Here is a look back at some photos from the Oxford Mail archive, taken during the late 1970s.
It was a time when the Anti-Nazi League handed out leaflets in the city centre, and shoppers rushed to beat a big VAT rise being introduced by the Chancellor.
Midsummer madness hit Oxford city centre in June 1979 as hordes of shoppers set out to beat the Chancellor's big VAT increases.
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Traders reported a huge increase in business in the final day's grace before the budget changed.
A spokesman for Curry's said trade was at least double the usual level over their whole range of goods.
They said: "A lot of the spending in the last few days has been impulse buying. I wondered, in view of the petrol difficulties, whether people might not be cancelling holidays and using the cash for a new fridge or washing machine."
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Fears about petrol supplies persuaded people to leave their cars at home as they set off on the spending spree.
The previous year, 1978, residents from across the city gathered to mark an age-old custom.
The traditional ceremony of Beating of the Bounds was held during Ascension Day in May.
The custom involving beating boundary stones with willow sticks developed to help property owners establish and maintain their land boundaries.
Participants walked the boundaries of three ancient city centre parishes including St Martin, All Saints, and St Michael.
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The two-hour march was led by city Rector Rev 'Mac' Ramm, despite injuries suffered during a skiing accident earlier that year.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford Dora Carr also joined beaters along the route.
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About the author
Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.
His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning.
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