PREPARATIONS are under way for Bicester's Christmas lights switch-on this weekend which for the first time ever will be on a Saturday.

Organisers hope to transform the town centre into a festive wonderland ready for the big switch-on.

For the first time, the town’s annual Christmas lights event will take place on a Saturday and will coincide with Small Business Saturday on December 1.

Organised by Bicester Town Council, a host of activities will take place throughout the day, including traditional toddler fair rides, performances, lantern making and Huskies.

Street entertainers including 'roller-skating baubles', stilt walkers and cheeky elves will also be entertaining the crowds.

There will even be a visit from special guest Santa who will be ready to meet children from 4pm.

Community group One Bicester has also organised a Christmas market with a range of stalls selling arts and crafts, gifts and traditional festive refreshments.

Running from 10am to 7pm, activities and stalls will be spread across Market Square, Sheep Street, Pioneer Square and Crown Walk.

The main stage will be in Market Square and will be hosted by comperes Sparky and Sprite. There will be performances from Bicester Rock choir, students from Adele Peters Performing Arts School, drummers, a fire entertainer, and local bands Bangtail Feathers and Rhythm Street.

A lantern parade will take place on the day at 5pm and the creators of the best three lanterns – as judged by the town mayor Sean Gaul – will be invited onto stage to help him press the all-important switch to light up the town.

Three primary schools have signed up for lantern-making workshops – St Edburg’s, Glory Farm and Bure Park – and there will be a workshop at OYAP’s premises, the former St Edburg’s School in Cemetery Lane.

People will also have an opportunity to make a lantern on the day with workshops taking place in Market Square between 2pm and 5pm.

Bicester town mayor Mr Gaul said: “We have moved the festive lights event to a Saturday to give more people the opportunity to join the fun.

"There are so many activities taking place during the day there will be something for everyone.

"This year’s lights switch-on looks set to be the best yet.

"None of this would have been possible without the support of local businesses. We would especially like to thank Bicester Village which has sponsored the day’s entertainment and the Christmas tree in Sheep Street, and K2 Recruitment who have sponsored the tree in Market Square."