Banbury Mayor's big day out a scorching success

People’s Park was the setting yesterday, Sunday, for families to join mayor Jayne Strangwood for the always-popular annual event.

The main attraction was the show of strength by Mighty Adrian Smith, three times winner of UK’s Strongest Man Competition, while other entertainment included a dog show, games, funfair rides, food and drink kiosks and charity stalls.

Admission to the event was free and hundreds of people turned out to be part of the fun, enjoying picnics in the shade and gathering around the arena to see the entertainment.

They watched Mighty Smith pull a car across the grass, hold a chair in his teeth with a woman sat in it – and performed other feats of strength.

Dogs for Good fascinated onlookers with an arena display by assistance dogs - and singer Cerys Curtis delighted the audience.

Theatre group Stagecoach and the Rosewood School of Dance completed the arena entertainment, with Puritans Radio compering the show and providing between-acts music.

A 999 display of ambulances and police cars was a hit with youngsters, who sat in driving seats and pressed blues and twos buttons.

The charity stalls did good business and the ice cream sellers had queues all day.

Cllr Strangwood said: “Town Mayor’s Sunday is traditionally a family favourite and this year we had lots to attract people of all ages and interests.

“It was a day when whole families came together and enjoyed themselves.”