SOARING temperatures helped take Abingdon’s annual day of fun and night of music to new heights this weekend.

The summer staple returned to the town’s Abbey Grounds on Saturday with a free day of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, bouncy castles, games and a climbing wall drawing in the crowds.

There were also local food vans selling everything from burgers to German sausages, plus an ice cream van to help cool off in the sunny weather.

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Councillor Helen Pighills, from Abingdon Town Council which organises the annual event, said: "It was a brilliant day and we couldn't have asked for better weather.

"I think what makes it unique is there is something for the whole family.

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"We have the day event of Fun in the Park, which has been going for around 20 years now and then there is the ticketed Music in the Park in the evening with live music and a firework display.

"Lots of people brought picnics and it was a really lovely evening."

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The night event was added in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and has proved a popular addition ever since.

Performers are picked by the town council's organising committee and this year local bands Nevada, Fallen Angels, The Voodoo Penguins and Hope & Glory took to the stage.

Ms Pighills said they had being narrowed down from 17 entrants, adding: "We like featuring local bands rather than getting outside groups in and we had lots of talented musicians put themselves forward."

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Throughout the evening there were more food vans and bars and the evening came to an end with the usual Proms Concert by Abingdon Town Band and a firework display.

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Thames Valley Police’s South and Vale team shared their own appreciation for the event on social media, writing: "We hope everyone that attended ‘Music in the Park’ Abingdon enjoyed it as much as we did!

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"Only a few people out of the three thousand present didn’t seem to know when they had had enough alcohol and were dealt with by team. It’s always a pleasure for us to see people having fun safely!"

Ms Pighills also praised town council staff, saying: "They are there at the crack of dawn setting up and after 10pm to clear up.

"We wouldn't be able to do it without them."