Town of Banbury launches winter light show display

Cllr Kieron Mallon faces the camera as the winter lights film lights up the Castle Quay entrance in Cornhill.

The message that a traditional Christmas is coming to Banbury no matter what was spelt out loud and clear on Wednesday by Cllr Kieron Mallon, the leader of Banbury Town Council.

He promised that the popular town centre street lights and Christmas trees would shine as bright as ever despite coronavirus restrictions.

Cllr Mallon said: “Banbury’s old town shopping streets will enjoy a great Christmas atmosphere again this year. Thanks to the town council the illuminations will create a feel-good factor for all residents.

“The lights will delight young and old and bring the festive spirit to Christmas shopping.”

Cllr Mallon spoke on the first night of showing - Wednesday November 18 - as a magical winter film show beamed onto buildings in the Cornhill area of the Market Place.

The film – organised by Banbury Business Improvement District (BID) and the town council with contributions from Castle Quay – will be shown every day from dusk ‘til late until December 28. It will be followed by a New Year video which will run from December 29 until January 5.

Cllr Mallon added: “The film shows are a great idea and well worth seeing. But the traditional street lights and decorated Christmas trees will light up the whole of the town centre from November 29, through December and into the New Year.

“Virus restrictions mean the popular annual switch-on event with a stage, live music, funfair, Christmas market and fireworks has been cancelled – but Christmas in Banbury will go ahead.”