The countdown is under way to a spectacular new event for Banbury – the Victorian Christmas Market.

It takes place later this month - from Friday, November 25 until Sunday, November 27.

It is being staged by town centre champions Banbury BID and will feature 130 stalls offering a range of gifts, food, drink and entertainment – with many of the town's businesses also joining in to conjure up the atmosphere of Christmas past.

Traders will be dressed in Victorian style, there will be a stunning carousel and other fairground rides, a Victorian police officer on the beat - plus stilt walkers and performers on Penny Farthings out and about.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto, there will be lantern-making workshops and a Nutcracker trail to follow around the town with the chance to win an iPad mini.

A stage will be set up with entertainment from a number of dance groups from the area and a DJ will compere the occasion, giving a shout-out to businesses.

Banbury BID strategist Jasmine Gilhooly said: "We wanted to create something new for the town that would boost trade in the all-important run-up to Christmas and we are thrilled that everybody is pulling together to make it a memorable occasion.

"We have been able to make the charter market part of it and Cherwell District Council has supported the road closures we need to make it happen."

The BID is working with LSD Promotions, which has huge experience in running similar markets across the Midlands.

Jasmine added: "These events are a huge success where our partners LSD run them already – such as in Stratford and Oxford – but now there is no need to go elsewhere to get in the festive spirit, it's happening right here, the perfect attraction for our historic market town!

"All the stalls have been snapped up and we hope visitors will also get in the Victorian spirit by dressing for the occasion and will make a day or night of it by following up their shopping with a meal in one of our fantastic pubs and restaurants."

"It's free to attend, it's going be a wonderful three days and we hope it will become a regular feature on the Banbury Christmas calendar!"

The market, sponsored by Swish Fibre, will run from 10am-8pm on the Friday and Saturday, followed by 10am-6pm on the Sunday, when it will coincide with another great moment in the run-up to Christmas - the lights switch-on organised by Banbury Town Council.

Leader of the town council, Cllr Kieron Mallon said: "Banbury's Christmas street lights are new and spectacular. We think they are the best for miles around.  

"Christmas is a season of happiness and goodwill and the new street lights, the market, the entertainment and the switch-on will create a wonderful festive atmosphere."