Arts, crafts and music are alive and well in this town, which just hosted its fifth annual festival to celebrate residents’ talents.

Bicester Festival brought a mythical presence to the town on Saturday as Gwynhaff, the pedal-powered dragon, led the parade from The Old St Edburg’s School to Garth Park, arriving at 12pm for the day of arts, crafts and music to begin.

The event was opened by Bicester’s Deputy Mayor Harry Knight, who said: “It was a fantastic day, really enjoyable.

“Very well organised too, and the entertainment was great as well. Plenty to take in and enjoy.

“I was particularly impressed by the dragon that led the parade, that was very good.

“It was really well attended, lots of people were out. It was great to see people enjoying themselves; children, adults, everyone seemed to be having a good time.

“A big well done to the organisers and sponsors, and I’d love to see it again next year.”

The event was organised by local arts organisation OYAP, in partnership with The Mill Arts Centre and a team of local volunteers.

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The organisers brought in two professional entertainment companies to deliver the occasion, Festive Road and Just More Productions, along with a host of local performers and artists from Bicester.

Children’s entertainer Aaron Williams compered the event, which featured Elite Dance Bicester, Mini Professionals Dance Academy and Russian singer Maria Merinova, who performed her songs in Ukrainian to show solidarity with local Ukrainains.

David Thompson, who organised the music stages for the day, said: “It was a great day of musical entertainment, with most of the performers from Bicester and surrounding areas, and all of them from Oxfordshire.

“Music is definitely flourishing here in Bicester, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of the younger talent on bigger stages and on screens in the future.”

Guests were rocked by 16 acts on the two music stages from 12.30 to 8pm.

The day opened with local folk-rock bank Triskel 3, who were followed by Brookside School Choir, pianist Mark Burden, Bicester Concert Band and 8-year-old soloist Molly, a registered Spotlight Young Performer.

In addition, David Thompson sang 3 songs, one of which was an original, which tells the story of the trials and tribulations of getting his Ukrainian refugee family to Bicester from Ukraine recently.

Then came The Jerichos, a melody infused punk band, solo artist Monarch, Stages Theatrical, What the Funk and Kit Goff.

The day was supported by Cherwell District Council, Bicester Town Council, Oxfordshire County Councillor’s Priority Fund and local business sponsorship.

Unfortunately, the planned flashmob, which was to take place in Sheep Street, didn’t come to fruition and Mr Thompson believes it could have been the heat that put people off.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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