THE organiser of Oxford's Common People festival has described it as "the perfect day out" as the first of 10,000 music-lovers descended on South Park.

Promoter and DJ Rob da Bank said he was delighted with the turnout for the third installment of the festival, which continues through to tomorrow night.

Festival-goers have already enjoyed sets by bands as diverse as disco legends Boney M and reggae stars Aswad and are gearing up for a dance-themed evening with sets by Morcheeba, Prince's band the New Power Generation and The Jacksons still to come.

Other attractions included the world;s biggest bouncy castle and disco ball and Oxford Djs Count Skylarkin and Peepshow Paddy's Disco Shed, as well as stages programmed by Oxford music magazine Nightshift and the Cowley Road Carnival.

Tomorrow will see sets by Oxford indie-rock band Ride, James and the London African Gospel Choir - who will perform songs from Paul Simon's Graceland album.

Rob da Bank said: "When I arrived this morning and saw the weather, I'll admit I was a bit worried, but it has turned into a beautiful day.

"It's been great and you only need to walk around to see how much people are enjoying themselves. And even though I book the acts, I'd forgotten how diverse it all is!

"I can't wait for more of the same tomorrow."

Among those enjoying the music is Julia Atkinson, from Summertown, who is also selling cup cakes from her Happy Cakes stall. She said: "It's fantastic and thank heavens the sun came out. It's really lovely."

DJ and radio presenter Greg Butler was playing vintage gramophone records on his Pigs Ballroom stage. He said: "This is just what Oxford needs. And you can see how much people are enjoying it.

"It's great to see people of all ages dancing to the same music and loving it."

Tickets for Common People are still available from oxford.commonpeople.net or on the gate until 8pm.

There are also tickets available for tomorrow.