West Oxford will become a circus this weekend as Fun Day organisers bring all the thrills and spills of the big top to Botley Park.

The popular outdoor festival has chosen a circus theme for 2008 and organisers are keeping their fingers crossed - as last year's West Oxford-on-Sea celebrations were followed by the worst floods in half a century.

About 3,000 people attend the fun day every year and hopes are high that the sun will be shining after last year's event was overshadowed by Environment Agency warnings of imminent flooding. There will be dozens of activities and attractions in Botley Park, opposite Osney Island, on Saturday, including circus skills, human curling, tennis, basketball, belly dancing, four hours of live music and a hot air balloon.

About 100 children will be waddling around an 800 metre course as part of Barnardo's Big Toddle while there will also be a prize for the day's best-dressed circus performer.

Festival organiser Lois Muddiman said: "There really is something for everyone, whatever your age.

"The word has spread about the day over the last six years and we now get thousands of people - and know exactly what kind of events and attractions people like.

"Last year we called it West Oxford-on-Sea but we're keeping away from that this year. It started raining at 4pm and just kept on for days, which put a real dampener on things.

"We're hoping for better weather this year."

Ward councillor Susanna Pressel said: "We're all looking forward to the West Oxford Fun Day.

"It's a hugely popular event with attractions for all ages - live music, circus skills, a barbecue and other food, trampolines, stalls and lots of other activities.

"It is superbly well organised by the community association committee and I'd like to thank them very much for all they do."

The day runs from 1-5pm.

Entry to the day is £1 which includes a ticket for the raffle with the top prize of a £100 voucher from Pots Direct.