Thousands of people braved the summer storms to enjoy a weekend of activities in Bicester's Garth Park.

Dubbed Bicester's Big Weekend, the two-day event organised by Bicester Town Council included a family fun day, a battle of the youth bands and an evening of live music from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Green-fingered residents gathered for the presentation of the annual Bicester in Bloom awards on Sunday.

And Bicester pensioners who celebrated their 80th birthdays between April and June this year were treated to a cream tea in honour of the Queen's birthday.

But despite weeks of hot, sunny weather, just two hours after the event kicked off on Saturday, the heavens opened and spectators were lashed by torrential rain, gusts of wind and lightning.

Town clerk Anne Wilson said she had no choice but to temporarily call off the event.

She said: "We were in the middle of the battle of the bands and there were about 20 people sheltering under a gazebo trying to hold it down. The park was under about 18 inches of water."

Mrs Wilson said the battle of the bands had to be abandoned after four of the six bands had played, adding two of the council's marquees had been damaged by the storm.

But with popular band Chance booked for an evening performance in the park, the council decided the show must go on.

Mrs Wilson said: "We put out announcements on the radio and about 2,500 people turned up. I think the band played better and got more response than ever before."

She added Bicester band Grinder won the battle of the bands competition, which also featured performances from aptly-named bands Reign On Us and Ann of Rain before it was called off.

The crowds returned to Garth Park on Sunday for the annual Bicester in Bloom family fun day and award presentations.

The event hit the national headlines last month after town councillors dropped Charlie the clown from the event, saying children were scared of clowns.

Instead, children's entertainer Katie Ketchup kept the youngsters amused with magic tricks.

Stalls run by local charities and organisations were also on hand, along with a small children's funfair.

Bicester mayor Ajit Bhart said he did not think the weather had put too many people off.

He said: "Lots of people turned up and everybody was in a jolly good mood."