THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the sparkle of Christmas lights being switched on across Oxfordshire.

Father Christmas made his way to Rose Hill on Saturday for the switch-on in The Oval, as well as carol singing, music, and an international food festival.

Oxford Mail:

  • At the Witney switch on is Chris Poulsom with his daughters, left, Anya, six and Isla, three, from Aston

One of his elves, Yvonne Dudley, went to the event for the fifth time. The 49-year-old said: “It’s great doing something for the community and the children really enjoy it.

“My daughters Molly, who is seven, and Emma take part as well and they like helping Santa give out packets of sweets to children less fortunate than them.”

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Eight-year-old Emma said: “I like getting to give out chocolate and help Santa. I get chocolate at the end too.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Having fun at the Witney Christmas lights switch-on 

 

Yesterday Wallingford’s mayor Jane Titchener turned on the town’s Christmas tree lights.

She said: “The switch-on happened after a whole afternoon featuring stalls and activities.

“All of the businesses and local organisations got involved.

“It was 1940s-themed, around World War Two.”

Oxford Mail:

  • The Military Wives Choir from Benson at the Wallingford lights switch-on

Wantage went even further back in time on Friday when people poured into the Market Place for the town’s annual Christmas Dickensian Even-ing.

Actors in Victorian top hats, long coats and bonnets wandered about town, while Wantage Silver Band entertained visitors with traditional Christmas tunes.

Oxford Mail:

  • Wallingford mayor Jane Titchener and Cllr Marcus Harris complete the countdown to light the town’s Christmas tree with school ambassadors, Alice Walkey, Tegan Farquharson and Sammy Roy

Wearing red formal robes, her tricorn hat and golden chains, Mayor Fiona Roper led a carol service around the town’s Christmas tree, joined by other town councillors and Wantage MP Ed Vaizey. 

Oxford Mail:

  • At the Rose Hill Christmas Light switch-on were Emma Dudley, Yvonne Dudley and Molly Dudley

 

She said it was a “fantastic” night and gave a “huge thanks” to everyone in the community who had helped.

Oxford Mail:

  • In Rose Hill were, left to right, Kelley Spacey, with children Freddie and Alfie Spacey, Mickey Mouse and Louise Hurn, with her daughter Emily Kenny 

 

Meanwhile, Chris Poulsom and his daughters six-year-old Anya and Isla, three, were enjoying the festivities in Witney town centre.

Oxford Mail:

  • In Wantage, reindeer were fed by baby Ileana Maclean and mum, Fiona Maclean

The BMW Mini plant worker, from Aston, said: “We came at the last minute and the girls had a lovely time going on the rides.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Wantage Mayor Fiona Roper and Geoff Bailey

Oxford Mail:

  • Children enjoying the carousal in Wantage

Oxford Mail:

  • Lauren Winney, Michelle Winney and Demi Thornhill 

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