Community comes together to give iconic Banbury Cross roundabout a makeover

The Round and Round project saw local artist Anne-Marie Cadman and Cherwell District Council staff host a number of art workshops for community groups over the past month.

Over 200 people were involved in the workshops that were held at The Hill Centre, Orinoco, The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury College, Cornhill Centre and the Bridge Street Community Garden.

A decorated sun and three hobby horse frames were created from these sessions and are now displayed proudly on the famous Banbury Cross roundabout.

The council-led project was centred around the theme of sustainability and played heavily on the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling.

Nicola Riley, assistant director of Wellbeing and Housing Services at Cherwell District Council, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many people to our arts sessions.

“We installed the completed floral frames on the Banbury Cross roundabout at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week to mark the importance community events and arts can play in promoting good mental health and resilience.

"Working with others from all parts of the community to build something can foster a sense of belonging, reduce social isolation, and empower individuals to express themselves. The completed frames are beautiful and will serve as a colourful greeting to help raise the spirits and smiles of those visiting Banbury Cross."

The roundabout is also decorated by discs that were created by residents unable to attend the workshops; these discs have been compiled and added to the 2.5-metre sun frame.

Lacey Leonard, community worker at The Hill Community Centre, said: “When the project was first spoken about, I was quite excited to be involved.

"As the weeks went on, seeing Dobbin [the hobby horse] come together was amazing. From a little idea like giving him eyes and earrings we now have a fully glorious horse who’s been made with love and going to stand full of colour.

“It was so much fun, and I can’t wait to see him standing at the Banbury Cross.”

The decorations will be displayed on Banbury Cross from today (May 15) until the end of summer.