Events commemorating 250th anniversary of Oxford Covered Market announced

A series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Oxford's Covered Market have been announced.

The grade-II listed Market, designed by architect John Gwynn, first opened on 1 November 1774.

It's been announced that a cake cutting ceremony will take place on 1 November 2024 to celebrate the market's 250th birthday.

Events throughout the year will also mark the anniversary, including an Easter Egg Hunt, and a May Morning social event.

Oxford City Council are also working with a local designer to create special commemorative branding and tote bags.

The Council say they're also working with traders to plan more celebrations during the year.

Plans to future-proof the site 'for the next 250 years and beyond'

Since opening in 1774, the market has expanded from a few timber stalls to include a variety of food stalls and eateries.

It survived a post-war proposal to demolish it, and was listed as grade II in March 2000.

In recent years, the market has adopted a new leasing strategy, focusing on attracting high-quality, local independent retailers.

And in 2023, Oxford City Council announced £7m of investment, and a trial of later opening hours and better pedestrian access.

The Council hoped this would encourage more visitors to the market, "future proofing it for the next 250 years and beyond."

A Council-run consultation on future regeneration plans closed on Friday, with a report set to be prepared in March.