THEY were dancing in the streets tonight as about 200 Oxford schoolchildren with lanterns led the way to switch on the city’s Christmas lights.

Fire dancers, festive stall holders and musical bands filled the city centre for the Christmas Light Night Procession, which was organised by Oxford City Council.

Two parades of children accompanied by marching bands, one starting from the Pitt Rivers Museum in Parks Road and the second from Modern Art Oxford in Pembroke Street, illuminated the streets as they marched past.

Six-year-old Darcie Duke, a pupil at North Kidlington Primary School, was in pride of place after winning an Oxford Times competition to lead one of the processions.

Darcie was nominated by her headteacher, Ann Battersby, after a letter was sent to all local schools offering them the chance to put a pupil forward for the job.

In Bonn Square, festive favourites the Feestkapel Decibel Band, from Oxford’s Dutch twin city Leiden, returned once again to wow the crowds and local dance troupes entertained passers-by.

Helena Garby’s twins Jacob and Zac, eight, took part in the procession with a group of Larkrise Primary School pupils.

She said: “We had a fantastic time. The procession really makes you feel part of Oxford and part of the community. The boys were so excited and the city looks really festive.”

Alex Meil, a teacher at Botley Primary School, whose pupils made a lantern in the shape of Oxford Castle, added: “Everyone is really enjoying themselves — whooping and cheering in the streets. It’s very exciting.

“There’s a great atmosphere in the city tonight.”

Oxford’s galleries, theatres, museums and open spaces stayed open late to host art, music, dance and performance events and the Museum of Oxford hosted traditional children’s games and crafts for families.

Mother-of-three Penny Measey, 29, from Wood Farm, watched the procession with her two-year-old daughter Lacey. She said: “There’s a great atmosphere. It makes a nice change.”

Couple Julie and John Buckle, both 60, from Eynsham, were among the crowds. Mr Buckle said: “I think it’s fantastic. A lot of organisation has gone into it and it’s really paid off.”