THERE was something in the air this weekend as local performers immersed visitors in interactive theatre shows, circus acts and kite flying demonstrations at Bicester’s newest festival.

The programme was packed with entertainers for the crowds to marvel at, with Market Square being at the heart of the first Bicester Festival - which organisers hope will become a new annual tradition for the town.

The event was put together by several local groups alongside Cherwell District Council, including arts charity OYAP which has been calling for more creative opportunities in Bicester.

Others that helped set up included Bicester Town Council, Bicester Village, the Mill arts centre in Banbury and community group One Bicester, who run Bicester’s Big Lunch.

Kick-starting the two-day festivities in the town centre were family theatre group Squashbox, who took to the stage for the first of nine hours of spectacular shows.

They were followed by the highly-anticipated Zest Theatre, a group who aim to showcase the lives of young people under the age of 25 through live performance.

Street act Rouge Play aerialists waltzed visitors to a one-hour special conducting workshop before joining Rimski’s Piano Bassicale in putting on a show for visitors to enjoy in the paves of the historic town.

Old Place Yard offered a tented theatre show, will festival goers having the opportunity to get stuck into the experience.

Local artists also showcased work in the old dovecote, aiming to paint a picture of Bicester’s heritage.

Soul band Reggae on the Rocks were the last on the main stage in the centre, before the festival rolled through into Sunday at Whitelands Farm playing fields.

Choreographed Kite Ballet performed by The Airheads Kite Team took to the skies, apt for this years theme of ‘something in the air.’

Residents were invited to join them with DIY kites, made during Saturday’s line up of events with the help of charity OYAP – who also offered dream catcher workshops and exhibitions throughout the day.

Rimski’s Piano and Bassicle toured the fields before the finale of Bicester’s very own Concert Band who bowed out the show.