SUMMERTOWN will usher in the festive season later this week when the area’s Christmas lights are switched on.

The annual event will take place on Friday in Banbury Road when residents are being invited to gather around a Christmas tree outside Finders Keepers.

Cutteslowe Primary School choir will be singing, while a brass band from Oxfordshire County Council’s music service and St Edward’s School’s brass band, will be playing to give a really festive atmosphere.

Stratfield Road resident Nicholas Hardyman has been organising the event, which has been going for about five years.

He said: “It is very popular and people like it because it adds sparkle to Summertown in the days leading up to Christmas which is good for residents, visitors and for the shops.

“Children love the Christmas tree. It is 18 feet tall and is covered in sparkly lights.”

Mince pies are being provided by the Co-op and the event is sponsored by companies such as Shaw Gibbs and Savills which have offices in the area.

Mr Hardyman said Starbucks, which has a branch in Banbury Road, would be providing some coffee.

Stephen Jones, warden of St Edwards, said: “We are delighted that our brass band is able to be part of the festivities by playing a selection of carols as the Christmas lights are turned on in Summertown.

“No doubt their playing will be even more spirited than usual given that it’s the last night of term!

“One of the great strengths of St Edward’s is that we enjoy meaningful links with our local community so it’s important to the pupils, and to the school community as a whole, that we play our part.”

Christmas music will begin at 4pm and the lights will be switched on at 4.45pm.