FESTIVE cheer was all around as crowds flocked to the first day of Oxford Christmas Light Festival 2018.

The annual event, which signals the start of the festive season, kicked off yesterday and will illuminate the city this weekend.

Broad Street's stalls and attractions were already proving popular yesterday evening, while a queue of people lined up to sit on the spectacular ice throne at Oxford Castle Quarter. 

The festival's two other hubs, Bonn Square and Gloucester Green, also shone as the three-day event got under way.  

Schoolchildren were bussed in by Oxford Bus Company ahead of an illuminated parade, featuring floats and lanterns created by pupils and 10 professional artists.

This year, the festival's theme is ‘undiscovered Oxford’ and includes light installations, dramatic performances and craft workshops.

The city centre made for a stunning backdrop to the illuminations and French student Camille Vermande, studying in Oxford on a year abroad, was looking forward to seeing a new side to the city.

She said: "It's the first time I've seen Oxford like this.

"The Christmas lights make it look even more beautiful and more attractive for tourists."

Bicester resident Andy McMaster, in Oxford with his two children and some friends, was attending his first Christmas Light Festival.

He said: "It's a beautiful city lit up by beautiful lights and it makes for a lovely sight."

The festival, organised by Oxford City Council, continues today and tomorrow.