MAGICAL creatures and occult attractions helped Banbury transformed into a Harry Potter themed world as locals donned their best robes for the Old Town Summer Party.

The event on Saturday saw Muggles and wizards alike converge on Butchers Row, Church Lane & Walk, Cornhill, Market Place, Parsons Street, St Mary's Church and White Lion Walk to celebrate the spectacular offering of local traders – and enjoy the annual Street Organ Festival at the same time.

This year Church Lane was transformed into a scene from the JK Rowling books for the day, with visitors indulging in Harry Potter-themed mischief while exploring independent shops.

At the Rebel Hair salon, spellbound visitors peered in wonder at a bubbling 'cauldron' while grown-ups sampled Firewhisky and Butterbeer in pubs.

Face painting and watercolour demonstrations took place in the streets, with four stilt-walkers dressed as giant sentient trees thundering past.

Bankside resident Deb Simmons, whose husband Neil photographed the event, said: "It was really good. It rained but my understanding is that's a rule.

"There was so much for the kids to get involved with and the costumes were really cute.

"Shopkeepers got really into it; in the core area they all work together so well. There's a lot of camaraderie between them and you can feel that when they're out on the street."

Organ grinders in quaint traditional dress kept crowds entertained throughout while raising funds for the Banbury & District Samaritans.

Each year hundreds flock to the spring and summer Old Town Parties in Banbury, which are organised by the town council alongside the Old Town Association and Cherwell District Council to put the spotlight on the dynamic offering of small independent traders in the town.

Banbury Town Council leader Kieron Mallon said: "It was another great success and everybody got fully behind the team."