A PACKED parade and a plethora of fun and games helped draw in a crowd of hundreds at the Bicester Carnival in association with Armed Forces Day.

The annual celebration aims to bring the community together over food, games and the impressive parade through Bicester’s streets.

Local groups and charities joined this year's parade on Saturday, setting off from Sheep Street.

The marchers trailed through the town under the blazing sun – a very different scene from previous years when groups have stuck it out despite dramatic downpours.

Groups then worked their way through to Pingle Field where the parade did a lap before Bicester mayor Sean Gaul chose his winning parade team.

This year’s parade also featured flags, banners, HGVs and a sea of smiles as children and community groups passed through the crowds.

There were also a number of military personnel who marched, plus cadets marking Armed Forces Day in honour of the town’s garrison links.

Bicester Mayor Sean Gaul said: “This year's carnival was a fantastic day and it was so good to run alongside Armed Forces Day again.

“Firstly, the Armed Forces deserve all of the respect and gratitude that we can possible muster at all times and to be able to celebrate their special day at the same time as our annual carnival is genius.

“Secondly, I would like to publicly congratulate and thank the teams at Bicester Town Council, Cherwell District Council, One Bicester and all the other community minded volunteers who joined to help make this great event happen again.

“I spent the day talking to all the stall holders both from the military and civilian groups and it was made very clear to me that everyone had a fantastic time."

He concluded optimistically: “Roll on next year.”

Elsewhere at the carnival was the Quack Pack dog and duck display, the 'military warrior' fitness group, Elite Dance group performance, a military tug of war and a display from Bicester Elite Cheer United cheerleaders.

There were also military vehicle and equipment displays.