Switching on Witney's Christmas Lights 2019

Crowds flock to the Market Square to join the celebrations.


An estimated 3,500 people packed into the Market Square to celebrate the start of the festive season as the town switched on its Christmas lights.

They enjoyed a programme of music and entertainment as the excitment mounted ahead of the 'switch-on' which was organised by the Rotary Club of Witney.

The town’s mayor Chris Woodward, who operated the switch, alongside Naimh Nowlan, 14, and Isobel Lodge, 15, from the Wood Green Interact Club, welcomed the crowds.  “I never cease to be amazed and so truly proud of the people of Witney. When they turn out; they turn out in style".

“I would particularly like to thank the Rotary Club of Witney for putting on another fantastic evening, the town council, the various sponsors and exhibitors that enable the event to happen and, finally, the biggest thanks goes to everybody who came down to watch."

Entertainment was provided by Madley Brook Choir, the West Oxfordshire Academy Of Performing Arts, the Wood Green School Jazz Band and Derek West.

Hatwell’s Fun Fair provided  thrills for all ages and there was a number of stalls including the Rotary Club BBQ.

Father Christmas was on hand to meet the children and, to hear what they were putting on their Christmas lists.

Proceedings came to a climax with with an exciting countdown and as the festive lights appeared the crowd raised cheered heartily.

Organisers from the Rotary Club of Witney were supported financially by the town council, The Blue Boar, and Sportif Suzuki. .

Sponsorship was also provided by the Shake Shop, Hayters Transport, Cotswold Stone and UBICO.

Town councillor Laura Price said “It was lovely to see such a good turn out, with people of all ages enjoying themselves. It’s a really well organised event that I know the whole town values. It definitely got me and my family feeling festive.”

"It was a good way to get into the Christmas mood"


Related pages...

Santa's Sleigh 2021

more Santa is on tour with his sleigh, see details

President Steve Holbourgh with (from L to R) Rotary Scholars Ginger Kline, Michaela Dolk and Kate Kelly at Witney Rotary Club Scholars Evening.

Rotary Scholars Visit Witney

more Three Rotary Scholars, all studying for a Post Graduate Degree at Oxford University on Rotary Scholarships, spoke at Witney Rotary Club's Annual Scholar's Evening.

Rotary President Steve Holborough opens the Mobile Dementia Exhibition  in Witney Market Square

Witney Turns Blue for Dementia Awareness Week

more Spreading a better understanding of Dementia and it's impact on to the wider population.

Dental Treatment in Tanzania and Rwanda.

bridge2aid

more Rotary Club makes a £1000 grant to Charity dedicated to bringing relief from toothache in poor communities in Tanzania & Rwanda.

Newly elected Witney MP Robert Courts talking with Twixt Party Guests

'Twixt' Christmas Party 2016

more A friendly and informal get-together for Witney's Senior Citizen's, arranged by Witney Rotarians.

Ready for the Customers

TruckFest Music Festival 2017

more Witney Rotarians braved the rain and mud to provide Pork Rolls to the 13,000 fans at this year's Music Festival.

L-R John Summers and Dion Hickin of Witney Rotary Club with the AED

Redundant Phone Box Houses Life Saving Defibrillator

more A new life-saving defibrillator has been installed in Witney Town Centre with help from Witney Rotary

New playground

St Mary's Infant School Playground

more Rotary helps funding for new playground at St Mary's school

Making it look like new!

Going red to save lives!

more Witney Rotary Evening Group restores a phone box in Market Square, Witney. Home to a new defibrillator.

Pudsey with children from Witney Community Primary School

Chldren in Need 2016

more As part of the preparations for the BBC Children in Need Appeal Pudsey paid a surprise visit to Witney Community Primary School

enables  Patients to be transported to and from Appointments.

New Vehicle for Witney Hospital

more Hospital League of Friends and Witney Rotary Club raise over £30,000.

London Airport Collection for Children in Need 2016

more Witney Rotarians take part in the Rotary Team collecting at London Heathrow Airport for the BBC Children In Need Appeal.

Generous support for Rotary Street Collection

Witney Supports Polio Eradication

more The latest results provided by the International campaign to Eradicate Polio from the face of the Earth,

President Steve Holborough and Foundation Chair Brian Ford with The Malcolm Boddington Plate.

Witney Rotarians win District 1090 Award

more for level of support to The Rotary Foundation (Rotary's Charity).

Rotarians tidying the War Graves in Black Bourton Churchyard (Photo courtesy Witney TV)

Rotarians visit War Graves in Black Bourton Churchyard

more in salute of the fallen at the Battle of the Somme a century ago.

Springfield School pupils enjoy a trip aboard the Viking Ship at Legoland

Legoland - Kids Big Day Out 2016

more A special day out for a group of pupils from Springfield School Witney

back to page above this...

News Archive

back An archive of some of the past news items