CHRISTMAS got well and truly got under way at the weekend as Santa runs and light switch–ons brought festive cheer to thousands.

About 100 jolly St Nicholas’s lined up in Pingle Field, Bicester, on Saturday to take part in a Santa run. Each Santa was treated to a medal and free bacon butty at the end.

The event raised money for the Bicester and Launton Royal British legion, the League of Friends of the Bicester Community Hospital, Bicester Food Bank, SERV (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers), Bicester Choral and Operatic Society and the 2507 Air Cadets.

Brothers Joe and Luke Beauchamp, ten and eight, were among the Santas.

Joe said: “It’s a bit cold, but I’m feeling festive.”

Rotary Club of Bicester president Mike Daniels, 62, ran with wife Mary and grandchildren, Millie, ten, and Mia-Mai, five.

Mr Daniels, playing Santa, said: “It creates a lovely community spirit which is what we need.”

Santas were also stretching their legs in Banbury on Sunday, taking on a one kilometre or five-kilometre run around Spiceball Park, for Katharine House Hospital.

More than 470 runners took part and EastEnders actress Jo Joyner, Tanya Branning in the soap, led the countdown to the start.

Fundraising manager Sue Lane said: “We had more than 470 runners and walkers and more than £20,000 pledged for the hospice.”

Meanwhile, in Wantage, there was nothing Scrooge-like in the mood at Wantage’s Dickensian Christmas lights switch-on.

Thousands of people poured into the town on Friday for an evening of festive fun, enjoying stalls, live music and dance, festive nibbles and the unveiling of the lights.

Shops were open late and pubs welcomed served mulled wine.

John Naish, president of the Wantage Chamber of Commerce, said: “The atmosphere was fantastic. The lights look beautiful and we are feeling Christmassy. Despite the gloom and doom in the world, we are very positive here in Wantage.”

In Wallingford, families were entertained by a bagpiper, met Father Christmas, and watched magicians and balloon artists in the Market Place.

Yet, when the mayor tried to officially switch on the Christmas lights, nothing happened.

Marcus Harris, of Wallingford Town Council, said: “The fact that it failed and got a laugh will mean that people remember this year.

“It shows what a great heart this town has.”

Debbie Bridges, 51, from Goring, brought granddaughter Lilia Bridges, four to the event.

She said: “It is the first time I’ve been here and it is fantastic.”