PEOPLE boogied on down in the street for the launch of the third Dancin’ Oxford festival.

On Saturday, shoppers in Templars Square, Cowley, were treated to a range of performances to kick off the annual event.

Dance groups from across Oxfordshire entertained crowds of up to 100 people with hip-hop, modern dance, salsa, samba and ceroc.

And some passer-by even joined in during masterclasses.

The festival, which runs until March 29, is organised by Oxford City Council.

Tei Williams, from the council, said: “There were 13 different groups of people of all ages performing and demonstrating different dance styles.

“We had audiences of more than 100 people — it was really lovely to watch people’s faces as they were watching the youngest people dancing.

“The dancers enjoyed it as well, so all in all it was a very successful day.”

Lord Mayor of Oxford Susanna Pressel opened the afternoon of dancing, which carried on until 4pm.

Mrs Williams said: “The crowds all applauded and clapped in time with the music and some joined in with the dancing — it was a really energetic afternoon.

“It was a really fun occasion.”

During the Dancin’ Oxford festival, there will be a range of shows and taster dancing sessions for anybody to try.

The festival aims to celebrate the work of the city’s youth and community dance groups. It will also see Oxford host professional dance companies from across the UK.

The two-month long event is supported by the Oxford Playhouse, Pegasus Theatre, the New Theatre and the Oxford Dance Forum.

Events include a dance-athon weekend at the Pegasus Theatre from Saturday-Sunday, and the Russian Classical Ballet Theatre performing at the New Theatre from Thursday, March 5, until Saturday, March 7.

For more information, see dancinoxford.co.uk