The summer season of festivals, fairs and fun gets under way this weekend with the start of this year's Fun in the Parks events.

The series of family events, sponsored by the Oxford Mail, kicks off on Saturday, May 3, with Oxford's first lesbian and gay festival -- Oxford Pride -- followed by the return of the Mayfly live music event on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.

Tomorrow's festival is expected to attract up to 2,500 visitors to Oxpens recreation ground.

There will be live music from singers Lisa Fitzgibbon, Rosie Wilby and Bryan Murphy, music from local band Nation, a Madonna tribute act and drag act Lola Lasagne.

The free family-friendly event will also include funfair rides, food, a dance tent, community and commercial stalls.

Dave Hill, secretary of the Pride Group, said: "It promises to be a great day."

Thousands more visitors are expected to flock to South Park, Headington, on Monday for Mayfly, which features a packed bill of local performers.

Anna Dolan, city council events organiser, said: "It's going to be a fantastic family day out with lots to see and do for everyone.

"They are all local bands and it's going to be a real mixture of different types of music."