A revamped Bonn Square in Oxford will be the focus of the launch of Christmas celebrations in the city this evening.

The square has undergone a £2m redevelopment as part of the scheme to regenerate the city’s West End. Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel will open the new square and switch on the Christmas lights at 5.30pm.

The reopening of the square will also host the launch of the WinterLight event, organised by Oxford Inspires.

WinterLight celebrations will include illuminated street theatre, music and dance from 5pm, featuring Les Grooms, a brass band from France.

At 6.30pm, stilt walkers will lead a procession featuring giant lanterns along Cornmarket Street and Queen Street. At 7pm, the outdoor arts company Walk the Plank will raise a spectacular mobile animated with fire and fireworks in Broad Street.

The WinterLight event follows a similar display in December last year, and the Luminox show in March last year.