OVER a thousand people packed a community extravaganza on an Oxford estate – enjoying everything from a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy to a visit by farm animals.

The Barton Bash once more celebrated the area’s community spirit – 25 years since its venue the Barton Neighbourhood Centre first opened.

Fun-seekers of all ages enjoyed a wide variety of activities as well as food, drink and more than 40 stalls at the 11th annual bash.

As well as a bouncy castle, face painting, cake decorating and a hog roast, visitors made friends at a petting zoo – with Becky the donkey, Holly the Shetland pony, Graham the sheep and Katherine the goat all proving popular.

They had all been brought along to the fair by Kidsrome, a petting zoo based in Hampshire.

The event was opened by Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds.

Secretary of the Barton Community Association and co-organiser Sue Holden said: “It was absolutely amazing. I can’t believe we had such absolutely lovely weather. Someone obviously likes the Bash because we’ve always had good weather.”

“I am so proud that everyone pulls together from Friday, putting up tables and setting things up. You get a core group of people who give their time unconditionally.”

The new pastor of Barton Community Church, Paul Clarke, used the gathering of people from the area to get to know his new patch.

He is in his second week working in Oxford after moving to Barton from Birmingham and said: “I used to go to school in Margaret Road and my wife grew up in Blackbird Leys, so it’s like coming home for us. I even used to deliver newspapers around Barton!

“It’s a great opportunity for me to meet new people from the community.”

Among those enjoying the event was Mike Rowley, who represents Barton on Oxford City Council.

He said: “It went really well. There are usually 1,000 people at the event the door but it looks like we topped that this year. Well done to the community association and people in the area who have helped out.”

Marc Borja from Aquarius, which offers support to people who misuse substances, said lots of people had taken time to chat at the event on their way around the neighbourhood centre.

He said: “It’s been lovely.

“We’ve had lots of young people talking to us and families finding what’s on offer.”

Bash visitors stopping at his stall had the opportunity of trying on goggles which simulate the effects of being drunk – while playing a giant version of the board game Operation.

Mr Borja said: “They were tasked with seeing how long it would take until their disorientation made them lose the game meaning they’d have to start again.

Visitors were also invited to test their strength on a fairground style sideshow.