A CARNIVAL procession will get this year’s Leys Festival off to a flying start with organisers promising the biggest event yet.

Thousands will head to Blackbird Leys Park for the annual day of fun, which includes activities, food and sports.

For the first time, Oxford brass band Horns of Plenty will open the day with a carnival procession around the park at noon on Sunday, September 5.

Alto saxophone player Alison Palmer-Smith, who has been with the band for 20 years, said: “We are very much looking forward to the Leys Festival.

“We will be playing South African and South American music. We always wear our red and black outfits and have even dressed up the instruments.”

Throughout the day, Oxford residents young and old can look forward to a host of activities, with highlights so far including laser tag, sumo suits, electric go karts, a ‘surfing simulator’, and African drumming workshops.

More traditional funfair attractions will also be on offer, such as face painting, a tug of war and bouncy castles.

Andrew Smith, MP for East Oxford, said: “The Leys Festival is always a wonderful event and shows the strength of the Blackbird Leys community .”

The Leys Festival, which has been held since 2001, is this year being arranged by Oxford City Council.

Previous organisers Oxfordshire Play Association pulled out earlier this year on the basis that the event had grown beyond their resources.

Last year, the family day out featured more than 50 stalls and attractions and cost £12,000.

Since then, the Leys Festival Steering Group – which includes the city council, Blackbird Leys Parish Council, Oxford Polish Association, Friendleys, Thames Valley Police and Fusion – has pulled out all the stops to ensure this year will be a success.

Oxford City Council’s community development officer Milly Macpherson said: “It has been great to have residents on the steering group this year and we are really looking forward to hosting the event .”

Volunteers are still being sought to help set up from 8am to noon, work on some of the stalls from noon to 4pm or help clear up afterwards, from 4pm to 7pm. Anyone interested should call 01865 252828.

* For more information, visit leysfestival.weebly.com