A 2,000-strong crowd watched the switch-on of Banbury's Christmas lights.
The big turnout repaid the efforts of the organisers who laid on two hours of stage and street entertainment, a funfair, fancy dress competition, and a procession of local drama groups and schoolchildren from St Mary's Church to the town hall.
Children from primary schools -- many in fancy dress -- joined mayor Tony Mepham in the lantern procession, led by the Air Cadets' Band.
The lights were switched on by Mr Mepham, helped by six winners of the fancy dress contest and Amy Balcombe, who designed the Christmas Lights magazine cover poster.
Town clerk Tom Thompson said: "It was a great night, well organised and well supported. From the stage we could see the crowds stretching back up High Street."
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