Carol singers vied with the sound of fairground amusements at Didcot.
Thousands of people packed the town centre as the mayor, Ian Townsend, switched on the Christmas tree illuminations accompanied by his wife, Aggie, and Radio Oxford presenter Jan Edwards.
The trio -- dressed in 1950s outfits -- led a procession of decorated floats, behind mounted police and town crier Andy Blatchford.
Jeanette Howse, chairman of the street fair committee, said: "We were amazed at the size of the crowds who came out in a fine evening after heavy rain during the afternoon."
Many of the town's shops stayed open until 9pm.
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