A DIVERSE range of voices came together to raise awareness for refugees at a festival of music, arts, crafts and colour.

Around 500 people attended Asylum Sounds, run by Witney Refugee Action at The Rock Barn in the town's market square on Saturday.

It was the third edition of the international event, which features music from around the world alongside family-friendly activities and several stalls and attractions.

The festival raised approximately £2,500 for refugee families living in West Oxfordshire, while some of the proceeds went to the #savetherockbarn campaign in support of the popular venue.

Doors opened at 1pm for a feast of family fun, from activities such as face painting and drum making to a raffle and refreshments.

West Oxfordshire group Premium Leisure provided the soundtrack to the early afternoon entertainment, while the Voicebox choir and emerging act New Depth were among other local acts to perform.

This was just a fraction of the musical talent on show, with a cacophony of world sounds coming from artists such as Afro-pean fusion choir Mizike and Bampton folk-troupe The Beamdunes.

The festivities spilled out onto the street and a New Orleans-style parade from group Horns of Plenty gave shoppers a flavour of the event.

Music charity MuzoAkademy manned a 'Busk Stop' outside the venue, giving amateur musicians a chance to rock up and play.

This helped boost the numbers and Autumn Neagle, who devised the event's programme, reflected on a memorable day for the town.

She said: "It was a great day for the whole community and everyone from babies to grandparents came together.

"Families were dropping in and out from doing their shopping and kept it busy."

The festival stayed true to its roots throughout, and Syrian poet Muradi Alsalim and speakers on the refugee crisis featured prominently.

'Witney's Warm Welcome' blanket also took pride of place after the quilt, which includes 100 patches filled in by several groups from across the community, visited Parliament earlier this month.

But arguably most impressive was a huge 'live' mural, which artists David Ranson and Stephen Nulty added to throughout the day.

Oxford-based pop duo Candy Says and Witney Soul Club DJs headlined the event and while it was a day of celebration, there was some sadness as revellers left The Rock Barn.

The building's owner, town and district councillor David Harvey, has given MuzoAkademy until next Thursday to move out of the building after plans were approved to replace the venue with flats.

Ms Neagle said: "The Rock Barn has always been really helpful in running the day, we couldn't have done it without them.

"It was a very poignant day because it was one of the last events they'll have in there.

"It really brought it home what a great place it is."