Bicester Mayor Jason Slaymaker is welcomed to town in Civic Parade

Despite the rain, hundreds of people turned out to the event on Sunday which officially welcomed Mayor Jason Slaymaker.

Organised by Bicester Town Council, the event began with a service at St Edburg’s Church with readings by Col Lyndon Robinson of Bicester Garrison and the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stephenson OBE.

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Reverend Steve Barber of Orchard Baptist Church, gave the address and there were also prayers with a special focus on community.

Afterwards, soldiers, retired WRAC members, the Royal British Legion, and young people from organisations including scouts, guides, brownies, as well as police and fire cadets lined up behind Bicester 2507 2507 (Bicester) Squadron ATC band for the parade.

They left the church and marched through the Causeway and Market Square where the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant took the salute accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Robinson.

Mayor Jason Slaymaker said: “It was a real honour for me to take the salute and was a moment I will not forget.

“I was so pleased to see so many people take part in the parade and would like to thank all those who came along to watch, clap and cheer.

"We were also grateful that the rain held off for the parade.”

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The Civic Parade was attended by local dignitaries, representatives from Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment (DEMS) based at St George’s Barracks; the USAF, based at RAF Croughton and from 1 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) based at St David’s Barracks.

The annual event moved from June to September due to other events including Freedom of Entry for DEMS which took place in July.

Mr Slaymaker has made appearances at events over the summer months such as Langford View national care open day and Bicester Carnival in June.