Banbury's new look Christmas light switch-on

Banbury Xmas Lights switch-on 2016. Lights in High Street. NNL-161127-205240009

Supported by former staff of the Horton Hospital and watched by a crowd of more than 2000, life-long fundraiser 88-year-old Kathleen Davis took pride of place at the switch-on and pressed the magic button that lit up the town’s streets and launched Christmas in Banbury.

An emotional Mrs Davis said: “I can’t believe I’ve been asked to switch on the Christmas Lights. It’s a real honour. Thank you Banbury.”

Event organisers Banbury Town Council said the change from a celebrity switch-on to a local theme was popular with townspeople and visitors.

Banbury Xmas Lights switch-on 2016. Christmas tree lights and fireworks. NNL-161127-205047009

Cllr Colin Clarke, chairman of the council’s general services committee, said: “The switch-on was a family occasion that paid tribute to the work that goes on at the Horton Hospital.

“The day had a real Christmas atmosphere for people of all ages and we think the new approach appealed to everyone.

“We adopted a ‘local heroes’ theme and we’re pleased Kathleen Davis, a committed fundraiser for many good causes, performed the switch-on.”