IT'S party time in Chipping Norton this weekend as the town puts out the bunting for its millennium celebrations.

The big party takes place on Sunday with events throughout the day from 10am to 6pm, meaning that the town centre will be closed to traffic.

Highlights include two demonstrations of medieval jousting and tournament skills from the Companions of the Crow, who will be showing off their knightly abilities to fight with the swords, axes and polearms that were in use during the 12th and 13th centuries, as well as jousting. Displays take place in Lower Side at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Organisers hope the event will grip the imagination of Chippy residents and people from surrounding towns and villages and they are urging as many people as possible to slip into historical or futuristic fancy dress for the day.

There is also a pavement parade of fancy dress contestants through the town at 12.30pm.

One of the organisers, Frances Marks, said: "We want as many people as possible to come and make it a great day out. "There's plenty on and we would welcome anybody and everybody, not just from Chipping Norton."

The day starts with a charity market at 10am with stalls set up by town groups, such as Scouts, the Lawrence Home Nursing Team and Chipping Norton Lions Club. Lower Side also hosts a tug-of-war and there is also a line dancing show in the afternoon.

Other attractions include a historical display in the town hall, shire horse rides, bungee run, gladiator jousts, funfair rides and a bouncy castle as well as a children's chicken fun run for prizes.

Music comes from Chipping Norton Silver band and the 20s-style sounds of Sweet Rhythm, with local musicians putting on their own show later in the afternoon.