WITH a flick of the switch, Bicester dived headlong into the festive season with an array of bells, baubles and brightly coloured bulbs.

Crowds gathered in Sheep Street and Pioneer Square on Thursday to celebrate the start of the Christmas celebrations for the annual lights switch-on.

Youngsters were joined by Santa on his sleigh, who was accompanied by real life farm animals nativity animals and a whole host of impressive acts and artists on stage.

There may have been a wintery chill in the air, but carols, choirs and Christmas dances soon warmed up the crowd.

Visitors also enjoyed a range of stalls, teacup rides and a special visit from Santa in his sleigh, helped by Bicester Round Table.

As an early Christmas present, the owners of Bicester Village, Value Retail, donated £6,000-worth of festive decorations to the town centre, plus an extra Christmas tree and lights outside the Methodist Church.

Bicester Town Mayor Jolanta Lis said: "The night went very well. All the acts I saw were great.

"I have to mention a special thanks to Langford Village School, who earlier that day had run a big cross country event, yet still made it back out in the cold again to sing at the Christmas lights.

"We also had the Bicester Military Wives Choir singing for the first time, which was lovely, and singer Rejieli Paulo who sang Silent Night beautifully."

Also joining the mayor on stage for the big moment was the town's three young Snowflake Hunt winners.

Mrs Lis added: "We had two young girls, aged seven, and one boy aged five-and-a-half, and they were all lovely and very confident on stage.

"They did a fantastic job doing the switch on and, thanks to the great generosity of Sainsbury's, were also given a Kindle Fire each."

Cherwell District Council lead member for estates and economy Lynn Pratt said: “The donation of an additional tree and lights by Value Retail will add to the atmosphere not only this year, but many more thereafter.

“Bicester Village attracts millions of shoppers every year so as part of on-going work to revitalise the town we are working closely with Value Retail to look at ways we can capitalise on that footfall by enticing people into the centre.

"The purchase of the festive decorations demonstrates Bicester Village’s commitment to the town centre and their support in helping to achieve our vision for a stronger and more vibrant high street."