Families came together to enjoy arts, crafts and food following the return of a popular play festival in an Oxfordshire town.

Summerfest, in Bretch Hill, Banbury, which celebrates the Cherwell community, was back at Princess Diana Park for the first time since 2019 on Monday.

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More than 200 people gathered for a host of free activities including zorbing, a bike trail and a pop-up history museum.

Cherwell Theatre Group entertained festival-goers with Myth 2, a play set during the Bronze Age.

This year’s event was organised by Sanctuary Housing, Oxfordshire Play Association and Cherwell District Council.

Charlie Heritage, Sanctuary’s neighbourhood partnerships manager, said: “The last 18 months have been very difficult so it was wonderful to see so many people joining together for an afternoon of fun and laughter.

“A lot of hard work went into making Summerfest a success and we’re already looking forward to next year.”

Martin Gillett, manager of the Oxfordshire Play Association, added: “Being out in the fresh air is vital for people’s physical and mental wellbeing and isn’t something everyone has been able to do during the pandemic.

“Summerfest provided that opportunity and all who attended had a great time.”

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