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Let the festivities begin!
23/11/2023
![](https://banburyfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/christmas-illuminations-1024x765.jpg)
The Christmas lights are set to be switched on this weekend in Brackley and Banbury
The countdown to Christmas begins this weekend as the Christmas lights are turned on in Brackley and Banbury.
Brackley goes first on Saturday. From 3pm the town’s first Christmas Market will be up and running on the Piazza and in the Market Place.
Then a lantern parade will be led by Father Christmas and The Mayor of Brackley, Councillor Sue Sharps, setting off from Winchester House at 5.15pm. Youngsters attended workshops last weekend to create the lanterns which they will show off as they head down the High Street to Brackley Town Hall.
The Christmas lights will then be turned on at 5.30pm.
On Sunday Christmas in Banbury will begin when members of the School for Stars join Town Mayor Councillor Fiaz Ahmed to press the button that switches on the town’s festive illuminations.
Youngsters from the school have been selected to be on stage after achieving huge success at the World Dance championships in Portugal in July. Representing Team England, dancers Amelia Thompson, 10, and Chloe Sneddon, 9, won gold medals for their mini duet ‘Game of Survival’. Three further silvers were added by the school’s mini tap troupe and mini acro troupe and for a mini acro soloist entry by Chloe Sneddon.
The switch-on stage will be located in Bridge Street and food and drink stalls and fair rides will surround the viewing area. The lights will be switched on at 5pm, followed by a fireworks display.
Councillor Ahmed said: “The switch-on signifies the start of the Christmas period in Banbury and the decorated streets provide a wonderful atmosphere for shoppers and visitors.
“I shall be honoured to be joined on stage by some young world champions who did Banbury proud at an important international competition earlier this year.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam