Traders at the Covered Market in Oxford are celebrating its 250th anniversary.
New banners and bunting have now gone up at the historic market and there will be a series of special celebrations throughout the year to mark the anniversary.
Traders gathered last week for a photo shoot to celebrate the landmark year.
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The anniversary follows a very positive 2023 for the market.
Last year it welcomed several new businesses and market landlords, the city council, launched later opening hours.
New businessesopening included Il Corno, a shop and bar selling food and drink inspired by the Italian city of Naples.
Oxford-based craft brewery Tap Social opened a new venue at the market, known as The Market Tap.
It was one of several businesses deciding to take part in the extended evening hours with traders now operating until 11pm from Thursday to Saturday.
The new opening hours followed positive feedback from traders and shoppers when they were consulted, and are being trialled for 12 months.
Footfall in the market has improved, and since April last year the number of shoppers has been above 2022 and pre-pandemic levels.
City council leader Susan Brown said: "It is amazing to think of the 250 years of history of our lovely Covered Market in Oxford.
"As we all celebrate this year, I, like many other residents of Oxford, have childhood and more recent memories of the market.
"As we celebrate the new life and businesses alongside the traditional, it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be part of its history.
“The Covered Market has not only survived all this time, but it has evolved and changed to keep up with the times. It is now one of the UK's oldest continuously trading markets.
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"There will always be businesses we miss but it’s great to see fantastic new ones spring up alongside those that have been at the heart of the market for years such as Cardews, Brown’s Café, Georgina’s, The Garden and David John.
“The Covered Market continues to attract a unique mix of exciting and independent businesses.
"I'm proud of the work we’re doing, like the trial of later opening hours, to ensure it stays at the heart of our city for generations to come."
The council leader added that this year there will be lots of events in and around the market.
She said these will "showcase how it has evolved throughout its 250-year history and lay the foundation for a thriving future, continuing to attract local residents as well as visitors from around the world".
Lauren Wellard from Big Top Design created the artwork for the 250th anniversary celebrations and Carbon Colour printers printed the eco-friendly bunting.
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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
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