Woodley Christmas lights switch on - winners announced

The creative children, all competing from local primary schools, were busy scribbling away in recent weeks in order to have their design used to advertise the Woodley Town Centre Extravaganza, as well as the Christmas Lights Switch On ceremony and Carol Concert.

Despite many entries, the contenders, aged between seven and 10, were boiled down to just three winners, with three runner-ups.

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The three winners, Lauren Watkins, 10, Yvie Hardy, 10, and Sian Watkins, 10, will have their designs for the poster photocopied and posted all around the Woodley and Earley area, advertising the events on November 23 and December 1.

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In preparation for the extravaganza, the Woodley precinct will have its giant Christmas tree delivered and installed for Nov 12.

The Christmas Lights Switch On ceremony and Carol Concert will be officially opened by Mayor Councillor Kay Gilder, with

the winning pupils of Beechwood Primary School and St Nicholas C of E Primary School getting to flick the switch and power up all of the outdoor Christmas decorations spread across the centre.

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This year's Extravaganza, now in its 23rd year running, has been partnered with local charity Arrhythmia Alliance - Lily-May Page, and features a whole host of activities such as craft, trade and charity stalls, mulled wine and mince pies served by the Woodley and Earley Lions, and the chance to ride the Rudolph Rodeo.

There will also be theatre and dance productions, and music performances from rock choirs to jazz bands, all of which taking place on an even bigger outdoors stage than ever before.

All the poster entries for the competition will be on display in the Oakwood Centre from Monday, November 4.