The Town Mayor's Toy Appeal is back: leave new or excellent-condition toys for 0 to 18s at Banbury Town Hall, 9.30am to 4.30pm, until Tuesday 1 December.

Banbury Town Council is collecting new and nearly-new toys for local families again this Christmas, and the deadline is Tuesday 1 December. Toys can be left at the reception desk in Banbury Town Hall on Bridge Street, which is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The Town Mayor’s Toy Appeal opened on 2 November. The council says it is one of its most successful annual charity drives and that last year’s appeal meant “dozens of families were able to enjoy Christmas”. It expects a similar response this year.

What they want, and what they cannot take

There is no limit on how many toys you bring or what kind, as long as they are:

  • for children aged 0 to 18
  • new or in excellent condition, which the council spells out as “clean, no scuffs or marks, no breakages, and preferably from a smoke-free home”

Toys for babies and toddlers are welcome, and the council says it is also looking for soft toys and board games. Any board game, jigsaw or construction kit must be complete, with every piece.

The council suggests the appeal is a good home for duplicate presents, unwanted birthday or Christmas gifts and the toys and games that end up “cluttering up the house”.

The 1 December cut-off has been set so the toys have time to reach the families before Christmas.

A Thames Valley Police van with its rear doors open, decorated with tinsel and loaded with wrapped and boxed toys, on a street lit with Christmas lights
A Thames Valley Police van loaded with toys from the appeal. Photo: supplied by Banbury Town Council

The Mayor’s appeal

Councillor Mark Cherry, the Town Mayor, said:

“The Town Mayor’s Toy Appeal is one of the highlights of the year, and is all about making Christmas happen for families across the local area. Every year has been a great success, but in 2026 we’re really hoping to see it go the extra mile.

“I encourage anyone who is able to do so to drop off their new or excellent-condition toys at the Town Hall so they can go to a good home. You’ll be helping a family to enjoy Christmas as well as make some cherished memories.”

Where the toys go

The council’s poster for this year names three 2026 benefactors: the Horton Children’s Ward, Banbury Family Help at Oxfordshire County Council, and the Let’s Play Project.

Poster for the Banbury Town Mayor's Christmas Toy Appeal: toys for all ages wanted, new or excellent condition, drop off at Banbury Town Hall, Bridge Street, OX16 5QB, 2 November to 1 December 2026, benefactors Horton Children's Ward, Oxfordshire County Council Banbury Family Help and Let's Play Project
The council's poster for the 2026 appeal. Photo: supplied by Banbury Town Council

At a glance

  • Where: reception, Banbury Town Hall, Bridge Street, Banbury OX16 5QB
  • When: 9.30am to 4.30pm, now until Tuesday 1 December
  • What: new or excellent-condition toys, games, soft toys and complete board games, jigsaws and kits for ages 0 to 18
  • Questions: email info@banbury.gov.uk or call 01295 250340

Banbury Town Council posts updates on its events on Facebook and on Instagram as @banburyevents.