AN OXFORD estate’s postponed party is back with a bang, five months later than planned.

The Barton Bash, a mix of facepainting, bouncy castles, and a host of arts and crafts workshops, will be held in the refurbished Neighbourhood Centre, which is due to be completed in time for the event on Saturday, November 19.

The estate was forced to cancel its annual Bash, which attracts about 1,000 residents, earlier this year because organisers were ‘buried’ by red tape.

The organising committee said filling in mountains of forms had meant it took longer than ever to plan the event, originally scheduled to take place in July.

But the final preparations are now being made to the rescheduled sixth annual fun day, and this year the shindig promises to be bigger and better than ever.

For the first time it will incorporate two of Barton’s most loved community events, the bash and the annual therapy day, which usually takes place in September.

Sue Holden, Barton Community Association secretary, said the newly named Barton Therapy Bash will be a huge event for the whole community.”

She added: “It’s a great chance for the whole family to come along and have good free fun.

“All of the kids’ events will be free as usual, and the most people will pay for any of the therapy treatments is £2.”

This year children can get creative with a special cup cake workshop and learn how to make birdfeeders for their gardens ready in time for the winter.

Upstairs in the Neighbourhood Centre, parents can treat themselves to discounted therapies, such as Indian head massage, crystal healing, full-body massage, reflexology, facials, eyebrow shaping and waxing.

The Barton Bash was launched six years ago to replace the estate’s annual carnival.

The event costs around £3,000 to stage, and Mrs Holden said she was grateful for the support she has had from Oxford City Council, Soha Housing Association, Oxford Citizens Housing Association, Oxford Bus Company and Oxford United.

She added: “I’d like to say to people, just come along and make the most of it.

“It looks set to be a wonderful day.”

The Barton Therapy Bash will be held at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre, in Underhill Circus, on Saturday, November 19 between 11am and 5pm.