A torrential downpour and no celebrity could not dampen the spirits of spectators at the switch-on of Oxford's Christmas lights.

Oxford City Council had been criticised by some for failing to hire a star of stage or screen for the festive event in Broad Street.

Organisers of similar events around Oxfordshire recruited celebrities, like actor Adam Woodyatt who appeared in Banbury, and Antony Hansen, finalist in TV programme Any Dream Will Do, who switched on Bicester's lights.

But visitors to Saturday's Turn it On event stressed they were happy for Oxford's Lord Mayor John Tanner to start the city's Christmas celebrations.

Adela Arnold from Didcot said: "It's not a big problem. The celebrities they do end up with are normally 'Z-listers', so I don't think it's a bad thing.

"It is probably best they spend their money on festivities rather than an overpriced somebody- or-other."

Sarah Lewis, 31, from Evenlode Drive, Didcot, said: I don't mind about not having a celebrity. They are usually not very good celebrities anyway."

Visitors to Broad Street were treated to a traditional Christmas market, a brass band and a floating angel before Mr Tanner illuminated the city's Christmas tree.

There was also an acrobatic display - with a performer suspended beneath a large helium balloon - called a heliosphere.

Sam Freestone, 31, from Langley Road, Abingdon, said: "It was quite nice to see what was going on, but the angel was scary - and might give me nightmares!"

Anita Williams, from Wolvercote, said: "I think the lights are lovely. I like the blue - it's a good Oxford colour."

Her son Dylan, eight, added: "The Christmas tree and the whole festival is brilliant.

"The lights are absolutely dazzling and I wish they could go on forever."

Mr Tanner said: "I think it has been fantastic. This is great for everyone in Oxford and all Oxford Mail readers."

The festive spirit continues with the Lord Mayor's Carol Concert, which takes place at Oxford Town Hall from 2pm on Saturday, December 15.