Thousands of Didcot residents will begin the festive season in rocking style next week, when the town holds its annual Christmas Street Fair.

The event on Thursday, which this year is all about cars, transport and rock 'n' roll, starts at 4pm and has been organised by Didcot Chamber of Commerce.

Broadway and the Orchard Centre will be lined with craft stalls, entertainers, funfair rides, jivers and charity stalls.

Many of the town's shops will be open for late-night shopping.

Organiser Jeanette Howse said classic rock 'n' roll film Grease would be showing at Cineworld at 9pm.

During the afternoon Father Christmas will be in town, listening to Christmas wishes at the Methodist Hall from 3.30pm, followed by a balloon release by Shabina Aktar, from BBC Radio Oxford and the mayor of Didcot, Bernard Cooper, outside Baptist House.

As the sun sets, Fiona Harrison will lead a rock 'n' roll sing-a-long before the grand parade takes to the streets, led by the Reading Scottish Pipe Band, at 7pm.

The parade will march from the Orchard Centre to the Civic Hall, where the lights display will be switched on.