TRADERS and residents in Oxford Street, Southampton, started their festive celebrations in style with the switch-on of their Christmas lights.
It is the first time that the street has staged a Christmas light display.
Businesses clubbed together to raise the £4,000 to stage the event and erect the colourful decorations which were donated for free by Southampton City Council.
More than 150 local people turned out for the event, organised by the Oxford Street Tenants and Residents' Conservation Association.
Champagne and carol singing followed the big switch-on by Power FM breakfast DJ Maximum Bob.
Matt Stevens, owner of The London Hotel and chairman of the association, said: "It's the first time that the community has come together and the first time we have ever had Christmas lights.
"There was a great atmosphere with lots of fun and frivolity and it just shows what great results you get when a community pulls and works together."
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