Day of events to celebrate pedestrian-friendly changes to Market Street

Oxford City Council will celebrate the pedestrian-friendly changes made to Market Street by hosting a day of free activities later this month.

The celebratory event will take place on July 25 from midday, and will also mark the launch of an 18-month trial of the pedestrian-friendly updates, which were completed in late spring.

Residents can expect a welcome from Oxford lord mayor, councillor Mike Rowley, followed by an afternoon of family-friendly activities, and live music in the evening.

Market Street (Image: CoHSAT)

From midday to 3pm, visitors can enjoy two 35-minute performances by WhatNot Theatre, dragon arts and crafts with The Story Museum, a virtual trip to space with The Space Store, arts and crafts with the Museum of Oxford, and balloon modelling and stilt walking.

From 5pm to 8pm, residents can unwind with jazz duo, Fifi Le Mer, regulars at Upstairs at Ronnie Scotts.

Tom Bridgman, executive director of development, said: "The Market Street party will be a fantastic opportunity to show off what is possible in the new pedestrian-friendly street.

"The council has planned an exciting programme of events for the day to keep everyone entertained."

Market Street will be closed to all traffic from 10am – 4pm, reopening for loading from 4pm until 8pm.

A consultation about the modifications is currently open on Oxfordshire County Council’s website, and feedback is invited from the public and stakeholders.