FESTIVAL spirit came to an Oxford park, when more than 3,500 people basked in the sunshine for an afternoon of fun, aimed at strengthening the community.

Headington Action's fifth festival took place in Bury Knowle Park, Headington, yesterday.

The Headington Action charity stages events and provides a range of services and facilities for the people of Headington and Marston, and the festival is the centrepiece of its activities.

This year's event was the largest so far, and was packed with activities, music and competitions.

And its growing popularity meant the biggest ever attendance. The organisers thanked sponsors, stall holders, entertainers and the public for their support.

One of the organisers Mary Hope said: "We were lucky with the weather.

"The sunshine brought people flocking in and they enjoyed the wide range of music, entertainment and interesting charity stalls.

"The aim of the festival is to draw people in to show just what's going on in the Headington district and give them a good time.

"We usually break even, and if we do manage to generate a profit then it goes to the Churchill Hospital League of Friends, one of the main groups active in the area."

The traditional funfair, including dodgem cars, was a big attraction. There was also music from Oxford's Jubilee Brass Band, the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes and Cheerleaders, and a swing dancing display.

For those with a head for heights, there was a 24ft high climbing wall. Back on the ground, children under eight took part in a fancy dress parade and enjoyed a magic show.

Adele Vinall, 31, from St Andrews Road, Headington, said: "It was the first time I have been to the festival and I was very impressed.

"Families were enjoying themselves. It reminded me of garden fetes when I was a child. There were so many stalls, some selling homemade cakes.

"There was something for everyone, young and old, from the funfair to stalls, music and entertainers. It was very well planned and was a tribute to the organisers. I know the weather helped but it was very well supported.

"It goes to show how interested the people of Headington are in supporting locally-based events. It's very important for fostering the local community spirit and I hope the festival goes from strength to strength."