Three bands and more than 25 groups, individuals and floats will take part in a parade through Didcot next week to mark the Golden 50s.

The town's ninth annual Christmas street fair on November 28 is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors.

BBC Radio Oxford presenter Jan Edwards and the mayor, Ian Townsend, are due to switch on the Christmas tree lights outside the Civic Hall at 7pm.

The fancy dress parade -- with a 1950s theme -- will set off from the Civic Hall along Broadway at 7.l5pm.

Among the highlights of the parade will be The Majorwrecks -- male majorettes -- from Devizes, Santa in his Sleigh and a Ben Hur Chariot along with Cleopatra and her slaves.

The pipes and drums of Reading Scottish Pipe Band, Abingdon Band and the Baggs Tree Buskers from Harwell will be marching in the parade while at least three more bands will line the route.

Organisers say that the street fair will go ahead as planned from 4pm to 9pm, despite being short of cash.

It costs an estimated £12,000 to run the event, with about £2,000 coming from the profits of the annual bonfire and fireworks display.

But profits from this year's fireworks were down because of bad weather, and organisers say they will be lucky to break even.

Jeanette Howse, chairman of the street fair committee and the joint Rotary Club/ Chamber of Commerce bonfire night committee, said they were hoping a raffle next Thursday would boost funds. She added: "We are also appealing for additional donations from town centre businesses."

A new feature this year will be children's go-karts in the Market Place.

Santa will be in his grotto at Didcot Methodist Hall and there will be funfair rides and attractions.