PEOPLE enjoyed the scorching hot weather as they packed into Bicester town centre for its annual carnival on Saturday.

Kicking-off with a procession of floats and walking groups who paraded through Sheep Street, the theme for this year’s carnival was the circus.

Organised by Bicester Town Council, the carnival saw around 3,000 people come together once again as part of the town’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Among the groups in the procession was First Bicester Intrepid Scout Group, Bicester Rugby Club, Bicester ECU, while Bicester’s Mayor, Jason Slaymaker took an unusual ride to the carnival field – he went in a fire engine driven by his uncle, firefighter Paul Mann.

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A host of stalls and attractions lined the showground including games, raffles, face painting, food and drink stalls, and a fun fair.

People learnt circus tricks, including juggling, and there was also an arena with shows including a military display, live music performances and dance displays.

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DEMS Training Regiment based at St George's Barracks, near Bicester won a military tug of war.

Mayor Jason Slaymaker, who is also chairman of the town council events committee, said it was an “amazing” day.

He said: “I took a break from the mayoral tradition of joining the procession in the Charabanc car and instead joined the Fire Cadets in the county’s training appliance, the added bonus was my uncle was driving it.

“I have been involved in the planning of the carnival all year so it was great to see it all come together. It was an amazing day, the carnival was well-attended and stalls and activities were busy throughout the day.

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“Lots of people participated in the activities and the entertainment was fantastic.”

Proceeds from the carnival were donated to the organisations and charities supported by the mayor this year, which are OYAP Trust, Nai’s House, Bicester Fire Cadets and Alexandra House of Joy.

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The hot weather made the day that bit better as families ate ice cream and relaxed in the sun.

Children enjoyed fair ground rides too including spinning tea cups as well as a bouncy castle.

Alexandra House managed to raise £320.

The charity tweeted: "Another great success. £320 raised with a Tombola at the Bicester Carnival today. Amazing team of volunteers - extremely generous local people donated the prizes - lovely children and adults came to try and win.

"That is community. Thank you so very very much everyone."

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OYAP Trust (Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership), which helps young people develop confidence through creative projects, managed to raise almost £100. The group tweeted: "Thank you so much to everyone who came and visited our stand at Bicester Carnival we raised nearly £100 which is invaluable. As a small charity, donations are a very important part of our income - feeling happy."