VOLUNTEERS crucial to the smooth running of a sparkling Christmas spectacle remain in high demand.

Oxford City Council is still looking for manpower to fuel its light festival on November 25, which will start with schoolchildren sweeping through the city with handmade lanterns.

Council worker Fernanda Costa said they have recruited 15 people to sacrifice time to chaperone the event, but are hoping to pull in another 10 before the deadline closes tomorrow.

She said: "This is an exciting opportunity for people to develop skills and understand what it is like to help at one of Oxford's most popular cultural events.

"There is a place for everybody and for every personality. Everybody gets very excited on the night, it's like Christmas just before Christmas and there is a bit of hype. There are families, couples, friends - it's really a festival for everybody, from little kids to elderly people."

The assistant communications officer said volunteers are '100 per cent important' during the three-day festival, which features interactive musical light structures and a lantern parade telling the story of twelfth-century Empress Matilda and her escape from Oxford Castle.

Miss Costa added: "Volunteers really help to set the mood. They direct and assist people and are our eyes on the streets and help us know what's going on."

Voluntary roles include lantern procession steward, artist liaison, information provider, public opinion surveyor, artistic installation assistant, area assistant and crew assistant.

Anyone interested must be over the age of 16 and can help with just one shift or across all three days, and Miss Costa said the council is looking for 'enthusiasm and availability'.

A spokesperson for Westgate Oxford Alliance, which co-organises the event, said: "The lantern parade is particularly exciting with so many young people involved in creating the opening event.

"Bringing Oxford's history to life in this creative way produces a spectacle that everyone can enjoy."

Artists Paul Batten and Esme Duncan have been working with students at 13 different schools in lantern-making sessions ahead of their debut on the Friday, which will feature almost 300 illuminated lanterns, while other highlights include a courtyard covered in real snow and musical performances.

Anyone who wants to volunteer at the event should email CMaciszonek@oxford.gov.uk by the end of tomorrow.

They will learn more at an information session at Oxford Town Hall on Wednesday between 5pm and 7pm, in which they will be given all the information they need to be prepared for the festival and meet the festival team and fellow volunteers.