Banbury Town Mayor’s Toy Appeal 2026 Begins

One of Banbury’s most popular Christmas campaigns – the Town Mayor’s Toy Appeal – is returning for 2026 after highly successful runs in previous years.

Banbury residents are once again being asked to drop off any unused toys that are in new or excellent condition. With duplicate purchases, unwanted birthday / Christmas presents and other situations leading to excess toys, games and other items cluttering up the house, this is a perfect opportunity to clear some space and also ensure that items go to a family in need this festive season.

Toys can be dropped off at the reception desk in Banbury Town Hall, which is open between 9:30am and 4:30pm. With the initiative in full swing as of Tuesday 2nd November, residents are asked to bring in toys before the deadline, which this year falls on Tuesday 1^st December. This date has been chosen to ensure that the toys have plenty of time to make it to their new homes in time for Christmas towards the end of the month.

The Banbury Town Mayor’s Toy Appeal has seen plenty of donations, and is one of the council’s most successful annual charity drives. The success of the 2025 appeal ensured that dozens of families were able to enjoy Christmas, and the council is anticipating similar levels of success in 2026.

The current Town Mayor, Councillor Mark Cherry, 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.’

There is no limit to how many toys can be brought in, or what type of toy – so long as they are intended for children between the ages of 0-18 and are new or in excellent condition – that means clean, no scuffs or marks, no breakages, and preferably from a smoke-free home. Toys can be designed exclusively for babies and toddlers, and we’re also looking for soft toys and board games too.

Please note that all board games, jigsaws and construction kits will need to be fully complete if they are donated.