OXFORD’S Christmas Market will be held in Broad Street this year after a petition that attracted more than 1,200 signatures.

The popular market, which had been held at Oxford Castle for three years, was cancelled last year after a bid to move the event to Broad Street was rejected by Oxford City Council because of a lack of support from traders.

Businesses say holding the market over 10 days was a compromise instead of the four-week stay the promoter had originally applied for.

Organiser Nicole Rahimi, from Iffley, said: “It has been a long battle and obviously I am very pleased. I am sure the petition played a part.

“If I hadn’t had the petition I might not have had this positive outcome.”

Ms Rahimi, who ran the market over 17 days when it was at Oxford Castle, said: “It is now 10 days which is great. I have to take what I can get and prove it is a good event, and let it grow.”

There will be 40 festive decorated stalls offering Christmas gifts in Broad Street from Friday, December 13, to Sunday, December 22.

Matthew Cox, manager at the Varsity Shop in Broad Street, said the original application for a longer market was “ridiculous” and added: “I think two weeks is a good compromise.

“I don’t think the market necessarily increases business, it increases footfall to the street.

“I would be very concerned if I was one of the traders selling tea or cakes, as one of the stalls sells them.”

But Zool Verjee, from Blackwell’s Bookshop, said: “From our point of view, the more events – of all kinds – that happen in Broad Street the better.

“We are aware that Broad Street is slightly away from the absolute centre of town and so the more reasons that people have to wander down the street and enjoy what’s going on here the better.”

City council events officer Alison Drummond said: “We have been working hard over the last couple of months with the Oxford Christmas Market organiser to help her run her event in Broad Street.

“Through this very successful work we have been able to allow the market to take place for two weeks in Broad Street.

“There is a Broad Street protocol in place which limits the amount of markets in the area.

“However, we feel that this will be a wonderful addition to the area for two weeks and will bring people to this part of the city.”

Choirs and bands performing Christmas carols will be invited to add to the festive atmosphere throughout the market’s 10-day operation.