A FLURRY of festive activity is going on in Blackbird Leys this weekend as residents prepare for the second Christmas lights switch-on in the estate's history.

Churchgoer Russell Price began to rally the troops in May this year for a 'winter festival' following the success of the first event on the Oxford estate last December.

Some 14 organisations, from schools to scaffolders, councils to community groups, are now pitching in to make Tuesday's event a night to remember.

Mr Price, of Pegasus Road, said: "Last year went extremely well considering it was organised at comparatively short notice. It was great so many people took part.

"But I think we learned some things that could be improved on. It's been very busy, with some interesting surprises, but we're on top of the situation."

The switch-on will be held outside the Church of the Holy Family in Cuddesdon Way, with the church's Communi-tea cafe serving hot soup, mulled wine and mince pies.

Traders from Blackbird Leys and Garsington will pitch up on the green with an array of Christmas crafts for sale while youngsters can visit Santa in his grotto.

Ahead of the main event, in which deputy Lord Mayor Rae Humberstone will switch on the lights, there will be performances from three different choirs: pupils from the Blackbird Academy Trust, members of the Oxford Polish Association and the Blackbird Leys Choir, with the latter accompanied by the Salvation Army Band.

Pupils from The Oxford Academy will also put on a short dramatic performance of a segment of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.

Mr Price said: "It's brilliant. Some of the youngsters are clearly very excited about being part of this great choir, which could be about 60 children.

"I think there's going to be more of a countdown, which will make sure the event goes off with a great fizz. And there will be a surprise when the lights are turned on."

The donated tree itself is being brought to the green from Wheatley Christmas Tree Farm by staff at Raw, the workshop and social enterprise in Dunnock Way.

It will be festooned with 1,000 Christmas lights by a delegation from Knights Road drug and alcohol recovery hub MYOX4 ahead of the main event.

Paul Whitman, manager of the Delteys store in Blackbird Leys Road who first came up with the idea last year, said: "Russell has put a lot of effort in.

"There were at least 200 people last year and hopefully this year it will improve. It's to try and bring the community together for an hour or so and sing a few carols."

Blackbird Leys Choir alto singer Lynn Hawkins added: "It's going to be incredibly good. For a first attempt least year wasn't bad, but this is going to be a whole lot better."

The event was supported by a £1,500 donation from Blackbird Leys Parish Council and £500 from Delteys, with the sound system on loan from nearby studio Soundworks.