AN OXFORD estate will party under the stars as residents and churchgoers unite to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.

Church Group Barton, made up of five congregations in and around Barton, is hosting an open-air festive event at Underhill Circus, by the Barton shops, on Saturday, December 12, in a bid to bring the community together.

Among the attractions promised are carol singing and a nativity play by members of Headington Baptist Church.

The Redeemed Christian Church choir, based in Barton, will also be performing during the event.

Organisers also plan to show the animated film Miracle Maker on a giant screen.

The film documents the life of Jesus.

Organiser Judy Sullivan, of Stowford Road, Barton — a lab technician at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington — said she wanted to show people the real meaning of Christmas.

She said: “We want to unite the community together because it’s Christmas and show people the real meaning of Christmas.

“Some people really put Barton down and they think there is a lot of crime, but I have lived here for six years and it has improved a lot.

“We have to start from somewhere bringing the community together and I think this is a good idea. Hopefully it will make a difference and people will come together for more things.

“There’s a lot of people who don’t know who their neighbours are.

“I think the meaning of Christmas has been lost.

“People think they have a hangover the next day and that’s it, but there’s more than that.”

Mother-of-four Mrs Sullivan added: “Being outside makes it a bit different. It might attract people when they go past on the bus.”

The free event runs from 5pm to 8pm and people are advised to bring a rug to watch the film, which begins at 6pm.

For more information, call Mrs Sullivan on 07717 794328.