OXFORDSHIRE lit up the night sky at the weekend, as towns and villages turned on their Christmas lights.

Faringdon turned on the festive cheer when Father Christmas switched on the town’s Christmas lights on Saturday.

The event was organised by the town’s Rotary Club and entertainment was provided by Wantage Silver Band and choir singers.

There were also children’s fair rides, a craft fair, a hog roast and plenty of mulled wine.

Mayor Margaret Barker said: “It was absolutely fantastic.

“I’ve never seen so many people in the Market Place and they were all enjoying themselves so much.

“It was fantastic – the best yet.”

On Sunday in Burford, people turned out to enjoy an advent fair and candle-lit procession.

And in Long Hanborough, the lights were switched on by Oxford United community officer Peter Rhoades-Brown.

On Friday night, Oxford Castle’s festive lights were switched on by the cast of Cinderella, the pantomime at Oxford Playhouse which starts on Friday, and Father Christmas. The Castle’s Christmas market was also launched and will run until Sunday, December 12. Stalls include an Oxford Mail stand that is giving out free hot chocolate.

In Banbury, hundreds of people enjoyed fairground rides, fireworks and performances from artists including The Soldiers and a Michael Jackson tribute.

The lights were switched on by Jenny McAlpine, better known as Fiz Stape in Coronation Street.