SCHOOLCHILDREN will be full of pride when an illuminated dinosaur takes pride of place in Christmas celebrations.

A giant T-Rex is among the six sculptures created by primary school pupils to play a part in Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival.

The artworks were inspired by artefacts found in the city’s museums.

Children from eight schools, including Cutteslowe Primary, visited exhibits around the city for inspiration.

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They then worked with artist Nikki Gunson to turn their ideas into reality, before Ms Gunson and her team finished the works off in the past few days.

Cutteslowe headteacher Jon Gray said: “It allows the kids to see their artwork displayed around the city, which I think gives them a real sense of pride in their city.

“They got to spend a day at the Ashmolean, where they had to choose an exhibit which inspired them.

“It was a great opportunity for them to work with materials they would not normally use.

“It also gives them a chance to see the work as part of the Ashmolean, which is a really important part of Oxford for all of us.”

In 2013 schoolchildren led a lantern procession through the city centre, but this year that was cancelled because of safety concerns.

The young people’s light installation, which will run from tomorrow to Sunday on the lawn outside Oxford University Museum of Natural History in Parks Road will see the larger-than-life sculptures take centre stage.

It is organised by Oxford City Council and sponsored by Westgate shopping centre.

Ms Gunson, a professional artist from Brighton, has spent the last few days putting the finishing touches to the artworks before they go on display tomorrow.

She worked with the children on their initial designs and helped them take them from drawings to willow sculptures.

She said: “They kids did really well. We have got the most amazing T-Rex.

“I chatted to them and found out what I needed to do to turn their designs into reality.

“Then I went home and spent two solid weeks drawing and sketching and all that sort of thing so we could find a way of getting people who had never worked with willow before to make some amazing things.

“I run workshops and work with kids a lot but this is the first chance I have had to be the director rather than the creator.”

City council leader Bob Price said: “Every year the children of Oxford come together to celebrate the festive period by being creative and sharing that with the whole city.

“This year we look forward to seeing more of their inspired works.”

Festival Diary

TOMORROW:

Advent Carol Service at 
St Ebbe’s Church 7pm-8pm

Young People’s Light Installation 5.30pm-10pm

Christmas Light Festival at the Ashmolean 7pm-10pm

Fireflow at Gloucester Green
5pm-9pm

SATURDAY:
Young People’s Light Installation 10am-10pm

Fireflow at Gloucester Green
5pm-9pm

Lantern Making Workshop at the Museum of Oxford from 10am to 3.30pm

SUNDAY:

Young People’s Light Installation 10am-4pm

Day of Song at Oxford Town Hall: All day. Grand finale 5pm-5.30pm

Shadowplay and light workshops at Fusion Arts noon-6pm.

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