THOUSANDS enjoyed picnics in a town’s main shopping street for the first Bicester Big Lunch.

Sheep Street was lined with tables and chairs as shoppers enjoyed the sunshine and lunch with friends.

There were local bands, dance groups, cheerleaders and even a visit by a replica of Lightning McQueen, the star of Disney film Cars.

The day was organised by churches and green group Grassroots, whose chairman Jason Slaymaker said: “The response has been brilliant. It’s the best event we have done.”

Singer Amy Johnson, left, of acoustic pop band In Your Honour, who performed with Karl Herring and Paul Bray, said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere, we really enjoyed it.”