Oxford
Inspires' Statement on WinterLight
3 November
2008
After
recent articles in the media about Christmas celebrations
in Oxford, we have issued the following statement.
We are sorry that a distorted and inaccurate
portrayal of the WinterLight Festival in the press
has given offence to people, and that the event itself has
been so maligned.
WinterLight is a festival of winter events which
happen from mid November to early January across Oxfordshire,
many of which incorporate candlelight, fire or illuminations.
Across Oxfordshire WinterLight features many Christmas events
including Christmas Lights Switch Ons, a Christmas Festival
and an Advent Fair. It also includes winter events such as
pantomime shows, opera on ice and music concerts by candlelight.
WinterLight
Oxford on 28th November coincides with the city‘s Christmas
Lights switch on event and with the re-opening of Bonn Square.
WinterLight is happening in addition to Oxford City
Council's Christmas programme which includes Christmas trees,
Christmas Lights and the annual Carol Concert.
WinterLight
does not distance itself from Christmas in the slightest.
Oxford Inspires has not suggested removing the word “Christmas“
from festive events. It has never considered doing so. The
“WinterLight” publicity brochure features a Christmas tree
on the cover and is in the format of an Advent Calendar with
windows opening to reveal events.
WinterLight
builds on the successful festival of the same name in November
and December 2007. WinterLight Oxford builds on a
similar event last year which involved the late night opening
of many museums and galleries, with musical events, food and
drink, and activities for children and was enjoyed by over
7,000 people.
Sarah
Maxfield
Chief
Executive, Oxford Inspires
Tony
Stratton
Chairman,
Oxford Inspires
Support
for the WinterLight Festival
Oxford
Inspires has been receiving statements in support of the WinterLight
Festival:
I support
the ‘Winter Light Festival' and have actively done so in previous
years. The Ark T Centre, a community arts project based in
my church, has been a close partner of Oxford Inspires since
2004. I applaud the work of Oxford Inspires and greatly
value the relationship the Ark T Centre has with an organisation
which has initiated and supported a whole range of creative
projects across the city, including two fantastic festivals
of light in December 2005 and 2007. The winter light festivals
have been among the best community events the city has had. I
will be at the Winter Light Festival on 28th November.
James
Grote (Revd.)
Minister: John Bunyan Baptist Church
Director:
Ark T Centre
The
Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, said:
As
a board member of Oxford Inspires I am delighted to offer
my support for the WinterLight 2008 Festival. WinterLight
is made up of a whole series of festival events, some of which
are related to Christmas and others which are not. Oxford
Inspires has made it clear that it recognises the religious
and cultural importance of Christmas.
For the latest article
in The Oxford Times, please click
here.
Back to news page...
|
