THE PEOPLE of Headington proved their spirits could not be dampened by the rain yesterday.

The ninth Headington Festival attracted more than 2,000 people to Bury Knowle Park for face-painting, dancing and welly-wanging.

And despite showers throughout the afternoon, organisers said it had been just as successful as previous years.

Patrick Coulter, chairman of Headington Action which organises the festival, said: “Everyone has been working very hard this year and it’s been a big success.

“It’s just a local event for local people and everyone looks like they are really enjoying themselves.”

This was the first year the event had been entirely self-funded, after money was raised from local sponsors.

Enjoying himself on the inflatable slides was six-year-old Henry Wyatt-Rose, who said he liked going fast down the slide.

Dad Ali said: “He loves this kind of stuff. This is the first time we’ve come along to the festival, but it’s fantastic.”

Also enjoying themselves were four-year-old Lucy Keegan and her friends Ruby Collings-Swatton, five, and Sasha Sawhney, five.

The pupils from Sandhills Primary School had their faces painted and were enjoying their lunch in the rain.

Ruby’s mum Stacey Collings said: “It’s brilliant, we just wish the rain would stop.

“The girls are all best friends, so they are really enjoying getting to spend time at an event like this.”

Sasha’s mum Nicki added: “It’s a fun way to spend a Sunday and a great way to end the half term holidays.”

As well as the traditional fairground rides were stalls from local charities and groups, including the Headington Car Club, Headington Action and various schools and nurseries.

Four-year-old Marla Gardiner-Solomon was enjoying herself getting wet, jumping around a parachute.

Her mum Michelle said: “Marla is really enjoying herself, despite the rain.”

And members from the Save Headington Library were telling stories and singing under the Story Telling Tree.

Rachel Shearer, from the Busy Bees Music Group, said: “We’ve had a great audience, it’s lovely to see the whole community coming together.

“Not only for people to showcase what they do, but for residents to see what is out there for them too.”

Cicely Havely, from the New Headington Residents’ Association, said: “I think the library campaign has really brought people together here.

“And with the council announcements last week, it’s nice to know people are being listened to.”

She added: “I think Bury Knowle Park is one of the most underestimated parks in Oxford.”