ORGANISERS have hailed this year’s Banbury’s Old Town Party as the “best one yet”.

Thousands of people turned out for the party which was spread across Parsons Street, Church Lane and White Lion Walk.

Shop windows were decorated in a Great Britain theme and red, white and blue, and strolling entertainers wowed the crowds.

Among the acts was illusionist Gracie Spoon, balloon artist Funnyballoons, Big John Bull the stilt walker and comedy act the Van Dunk Brothers.

Chairman of the Old Town Party Association Barry Whitehouse said: “It was absolutely wonderful.

“I think it was the best one yet.”

“So many people turned up for the party, it was incredible.”

Kim Wattam, who took along her son George, nine, and friend’s daughter Raegan Sellers, seven, to enjoy the festivities, said: “We watched the street dancers from the Mill, ate Thai food, the children had balloons made for them, and the street entertainers were amazing, so funny.”

And in the shop window competition, 20 gold, silver, bronze and highly commended awards were handed out to a host of premises.

They included Rebel Hair and Beauty Salon, who painted a night time scene of London on its window, Sweet Celebrations which had a cut out of London Bridge, and Banbury Sewing Centre, which was decorated in an array of red, white and blue.