THOUSANDS of people of all ages marked the start of the Christmas season by joining Oxford’s annual festival.

Children from schools and colleges across the city kicked off the Oxford Christmas Lights Festival tonight by parading from Oxford Castle Quarter to Broad Street with lanterns they made themselves in workshops.

A group of 24 nine and 10 year olds from Bayards Hill Primary School were thrilled to be a part of the lantern parade. It is the eighth time the school has taken part.

Teaching assistant Linda Morton said: "Making the lanterns was fantastic. They loved making them and they put a lot of hard work into it.

"They turned out absolutely brilliantly and they had been excited about taking part in the parade all day.”

More than 70,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which will run over the course of the weekend.

Jude Bennett, the headteacher of St Andrew's C of E Primary School in Headington said she was pleased to see her pupils getting involved in community events like the parade.

She said: "They really enjoyed making the lanterns. They really concentrated and it was a good learning opportunity as well as being something interesting.

"They're all very proud to take part with something they've made and their excitement was plain to see.

"I think it's important to be part of community events and the school always responds in the affirmative - and these are things the children will remember."

10-year-old Jacob Crook from St Andrews said: "It was hard work but a lot of fun. I was looking forward to the parade.

"We had to make these lanterns with just paper and a few bits of wood. We spent all day on it and even did a bit of finishing off this week."

In Broad Street festival-goers are trying their hand at playing the Illumaphonium – a new musical instrument and light installation created by musician and inventor Michael Davis.

Robin Spires, eight, of Wootton, enjoyed the 'echoey' sounds created by the instrument.

His mum, Amanda Whatley, said: "I really want to make one of these in my garden. We've seen stuff like this before but when you get one big enough it sounds really good. It's very clever.

"We fought the crowds to get to it. It's like playing a big organ."

In Castle Quarter, people of all ages interacted with ‘Colony’ - an art installation comprising a group of huge blue balls that light up when hugged.

Leader of the city council Bob Price said: “The Christmas festival is the traditional start to the Oxford shopping season and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before thanks to funding from the Arts Council, the University of Oxford, and the Westgate Alliance.

“Last year we had 70,000 people attend the festival and this year it should be more because of the number of events and the fact that the weather is going to be very fine.

“There’s a huge variety of events on over the course of the weekend, like the art installation with the blue spheres and places to see singing and dancing. There’s something for everyone.”