THIS year’s winter princess, Eleanor Scammell, will be a star at Witney’s Christmas lights switch-on.

On Friday, the town centre will be bright with coloured lights, following the switch-on by Witney MP David Cameron at 7pm.

Father Christmas will make an appearance with his real reindeer along with ten-year-old Eleanor. This is the Queen’s Dyke School pupil’s second opportunity to be part of the town’s festive celebrations, after she won the town council’s Christmas card competition five years ago, when it was first launched.

Witney mayor, James Mills, said: “We are hoping for big crowds, and we hope we are going to have good weather this year. I think it will be a really exciting night, with lots of good things going on.

“It’s a great evening, when the community all comes together. We have had excellent support from businesses and retailers both in sponsorship and advertising of the event. I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and have a fantastic evening.”

Other attractions of the festivities, which start at 5.30pm, will include a stilt walking Christmas tree and fairy, along with a rollerskating Christmas pudding.

The Oxford Caledonian Pipes and Drums and Witney Town Band will entertain visitors, as well as a model exhibition and vintage vehicles. The Rotary Club of Witney will provide its pig roast, along with many school and charity stalls.

At 6.45pm, there will be a presentation for the winners of this year’s competitions, which include design a light, design a poster, and the Christmas card for the town.

Janette Reed, chairman of retailers’ group WITAN, said: “The square is always packed with families, with Santa, real reindeer, and stilt-walkers to add to the atmosphere of excitement. The town council is putting on a really good show this year, with lights in all the main shopping areas, giving a boost to businesses small and large around the town.”

Other towns in West Oxfordshire will also be turning on their Christmas lights in the following days.

On Saturday, town mayor Peter Jay will switch on the Woodstock lights at 6pm in the town square.

There will be lanterns, music and carols during the event, named A Night of a Thousand Candles. The Oxford Gospel Choir will sing carols while mulled wine, soup and chestnuts are served.

Burford will follow on Sunday with its celebrations.

On Thursday, December 3, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Chipping Norton will hold its festivities.

Shops will stay open all evening, along with community stalls, children’s rides, a farmers’ market, and carol singing.

Carterton’s Christmas lights switch-on and street fair will take place at 6pm on Friday, December 4.

Stallholders will set up from 4.30pm, when road closures will come into place.