MORE than 15,000 people partied in the sun over the weekend as the first Common People festival brought stars from pop, rock and dance to Oxford’s South Park.

Organisers of the festival admitted they were taken aback by the positive response from local people – and relieved that forecast storms were replaced by glorious sunshine.

Pop giants Duran Duran topped off the action on Saturday with indie-rockers Primal Scream headlining last night.

Also playing were dance-pop singer Katy B, ‘rockney’ duo Chas & Dave, Soul II Soul, Jamie Lawson, and vintage rap acts Sugarhill Gang and Public Enemy, plus Wheatley artist Gaz Coombes.

The event was organised by DJ and promoter Rob da Bank, the man behind the massive Bestival on the Isle of Wight.

He told the Oxford Mail: "I am chuffed to bits. It’s better than we hoped.

"It has been brilliant. Oxford has taken us under its wing and there’s a general feeling that this is a good thing.

"Our primary aim is to make sure people are safe and have a good time – and that seems to have happened. "Everything has gone according to plan – so we are happy.

"It’s easy to be lackadaisical about the weather and pretend it doesn’t matter, but it does make a big difference. "South Park looks great in the sun - we went the extra mile to make the site look beautiful and it shows."

He added: "Oxford audience are a tough bunch to impress, and want to know exactly what’s going on, but we seem to have ticked all the boxes.

"The support from Oxford people and the local media has been incredible."

For many people, the highlight was Saturday’s Duran Duran set.

The performance was their first in the city since a small show at the New Theatre in their early days.

Frontman Simon Le Bon told the crowd: "It’s great to be back in Oxford!"

The band delighted fans – many of whom had occupied spots close to the front of the stage all day - with a set studded with their hits - and even a tribute to the late David Bowie: a rendition of Space Oddity – against a backdrop showing the artist’s face.

Talking exclusively to the Oxford Mail before going on stage, the band said they were delighted to be playing the inaugural festival – though confessed to nerves.

Bassist John Taylor said: "We are very excited to be here. Festivals are really a new thing for us, but we love having the opportunity to go out and play these events. It’s quite incredible."

Drummer Roger Taylor added: "It’s very exciting – but we are trying not to look at the size of the audience before going on stage!"

Among those enjoying the carnival atmosphere were Oxford-based Brazilian dance group Sol Samba.

Dancer Joanna Whiting said: "It’s great to have this opportunity to dance at a festival in our home town."

Fellow dancer Maria Franchini, from Kidlington, said: "We’ve had a really positive response from people – and we’ve even had some new recruits."

Monika Rokosz, 26, and Gosia Witczak, 27, from Poland spent Saturday afternoon dancing to a set by Kidlington DJ David Rodigan.

Miss Rokosz said: "It’s awesome! I am so proud to have something like this here in Oxford. Normally we have to travel far away for something this good.

"Oxford has finally joined the 21st century by hosting a major festival - we will certainly be here every year – as long as it’s here."

•In tomorrow’s Oxford Mail Gaz Coombes talks about his love for Oxford – and returning to South Park.