A COMMUNITY is gearing up for its biggest and best festival – which organisers hope will give the neighbourhood “a heart”.
Organisers of Oxford’s North Hinksey Festival –- which involves householders in Botley – are currently putting the finishing touches to a nine-day celebration which will see a string of concerts, art exhibitions and other community events held in the parish.
The festival was started four years ago because organisers thought not enough was being done to promote community spirit in North Hinksey and Botley.
Jenny Barker, of Southern Bypass Road, said: “North Hinksey and Botley is a strange place because it is divided by the A34 and the A420.
“It’s got a shopping centre, but it hasn’t really got a heart to the area.
“We need something that brings people together and where you can meet different people and make friends.”
The celebration, which is one of the county’s newest festivals, is now in its fourth year and begins on Friday with photos showing the history of North Hinksey and an art exhibition at St Lawrence Church, which was built in the 12th century.
Organiser Jenny Barker said: “We have got more events on this year and more people and institutions, such as the churches, are getting more involved.
“The festival is going from strength to strength and it’s now getting to the stage where people do look forward to it.”
The centrepiece of the celebration will be a large street fair in the West Way Shopping Centre and a vintage car and motorbike display at Oxford Rugby Club, both of which are being held on Saturday.
This year’s street fair will feature about 20 stalls – almost double the number participating in 2008.
The vintage car display will showcase vehicles from the 1950s and ’60s including a Jaguar E Type, MGA, MGB and Triumph and Norton motorbikes.
Two concerts will also be held with a performance of music from films and shows being put on by Botley Singers and a performance by Barbershop singers.
The North Hinksey Festival runs from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 28.
cwalker@oxfordmail.co.uk
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