THE Headington Festival returned bigger and better than ever, running over both Saturday and Sunday for the first time in its history.

Thousands of people descended on Bury Knowle Park for Headington’s biggest community event The festival was extended to two days this year after 7,000 people turned out for last year’s festivities.

There was a street fair for the first time, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and Nick Gill, from the Oxford Classic Jazz Band, Jebb the Jester and Headington folk group Hand Picked were among a host of performers to feature along London Road and Windmill Road.

There was also a fun fair in Bury Knowle Park.

Caroline Watsham, a musical-saw player from Cropredy, near Banbury, revealed her talent and taught others how to play.

One of her pupils was Oxford’s town cryer, Anthony Church.

He said: “I enjoyed it but I don’t think I will take it up. I am going to stick to my bell.”

There was also an art stall where youngsters could flex their creative muscles, making signs for the festival.

Three-year-old Molly Dent had a go at creating a painting using vegetables at a stall in London Road.

She said: “I really like doing art. I enjoyed it.”

Another young artist, four-year-old Rose Treadwell, said: “I like colouring. I wanted to come and do some painting.”

Yesterday the event moved to Bury Knowle Park, where there was dancing, bands, food and children’s entertainment.

The festival was organised by community group Headington Action.

Patrick Coulter, the group’s chairman, said: “Many people had great fun at the street fair. There were lots of children, which is what we wanted.

“The second day was quite a different event in the park “It was very successful – so we will looking at doing it again.

“It has been smashing and the weather has been quite good as well.”

 

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