SHOPPERS at Oxford Castle got a shock yesterday when dozens of people around the venue suddenly burst into song.

The Flash Mob Opera was organised by the Oxford-based Opera Anywhere group, which aims to surprise unwitting people.

Castle spokesman Karen David said: “We were amazed to have them here and they were really talented.

“We were just delighted when we heard they would be performing here, though we didn’t really know what to expect.”

The performers sang once in the castle yard before moving into the O3 Gallery.

Ms David said: “I think we were all blown away by it. People didn’t know how to react.”

Among the singers was the managing director of Opera Anywhere, Mike Woodward, who was dressed as a vicar.

He said: “We sand in six locations in Oxford, starting at Oxford Station. It was all about bringing opera to the people, launching our summer season, and doing something a bit silly for April Fool’s Day.”

They also performed in Debenhams, the Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library, Sainsbury’s and the Westgate Shopping Centre.