MINI Plant Oxford has thrown its support behind this year’s children’s lantern procession through the heart of Oxford City centre.

The partnership between MINI and Oxford Inspires means that school and community lantern-making workshops are under way.

Local artists are working with the children and using recycled materials to create the beautiful lanterns which will be paraded through city streets on the popular Christmas Light Night, taking place on Friday, November 26.

Dr Jürgen Hedrich, managing director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “Involvement in the local community is a high priority for us, and we have been keen to develop the role that we play in it year-to-year.

“I am delighted that our support provides the opportunity for hundreds of local children to take part in arts workshops to create the lanterns which will help to light up the event.”

The lanterns will be created from willow, tissue paper and recycled bicycle wheels and each will represent a different stage in the history of the wheel — foot, horse and cart, bicycle and car.

MINI Plant Oxford is hosting one of the lantern-making workshops and it will also focus on The Story of the Oxford Wheel.

Children will also help to decorate the trailer that will transport the MINI, which has been built by the Renaissance Group with the artist Dionne Barber.

It is hoped several hundred people will take part in the lantern-lit procession through the city centre.

Christmas Light Night is an annual event in Oxford that includes the Christmas light switch-on and a late night of art, music, dance and performance, in Oxford’s galleries, theatres, museums and open spaces — offering a unique festive view of the city.

Kathelene Weiss, Director of Oxford Inspires, said: “MINI Plant Oxford continues to demonstrate their commitment to the arts, the environment and, above all, to the local community.”

Christmas in Oxford is being co-ordinated by Oxford Inspires on behalf of Oxford City Council and cultural organisations across the city.