A KITE-flying show, live music and street dancing are among the entertainments announced for Bicester's newest festival.

The packed plans have been revealed as part of the first Bicester Festival, announced yesterday, to be staged in the town centre this summer.

The theme for the inaugural festival is 'Something in the Air' and organisers hope it will be the first of a new tradition for the town.

The event is being put together by several local groups including arts charity OYAP which has been calling for more creative opportunities in Bicester.

Others helping set up the festival include Cherwell District Council, Bicester Town Council, Bicester Village, the Mill arts centre in Banbury and community group One Bicester, who run Bicester's Big Lunch.

Cherwell District Council leader Barry Wood said: "We are holding this event to celebrate the talent and creativity of Bicester’s communities as well as showcasing the town’s cultural offering.

"It aims to inspire and bring together people from all walks of life, encourage participation and attract more visitors into the town."

The two-day festival will start in the town centre on June 16 with entertainment including street performances starting from 10am in Sheep Street and arts and crafts exhibitions at Bicester Methodist Church.

Dance, music and theatre groups will take to the streets to entertain the crowds in Market Square from midday until 9pm and OYAP's studio base in the former St Edburg's School will be open for people to create kites and dreamcatchers.

A circus show will also be staged in Old Place Yard and a market will run in the town centre throughout the day.

All events are free to join, but have limited spaces.

The festival will then roll into Sunday with activities moved to Whitelands Farm Sports Ground in Kingsmere from midday.

The Airheads Kite Team will perform 'a choreographed kite ballet' and people are invited to bring along a picnic and kite to join in. Music groups including Bicester Concert Band will also be touring the fields to entertain the crowds.

Mr Wood added: "This event couldn’t be delivered without partnership working. Along with our partners, we pulled together a number of local schools, cultural organisations and volunteer groups to offer people a fantastic programme including music, dance, street theatre and more.

"Bicester Festival is meant to be a special weekend for everybody this summer and for many years to come."

For more details on the event see facebook.com/BicesterFestival or follow @BicesterFest on Twitter