Bicester Town Council’s Festive Lights Trail has been hailed a success after thousands of visitors went through its gates.

Staged for the second year running, almost 10,000 people visited the festive lights trail during the two-week event, which ran from December 3 to 18.

Garth Park, off Launton Road, was transformed into a sea of sparkling festive lights, complete with a Santa’s Grotto, a sweet treats stall, pizza stall and festive refreshments from park cafe Savoir Fare.

READ MORE: Two Oxford teachers and their twins row the Atlantic

An array of lights had been installed in the park and Christmas images and messages were displayed across the council’s headquarters Garth House.

People were able to walk the trail and view the lights as festive music played. The event was fully accessible to buggies, wheelchairs and scooters after recent work to upgrade the park’s footpaths.

Once again, the lights trail was well-received by visitors and many took to social media to praise the event.

Bicester’s mayor Alex Thrupp said: “As a council we are delighted this event has been so popular with residents.

“It was great to be able to stage the Festive Lights Trail once again and we would like to thank Bicester Village for its support, which enabled the entry cost to be kept low.

“With more lights than last year, I thought the park looked stunning, and with the addition of Santa’s Grotto and refreshments at the end of the trail - it all worked perfectly.

“Visitor and residents’ feedback will be taken to the Events Working Party, who are busy planning the 2023 events calendar.”

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1