UNUSUAL beasts will be taking to the streets of Banbury for the town mayor’s Sunday and the annual Hobby Horse Festival.

Children are being invited to pull their wooden horses out of the cupboard for their annual airing and join mayor Colin Clarke’s procession. Hobby horse owners should meet at Banbury Town Hall, in Bridge Street, at noon, for two competitions. Youngsters are invited to make their own hobby horse to wear around the waist and attached to the shoulder with straps or buy or make a ‘cock horse’ and add fancy dress. An afternoon of fun, including performers, dancers, musicians and a falconry display, will take place in People’s Park from 1pm to 4pm.

Mr Clarke urged people to go along to the free event. He said: “All children, whether they enter the competition or not, will be invited to lead the procession through the streets to People’s Park. So please come along and join in.

“The afternoon of family fun takes place in People’s Park, and as well as the usual children’s hobby horse races at 2.30pm and the adult races at 3.15pm, the arena will host a karate display and a demonstration from Dogs for the Disabled.” Mr Clarke will also show off his line dancing skills and there will be music from the Radio Horton Roadshow. For more information, call Banbury Town Council on 01295 250340.