By Denise Barkley

Over the past 23 years, Witney in Pink Day has been a highlight of the calendar and, next weekend (Saturday September 28) it’s back again – bigger, better and brighter than ever.

This is the 24th Witney in Pink Day and over the years and with constant support from the people of Witney and district, this vibrant community-based fundraiser has brought in approximately £300,000 for the Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer’s vital research to improve detection, treatment and increase survival from breast cancer.

Alex Simpson and town crier Jean Postlethwaite-Dixon proclaim Pink Day (Image: Witney Against Breast Cancer Action Group) Organised by the charity’s Witney Action Group and sponsored by the town’s Blue Boar pub and Print Ready printers, a bumper day of pink-themed entertainment has been lined up and everyone’s being urged to dress in something pink and join in the fun in the town centre.

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It will be decked out with hundreds of biodegradable pink balloons and the local shops will compete to win cups for the best decorated pink window and the ‘pinkest’-dressed staff.

A particular highlight is the long-running event’s best-ever programme of street entertainment, with 18 talented performers on the bill.

It features everything from soloists and local choirs to bands and dancers and runs from 10am to 4.45pm. Windrush Radio will be broadcasting live in the morning too.

There will be the usual Grand Tombola, cake stall and tin collection, along with a parade of pink cars leaving the Windrush pub at 12.30pm, this year accompanied by members of Witney Scooter Club.

After travelling around town, they will all be parking up on Church Green for viewing and the chance to take ‘selfies’ – there will be some brilliant entertainment here too.

Last year's Pink Day raised over £5,000 and was hailed as 'the best ever'.

Jean Postlethwaite-Dixon and Lyn Oswin have already turned Witney Town Council's shop pink (Image: Against Breast Cancer Witney Action Group)

“Witney in Pink Day is a magical event – the support every year is tremendous and unwavering,” said chairman Jeanne Chattoe, from Witney, who last year received the British Empire Medal for her breast cancer fundraising.

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“Lots of shops and businesses have their own fundraisers too, the town unites behind us and it’s brilliant

“It’s raised awareness too, helping an awful lot of people to talk about breast cancer and reach out for help and support.”

Cake and tombola donations can be dropped off beforehand at The Shake Shop in Witney or, on the day, at the Pink Day tombola and cake stalls from 8.30am.

If you can help or would like to be involved in any way, email Mrs Chattoe at jchattoe@hotmail.com