ESTATE residents are being urged to come and take part in an evening of free festive entertainment.

Hundreds of people are expected to come to the Barton Christmas Wonderland event on Sunday.

Christmas fun on offer includes a panto performance of Aladdin, children’s entertainers, and a Christmas raffle and tombola.

The event is organised with help from Oxford City council, Barton Community Association, Barton Job Club and the Emmanuel Church, Oxford.

Van Coulter, the city councillor for Barton and Sandhills, said: “This will be a great event that is put together by the local community for the community.

“It is now in its third year and we hope that many residents come to join in the fun.”

Entertainment will also come from Abingdon balloon artists Twistopher and Twistina and Britain’s Got Talent bell ringers Gay and Alan Cooper from Wallingford.

Prizes on offer include food hampers and activities for youngsters will include nail and face painting. There will also be live music and hot refreshments in the café.

One of the organisers, Rod Shepherd of Barton Job Club and Emmanuel Church, Oxford, said: “This is the third year for what is becoming the largest annual event in Barton with attendance expected to exceed last year’s with over 400 attending.

“This is another great example of how the Barton community can celebrate this special time of year with all involved in the community to enjoy the wonders of Christmas and be reminded of its age old message of peace and hope to all mankind.

“It’s a nice model for how partnerships can work together to make a real difference in the community.”

The event takes place between 5pm and 8pm at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre in Underhill Circus, Barton.

Steve Curran, city council board member for Youth and Communities, said Barton Christmas Wonderland was a fantastic event.

He said: “It gives organisations such as the council, Barton Community Association, Barton Job Club and many more the chance to work together to provide something tangible and fun for local people and all in the spirit of Christmas.”

The pantomime is being put on by top theatre touring company Hurricane Productions.

  • To reserve a seat at the festivities a £1 deposit is required. People are asked to call 01865 761987 or email bartonNHC@aol.com