Oxford City Council has announced Keston Events Ltd as the organiser for this year’s Christmas event on Broad Street and Gala Lights has been selected to illuminate the city centre with new festive lights.
Keston Events has a track record of delivering high-quality events, such as Kingston Christmas Market in South West London and Gun Wharf Quays Christmas Village in Portsmouth.
It was one of several organisations that submitted a plan when the council invited expressions of interest earlier this year, and their proposal was selected as the preferred option after a rigorous scoring process.
Following feedback from previous years, the council was keen to see how the new layout of Broad Street could be used differently in the lead-up to Christmas.
Keston Events’ proposal would see the street transformed in a new and exciting way, moving away from the market model, with lots of options for families, community groups, residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the season.
Details are being finalised and Keston Events is working with the council, local businesses and stakeholders to ensure the event is a success. More information will be available soon.
In addition to a new event on Broad Street, the council also announced that Gala Lights has been awarded the contract for Christmas illuminations in the city centre.
During the tender process, the council was conscious of tight budgets and using public money responsibly. They have not increased the amount allocated to festive lighting, however, thanks to an innovative approach from Gala Lights, an enhanced display is expected.
Gala Lights plans to combine historical elements with traditional twinkling lights to create a bespoke and uniquely Oxford light scheme. It is expected that the new illuminations will bring a fresh look to the city centre.
The Council will work with Keston Events, Gala Lights and other local stakeholders to prepare an exciting programme of events throughout the city to celebrate Christmas in Oxford.
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to reinvigorate Christmas celebrations in Oxford.
“The new Broad Street layout offers a chance to use a different approach that we think will be attractive for visitors to the city centre, and the update to the Christmas lights will look great.
“Our new partners Keston are bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the city and I’m looking forward to seeing those ideas in action.”
George Gregory, Managing Director of Keston Events Ltd, said: “Keston Events is honoured to have been awarded the opportunity to organise the Christmas in Oxford event.
“We are looking forward to getting this year’s Christmas festivities underway in the city centre. With new attractions, live entertainment, and local goods, we will have all the trimmings to make Christmas in Oxford the best ever.
“Together with the council, we are confident this will position Oxford as a major festive destination, and one we are excited to build upon in the years to come, one to rival other national and European cities.
“The additional visitors this will bring will also have a positive impact right across the city, particularly for existing hotels, shops, bars and restaurants.”
