A MINI-festival collecting cash to house a family of Syrian refugees in Witney raised more than £2,000.

Asylum Sounds attracted nearly 700 people to a day of music, dancing and fun on Saturday – with activities running from the afternoon until late at night at The Rock Barn in Market Square.

The event, staged by Witney Refugee Action Group, followed a similar extravaganza last year. It is hoped that the group will be able to welcome a family of refugees into the town through the Government's community resettlement scheme.

Organiser Autumn Neagle, of the action group, said: “The day was hugely successful and great fun. We were bowled over by how many local people and organisations got involved, not just in giving their time volunteering or donating to the raffle but also baking cakes, knitting, drawing and cooking.

“A three hour hoop-a-thon had everyone on Witney High Street having a go, which was hilarious and got masses of attention."

There was a vibrant array of activities throughout the course of the day and into the evening.

Ms Neagle, who lives in Bridge Street, continued: "We had a real range of performers from all age groups, from children who practice at the Muzo Akademy through to local teenage rock acts, and the amazing Voice Box Choir even threw a surprise mini-flash mob performance.

"Oxford street band Horns of Plenty were absolute showstoppers. Their carnival style parade must have turned every head on Witney High Street and led everyone into the Rock Barn.

"It was a moving sight to see children from refugee families living in Witney dancing with new friends and having so much fun. No one could stop smiling. It brought home the sense of a genuine community, and why we are doing this: to bring a family in need here to share this special place with is."

Other performers at the event, which was attended by Witney MP Robert Courts, included Witney poet Owen Collins and headliners Audio-Tonic.

Fellow organiser Luci Ashbourne took to social media to thank those who had supported Asylum Sounds - which now looks set for a comeback next year.

She said: "I really want to take the time to thank as many people as possible for making this incredible event what it was.

"The hard work, enthusiasm, belief, generosity, love, laughter, smiles, community spirit and solidarity shown was by far the most amazing response to anything I've experienced."

The money raised will go towards Witney Refugee Action Group’s continued efforts to support refugees in Europe and beyond as well as in Oxfordshire.

The group is embarking on a new initiative to sponsor a refugee family to come to Witney through the Government’s community resettlement scheme.

For more on the group click here