THOUSANDS flocked to a town centre today for an annual festival taking place over the weekend.

Families gathered this morning in Sheep Street where a parade, led by the 'Queen', weaved through the centre, kicking-off today's events.

The parade was made up of a giant fox puppet, a giant bee puppet that had been handmade by schoolchildren just yesterday, as well as a whale made out of plastic bottles and chicken wire to highlight the plight of marine life.

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The theme of this year's festival is 'Earth – gaining ground’ and so there is an emphasis on the environment and climate change which coincides with the town's eco-friendly ethos.

Bicester Festival started with an open-air cinema in Garth Park last night showing The Greatest Showman where people could sing along.