A POPULAR annual event will see Witney turn pink once again as it raises funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Witney in the Pink will return for its sixteenth year on Saturday, October 1, and hopes to raise thousands for Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer.

The event, which will run from 10am to 5pm, will see the whole town decorated pink with balloons and window displays, and includes stalls and entertainment throughout the day.

Event founder Jeanne Chattoe is the chair of trustees for ABC and has been raising money for the charity for more than 25 years. She lost her sister, 41-year-old Delia Winkler, to breast cancer in 1994 and has beaten the disease twice herself.

She said: “Every year I’m still amazed at the number of shops that join in. The event has a real community feel.

“Months before it’s on I have people coming to me and asking ‘when’s Pink Day?’ and we get a lot of people who want to help.”

The day will kick off at 10am with an official opening by mayor of Witney, Chris Holliday.

One of the event’s regular attractions will see most of the businesses in in the town create vibrant pink window-displays – with the staff inside donning their most audacious pink outfits. Mr Holliday will present a prize for best window display and the best dressed.

Entertainment throughout the afternoon will include performances by Witney Town Band, Hazazz Belly Dancers, Babyballet, Body Evo and more. There will also be a tin collection, tombola and face painting.

The Laughing Stock fancy dress shop will donate 1,000 balloons to shops throughout the town.

The event regularly raises more than £5,000 for Abingdon ABC.

It was feared last year’s event would have to be cancelled due to a lack of volunteers but an appeal in the Oxford Mail and the Witney Gazette helped draw enough help for it to go on as usual.

Organisers are still looking for extra cakes for their cake stall. If you can help out get in touch via jchattoe@hotmail.com

Against Breast Cancer funds pioneering research into new treatments, tools for earlier diagnosis and advice to reduce the risk of recurrence and secondary spread.