With the festive season creeping up on us, a new Christmas event is set to be launched in Bicester this year.

Bicester Town Council will host its first ever Christmas lights trail.

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Taking place in Garth Park, from Tuesday, December 7, to Sunday, December 12, visitors will see the town council’s headquarters Garth House and grounds of Garth Park adorned with light displays.

People will be able to walk through the trail as festive tunes play in the background and the house will be lit up with festive messages and dancing snowflakes, with the grounds alive with colour.

Bicester Mayor Councillor Nicholas Mawer said: “We are delighted to bring this inaugural Christmas lights trail to Bicester. Garth Park and the house are going to look fantastic when the lights are installed.

“This is an outdoor event and the trail will be wheelchair and buggy friendly. You must buy a ticket for this event and thanks to sponsorship from Bicester Village we have been able to keep the prices very low.

“After a tough Christmas last year, we really hope our festive events will put a smile on people’s face and they can have some much-needed fun.”

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Work is going on behind the scenes to put the finishing touches to Bicester’s Christmas lights switch-on event which takes place on Saturday, November 27.

Among the activities will be festive stalls, street entertainers nativity farm animals, toddler rides and an ice rink.

Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now and more details will be released nearer the time.

Tickets are now on sale for the Christmas lights trail and cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children aged six to 16, with under fives free. Tickets must be purchased online as they will not be available to buy at the gate, which open from 4pm to 10pm daily.

Bicester will also be holding its annual Mayor Santa Fun Run this year and people can book their place by registering online.

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The event, which is a fundraiser, will take place on December 19 at 11am on Pingle Field.

The mayor's chosen charities for 2021/22 are 1st Bicester Intrepid Scout Group, ArCH and Countess of Jersey's Educational Foundations.

Santa suits will be available to pick up from Garth House from November 1.

Go to bit.ly/BTCEvents to book your place.

For more information or to book tickets for the illuminated trail or ice rink, go to www.bicester.gov.uk.

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