RESIDENTS can enjoy a triple celebration on Saturday with a line-up of events in Banbury town centre.

Civic leaders will mark Armed Forces Day with a parade from servicemen and women.

And Old Town shops have organised a feast of entertainment, while St Mary’s Church will host its fete.

The Armed Forces parade will leave Market Place at 11.30am and go up Parsons Street, into Horsefair, around Banbury Cross and down the High Street, where mayor Tony Ilott will take the salute.

The parade will be dismissed at Broad Street and displays and stands will be by the Town Hall in Bridge Street from 9.30am-3.30pm.

Servicemen who want to take part in the parade should report to Staff Sgt Mark Taylor by 11.15am.

Parsons Street, Church Lane and White Lion Walk will be alive with music, colour and laughter for this year’s Old Town Party.

The 11.30am-3.30pm event, co-sponsored by the Banbury Cake, will feature music, comedy, magic, dance, art and food around the town’s historic old quarter.

Acts will include illusionist Gracie Spoon, balloon artist Funnyballoons, Big John Bull the stilt walker and comedy act the Van Dunk Brothers.

Other attractions will include storytelling at the East Street Centre, Thai dancing at Siam House, brass-rubbing at Banbury Museum and art classes at The Old Artery.

Among those set to entertain crowds will be young dancers from The Mill Arts Centre. The centre’s Suzette Watson said: “We are keen to get out into the community. It is great for the members.”

Organiser and herbalist Rhiannon Evans, of The Parsons Street Clinic, said the event is vital to showcase the area’s businesses.

The St Mary’s Church Fete, in Horsefair, runs from 11.30am-3.30pm. Visitors can enjoy music from Radio Horton, Zumba dances, a barbecue, and a host of stalls.