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Station Road, signalling the start of more than a month of merriment across the town.

Cllr Robin Bennett, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, and Deputy Leader, said: "Didcot Garden Party is always the highlight of the calendar and I’m delighted it’s returning for 2024.

"There’s a whole range of amazing activities and performances on offer and, even better, it’s free."

Cllr Helen Pighills, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing, added: "There’s something for everyone at this year’s garden party and I’m looking forward to seeing all generations enjoying the free events on offer throughout the summer."

This marks the fourth Didcot Garden Party, which is managed by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, following the town's award of Garden Town status in 2015.

The councils began their development of a plan to enhance the lives of residents of and around Didcot Garden Town.

The Didcot Garden Town delivery plan underscores community projects which promote unity, local businesses, healthy lifestyles, and sustainability, while addressing climate change.

The launch party will feature a number of spectacles, including performances by the Crew and the Naughty Flock of Sheep, music from DJ Strange and an opportunity to partake in a make-and-take workshop.

Free events will continue at Cornerstone throughout July and August, including an open mic night, music workshop, aerial theatre, and a community "come together day".

Aside from the arts, a myriad of sports are on offer for town dwellers and their families to try, from badminton and skating to yoga, with all sessions free of charge.

The keen table tennis players of Didcot can utilise tables at Edmonds Park, Ladygrove Park, and Great Western Park — bats and balls are the only requirements.

For the movers and shakers, there will be free dance sessions throughout August at various locations in the town.

Additionally, a special food event offering tips on how to save money and reduce waste by utilising fruit and vegetables which would typically be thrown away, will be open to the public.

Once again, Didcot Library will run its popular and complimentary Summer Reading Challenge 2024.

Children will obtain rewards, a certificate and a special medal for reading at least six library books over a six week period, with the library also hosting a variety of free weekly events.