THE centre of Chipping Norton was buzzing at the weekend as hundreds of people gathered for a popular annual event.

About 2,000 people turned out for the fifth Chipping Norton Town Festival which was held on Sunday and included more than nine hours of live music.

Opening the show at 11am was Amy Bee who was followed by performances from St Mary's School singing club and Jasmine and James from the Guildhall School of Music.

Crowds also enjoyed heavy rock band Dance a la Plage who have performed at the Cornbury Festival and Subway which closed the show.

As well as glorious sunshine, visitors enjoyed about 40 stalls,an 'Interesting Car Show' and a host of children's attractions.

The festival, which was organised by the town's rotary club for a second year, was launched to promote the town and provide a day given over to local music and a celebration of Chippy by the townspeople.

Martin Jarratt, chairman of the management committee, said the day was really successful.

"The weather was perfect that helped no end," he said. "We had an awful lot of people coming and going all through the day. I think it equalled what we've had in the past.

"Everyone thought it was great. The bands were well received and there was a good crowd at the end. Everyone I spoke to have all said they had a very good day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves."

Simon Hamilton, Vice President of Chipping Norton Rotary Club, said they were still counting up how much they made on the day for local charities.

"It looks quite promising," he said. "We should have made sufficient profits to make significant donations to local charities.

"Thanks in particular to Arthur and Joyce Taylor for organising the stalls, Kevin Cooper and Mike Cooper for arranging the music and all committee members for a fantastic job."