A fun-packed festival showed community spirit was alive and well in Oxford this weekend.

Thousands of revellers headed to the one-day event, which took place at the centre of Blackbird Leys — Blackbird Leys Park — yesterday.

Even the sun made a rare appearance and everyone from toddlers to teenagers got stuck into salad-making, tai chi, yoga and street dance workshops to improve their mind, body and soul, based on this year's 'Green and Healthy Living' theme.

But old favourites such as Laser Quest, bouncy castles, tombolas, burgers, fairground rides and inflatable games also drew in the crowds.

Organiser Paul Isaacs said he was thrilled with the turnout.

He said: "We were under a little bit of pressure this year to cancel the fair because of the atrocious weather we’ve had over the summer.

"But the committee worked really hard to make sure it went ahead. We feel really pleased because it was a fantastic day in terms of weather."

Pearl Wellington, 32, of Pegasus Road, brought along her children Zhaunnay, eight, and Xiomara, 11 months.

She said: "I've just recently moved here from London and I think it's a fantastic idea.

“They had nothing like this where I come from.

"It's a fun day out for the children and it brings the local community together. It makes people feel like there is a community."

Ellia Townsend, 13, of Centaury Place, said: "It brings all the community together for a day. You can see all of your friends and even people you don't know just chilling. It needs some more inflatable rides, but it's still good."

Revellers learnt about the pressures of modern life and more about mental, sexual and dental health in a tent specially focused on well-being.

Leann Daniel, 10, of Field Avenue, said: "It was really good fun. I've seen lots of people here from school and people who used to be at my school, which was nice.”

Hannah Kendrick, 10, of Littlemore, said: "I think some of the rides should be cheaper though and there needs to be bigger ones next year."

Ten-year-old Bradley Walton, of Acacia Avenue, said his favourite activity was Laser Quest.

He said: "I like all of it, I come every year."

His friend, Kane Mccormack, 10, of Merlin Road, said he liked the fair because he was given extra candyfloss.

He said: "Everyone is nice here and you know everyone. If you want something, someone will find it for you or help you, and it's good the police are here."

Charlotte Mortimer, 15, of Starwort Path, spent the afternoon helping run one of the inflatable games. She said: "I've been looking forward to it for a few weeks. They should do more things like it because everyone sees people they know."

Janet and Allan Veal, both 61, of Greater Leys, said: "We've both enjoyed a free cream tea and I'm just going for a massage. We've really enjoyed it, even though it's for the kids."

Lord Mayor of Oxford Susanna Pressel said: "It was a wonderful day. I want to congratulate all the people who have worked so hard to make it a success. It's great to see so many children enjoying themselves in lots of different ways."