Thousands of people came together for an afternoon of festive celebrations in Swindon's Old Town.

The Old Town Christmas Festival hosted local businesses serving up their best delicacies, live entertainment, stalls, rides and games to celebrate the Christmas light switch-on above Victoria Road on Sunday, December 1.

Road closures were in place on Wood Street and Victoria Road to allow space for the biggest Christmas festival in Old Town yet with a larger stage, extra stalls and a Ferris wheel for the first time.

Read More: In Pictures: Swindon town centre Christmas lights switch-on

There was plenty of opportunities to buy food and drink from a range of vendors and a variety of arcade games to win giant stuffed animals.

One highlight of the afternoon was a performance by The Voice UK finalists Billy and Louie, who are from Swindon and gained huge support from local people.

There were also performances from other local talents, including Ministry of Samba, Wilkes Academy, and after the lights had been switched-on, Oasish, an Oasis tribute band performing some of their biggest hits, took to the stage.

The event, which ran from 12pm to 6pm, was organised by South Swindon Parish Council and the Old Town Business Association and sponsored by multiple businesses including Los Gatos, Deacons, Domino's, Charles Harding and Sinewave.

It was originally supposed to take place on Sunday, November 24 but they were forced to reschedule after Storm Bert caused flooding and disruption across Swindon.

Read More: 60-metre Christmas tree lit up in 'superb' festive event

Kris Talikowski, chairman of the Old Town Business Association, said: "At the heart of the Old Town Christmas Festival is the ethos of community, family, and celebration.

"Local businesses and residents come together for an amazing festive experience that has become a cornerstone of Swindon’s Christmas season. This year’s event is also raising funds for the Prospect Hospice as we did at the Old Town Festival revival.”

Entertainment manager Evie Em-Jay said: "We are proud to showcase some of the town's best talent to the main stage including party hits duo Backbeat, singer songwriter Drew Bryant and some of our talented performing arts groups Pauline Quirke Academy, Raising Aspirations Academy plus a spectacular headline performance from Wilkes Academy.

"After the lights go on crowds will also be celebrating the Oasis Live '25 Tour with 'Liam' and 'Noel' from UK’s number one Oasis tribute act 'Oasish'". 

There was a £1.25 ticket donation cost to support the event and ensure it can continue for years to come. 

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