News
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Christmas Light Night - An Evening To Remember
Approximately 29,000 revellers were attracted to the streets of Oxford for this year's official opening to the festive season.
Now in its fourth year, Christmas Light Night has become a regular fixture in the Oxford Christmas calendar.
Most of the cities museums, galleries and cultural venues stayed open late to welcome in the visitors to the city centre.
Rachel Capell, City Events Officer at Oxford City Council, says: "We are delighted with the success of Christmas Night Light.
"We worked hard to provide an event that people enjoyed in St Giles which is a better space for people to enjoy the markets, the fun fair, the lantern procession and the stage performances.
"We will be looking at holding the event there in future years and whether we can bring Christmas lights to that area."
Kathelene Weiss, Director, Oxford Inspires, says: "I am delighted that so many people came to Oxford and enjoyed the night.
"The evening was made possible through the direct involvement and support from MINI Plant Oxford which was crucial in ensuring that the lantern parade could take place again this year. We are grateful for the support from cultural organisations and local organisations who made this night a great event for the community.
"Work will soon begin on plans for 2012's event and if we are going to top this year we will need even more supporters. If you feel you could play a role in supporting Christmas Light Night next year please contact Oxford Inspires."
A spectacular lantern procession involving 300 children from schools across the city paraded around the city before a rallying chorus of the 12 Days of Christmas in St Giles.
This year's lantern procession was made possible by MINI Plant Oxford. Amazing lanterns were made into shapes to represent the 12 Days of Christmas using willow and tissue paper at school and community workshops with artists Cool 'n' Groovy from the Ark T Centre in recent weeks.
The stage in St Giles hosted six hours of singing, dancing and celebrations from more than 200 performers including Out of the Blue. Also on hand were dance groups Messy Jam and Flaw R Tists.
Later in the evening sound sculpture Unsilent Night sauntered through the streets with a co-ordinated cascade of sound courtesy of a roving swarm of audio devices brought along by more than 50 participants. This community promenade by composer Phil Kline made its debut in New York in 1992 and now brings people together in cities around the world.
To take part in consultation about the event visit http://www.oxford.gov.uk/christmaslightnightsurvey
Christmas Light Night in Oxford was co-ordinated by Oxford Inspires, Oxford City Council and Ian Nolan Events on behalf of communities and cultural organisations across the city.
