Community HealthFest will take place in Witney for the first time next weekend, showcasing a host of activities designed to inspire, entertain and educate people on the variety of ways to stay fit and healthy.

Organised by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, the event promises to be a free fun-packed day for all the family at Witney Community Hospital on Saturday, September 7, from noon to 3pm.

The event will feature dozens of stallholders as well as face painting, a tombola, and a community tug-of-war for attendees to put their skills to the test.

Hospital matron Sandra Allen said: “We are so pleased and excited to host the first Community HealthFest to bring together the people of Witney.

“We’re hoping for sunshine and a great turnout; our HealthFest will be an opportunity for people to make new friends and have a fabulous time while learning about all the services available to help them stay healthy and get support when needed.”

Community organisations from across the county will be joining in, including the Mary-Lou Revue (pictured) who return to the hospital to perform their well-loved vintage cabaret that’s been entertaining patients on wards.

There’ll be stalls with organisations like Turning Point, Age UK, Guideposts, Witney Lions, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Go Active, Get Healthy team, TalkingSpace Plus, Canine Concern and a smoking cessation bus.

The Dementia Bus, a travelling support vehicle, will also be on hand to show users an inside look at the experience of dementia, and to share advice and support to those struggling with the illness.

Julie Pink, community involvement manager at the trust, said: “Community HealthFest is a unique event aiming to increase awareness about opportunities to improve health and wellbeing.

“I am really proud to be a part of this event and encourage anyone interested in living well, joining the NHS as a career or simply wanting to be more engaged with their local community to come and join us on the 7th.”

Oxford Health will also be hosting the second run of its parent event, HealthFest, at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford on Saturday, September 14, from 11am to 3pm – part of the Oxford Open Doors weekend.