Crowds of people dancing, smiling socialising in the market

WOW what a night.  The Covered Market came alive like never before as crowds flocked in to celebrate our 250th Anniversary at what was quite possibly the biggest celebration the market has ever had!

5 photographs in a montage showing party scenes in the market dancing, live music being played, two people holding saying cheers, and one with happy crowds smiling in a market avenue

People sang, danced, went on historic theatrical trails of the market,  recalled memories in our audio booth, and traders partied with their customers. It was also wonderful to see so many people dressed in vintage outfits.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that came and raised a glass with us. It was so important to celebrate those that have worked in, and used the market over it’s long and treasured 250 year history. We’d also like a to say a huge thank you to the incredible artists and local organisations that came together to provide the evening’s entertainment. It really did add that extra special bit of magic to the evening.

All the artists and organisations were Oxford based. Thank you to Muse’s Kiss, Milady Clare’s Musicke and the Steph Pirrie Triowho took us through the musical ages with stunning performances all night;  thank you to Oxford Lindy Hoppers for transforming our central area into a fantastic dancefloor and teaching everyone the Charlston, and thank you to Oxford Peoples Theatre for wowing everyone with an incredible interactive theatrical trail across the market – it was like crazy time travelling while still staying in the now – how did they do that!?

We’d also like to thank local historian Malcolm Graham for his short history of the market tours. Last but very much by no means least we welcomed back multimedia artist Charlie Henry whose Market Memories recording booth gathered in so many wonderful first hand accounts of what the market has meant to so many. You’ll be able to hear those very soon on our brand new Market Memories page.  If you didn’t make the booth or the party, you can add your own at any time.

 

collection of 8 images showing artists playing music, acting out theatre and people running a dance class

collection of 6 pictures of people dressed in eye catching outfits for the best dressed awards

It doesn’t end there.  Look out for our social media posts this week as we ask you to let us know who you think should win the Best Dressed prize for the night.

The prize is a hamper packed full of Covered Market gifts for that lucky person who’s picture receives the most likes on Facebook, combined with comments on Instagram. Thank you to Teardrop Bar, Wicked Chocolate, Next to Nothing, Goodies, The Woolhound, Fedele Oxford, Woollen Cosy Life, Market Tap, Jemini Flowers, Crystal Spirit Emporium, and Soctopus for donating the wonderful hamper gifts.

Check out more 250th activities and events lined up for this year by heading to our dedicated 250th Anniversary page!