Families descended on Bury Knowle Park for the Headington Festival this weekend – after a two-year absence.

Chairman of the festival organising committee Richard Bradley said it was ‘fantastic to be back’ after the pandemic forced two cancellations in a row.

The popular event is organised by community group Headington Action, of which Mr Bradley is a trustee.

“We have been doing this for 15 years now and a lot of it is about community connections. So, we have lots of stallholders, people representing all sorts of groups, giving them an opportunity to promote what they do,” Mr Bradley said.

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As well as farm animals, go-kart rides and food stalls, community cycling group Cyclox and Thames Valley Police were among the stallholders.

Paul Megram, who as his alter ego magician and circus performer Colonel Custard kept families entertained on Sunday afternoon, said: “The kids love it because it appears I am totally out of control and they are always one-up on me.

“You’re playing on two levels. The kids believe in magic and the adults go ‘that’s not possible’.”

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds, who opened the second day of the festival, said: “It feels fantastic to see the Headington Festival back on again at full-strength after two years when communities – including in Headington – went through so much.” She thanked those involved in organising the event.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

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