A POPULAR festive event is still taking place this year in Oxford but with a twist.

The Oxford Christmas Light Festival usually draws people into the city centre for a weekend of activities.

But this year, due to the pandemic, people can enjoy the event online and socially distanced in their communities.

The festival launches on November 20 at 4pm with the streaming of a film by festival artists Luxmuralis with Fusion Arts.

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Inspired by the collections of museums in the city, the film will be projected onto some of Oxford's iconic buildings. It can be watched on digital platforms and via the festival website.

People can take part in a lantern parade by creating their own illuminations along with projects to design illuminated window scenes.

IF Oxford, the festival of Science and Ideas and Fusion Arts, are running a series of six weekly online workshops to make programmable light displays. Further ‘create and make’ resources will be shared on the festival website and households are being encouraged to decorate their homes for local light trails over the weekend.

Councillor Mary Clarkson, cabinet member for culture and city centre said: “The wonderful ideas and activities being offered under the festival banner mean we can all enjoy the fun and spectacle in our homes and around our local areas."

For more details go to oxlightfest.com.