ARTISTS, musicians and a torchlight procession will illuminate the night sky to celebrate the switching-on of Oxford’s Christmas lights.

The city centre will come alive on November 26, with a parade, live music, street performances and events at a clutch of historic buildings.

Christmas Light Night has become an annual tradition and last year attracted more than 20,000 people.

During the festivities, more than 200 children from schools across the city will parade with lanterns, with the Christmas lights being switched on behind them.

The city’s museums, galleries and shops will also be open until up to 10pm – with sessions taking place at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Castle and the Town Hall.

Local artists have been working with children throughout November at school and community workshops, using recycled materials to create the lanterns which will form processions through city streets.

Among children who attended a workshop at the Cowley Mini plant was Queenisha Yearde.

The seven-year-old pupil at Windmill Primary School, Headington, said: “I enjoyed the workshop. I made a lantern like a drum with my nanny. It was lots of fun.”

Mini is helping to sponsor the event.

Cowley plant managing director Dr Jurgen Hedrich told the Oxford Mail BMW was happy to be involved.

He said: “I am delighted that our support provides the opportunity for hundreds of local children to take part in arts workshops to create the lanterns which will help to light up the event.”

In addition to the procession, a new feature this year is a second parade called Unsilent Night.

Composed in 1992 by American artist Phil Kline, each participant in the procession will play a specially recorded CD as a ‘sound sculpture’.

The idea is for the sound to mix, and bring the city together in music.

There will be a stage in Broad Street with performances from dance groups and choirs from 4-10pm.

There will also be stalls selling hot drinks, food and Christmas presents.

The event will run this year from 4pm to 11pm with the lantern procession starting in Bonn Square at 6.15pm and the Christmas lights switch-on in Broad Street at 6.45pm.

Colin Reid, cultural development manager at Oxford City Council, said: “We are really looking forward to a great lantern procession which will involve the whole community and we are most grateful to Mini Plant Oxford for their support.”

Christmas in Oxford is being co-ordinated by Oxford Inspires on behalf of the city council and cultural organisations.