Huge crowd for Brackley Lantern Parade and Lights switch-on

Town Mayor: “I have never seen so many people coming into Brackley”

Hundreds of people packed Brackley’s Market Place on Saturday evening to watch the town’s annual Lantern Parade and the switching-on of the Christmas Lights.

Over the last few weeks youngsters have been making lanterns in readiness to join the procession – one of the largest in the event’s history.   With illuminated lanterns held aloft the parade made its way from Winchester House School, down the High Street to the Town Hall, led by Father Christmas aboard his float, supported by Brackley Round Tablers.

For the second year a Christmas Market ran through the afternoon, offering seasonal shopping opportunities and tasty treats.

The offices of Alexander and Co Estates Agents were transformed into an Elf’s Workshop, with children queuing to write their letters to Santa.

Brackley Town Mayor, Councillor Elaine Wiltshire, led a huge crowd in a countdown before the town’s lights were switched on.

She told Banbury FM: “I have never seen so many people coming into Brackley and the lanterns parade was getting bigger and bigger and bigger as we were coming down.

“I must thank Brackley Town Council staff for all their hard work and their effort in putting this on – and all the events this year.   It is absolutely amazing.”

The appearance of Father Christmas was the first event in Brackley Round Table’s annual tour of Brackley and the surrounding villages, raising money for local good causes.

Next Sunday (December 8) Brackley’s Tractor Run returns and the Christmas Community Carol Service takes place on December 22.

Councillor Wiltshire concluded with a message for everyone living in the town: “I wish you all a very happy, merry and safe Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.   Keep safe and keep healthy.”

---

Published: 01/12/2024 05:43pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

---