The organiser of this year’s Christmas Market in Oxford has been revealed after fears that it may not go ahead.

The city council has confirmed that the market will go ahead as per usual, and it will be organised by LSD Promotions.

The announcement comes following concerns the event may not go ahead in its usual format due to the organiser for the past 14 years, Nicole Rahimi, pulling out of running the event due to her concerns about keeping the cycle lane on Broad Street open.

Oxford Mail: The Oxford Christmas MarketThe Oxford Christmas Market

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Ms Rahimi feared a “high speed collision” could take place if the county council remained adamant on keeping the cycle lane open and she accused the council of “prioritising cyclists over businesses”.

However, the announcement of a new organiser will come as a relief to many and city council leader Susan Brown said LDS Promotions had a “track record or organising events in our city”.

Ms Brown said: “I am delighted that this year’s Christmas market will once again go ahead in Broad Street.

“As well as supporting local traders, the increased footfall in the centre is a great opportunity for local businesses to attract new customers, and this year the market will take place for longer meaning there’s even more time for people to experience the joys of Christmas in Oxford.”

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The market will be held over 20 days and its opening hours will be 10am to 6pm on Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 8pm on Friday to Saturday.

Lara Davis, event organiser at LDS Promotions, said the company was “truly honoured to be entrusted with bringing the magic of the Oxford city Christmas Market to life this year”.

She said: “The market will not only provide a platform for local artisans and businesses but will also serve as a gathering place for the community to celebrate the joys of the festive season.

“As the Christmas season approaches, the Oxford City Christmas Market stands ready to spread joy, warmth, and togetherness.

“Mark your calendars and be prepared to be dazzled by a one-of-a-kind festive experience.”

The market usually pitches up for the first week of December, and includes traders selling everything from food and drinks to novel Christmas decorations.

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Last year, the county council agreed to put in place a diversion route which encouraged cyclists to pass through Cornmarket Street and Queen Street.

However, this year the county council refused to close the cycle lane and its spokesman said “the east-west cycle path through Broad Street was a key route and was important to maintain”.

County councillor and cabinet member for highway management, Andrew Gant, said the market will have an “experienced organiser” and it will run for “even longer period than usual in this wonderful Broad Street location”.

 He said: “We have worked closely with all partners to deliver a market that works for all parties, including residents, traders, and the cyclists who use Broad Street as a vital route.”

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Ed specialises in writing political stories for the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times. 

He joined in the team in February 2023, after completing a History undergraduate degree at the University of York and studying for his NCTJ diploma in London.

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