The new organisers of Oxford's Christmas Market have submitted a planning applicant for this year's event. 

Oxford City Council recently confirmed Keston Events will be organising this year's event in Broad Street while Gala Lights will be in charge of the city centre's festive decorations.

Keston Events is known for delivering successful events such as the Kingston Christmas Market in south west London and the Gun Wharf Quays Christmas Village in Portsmouth.

It was one of several organisations to submit a plan when the council invited expressions of interest earlier this year.

The firm will be transforming Broad Street in a new way, moving away from the traditional market model and offering various options for families, community groups, residents, and visitors to enjoy throughout the festive season.

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Oxford Christmas Market plans (Image: Oxford City Council) George Gregory, managing director of Keston Events, has submitted a planning application for the temporary installation of wooden chalets, a two storey lodge bar and seating and associated street furniture, rides/attractions, stage and toilets. 

In the application's event plan, it said: “None of the market or features will impinge on the traffic routes passing along Broad Street. West end in front of Balliol College will be available for Stalls, seating and a stage. 

“In all there will be 32 craft stalls each with a footprint of 3m x 2m, opening the full length of the 3m front. 

“Additionally at the west end there will be six, 3m x 2m stalls selling food and beverages

“Food and beverage stalls at the west end will be arranged on either side of the street with picnic seating and benches (fixed units) located between the two rows

“The centre piece of the west end will be Christmas Tree Bratwurst Grill

“A small stage will be constructed at the east end of the catering area for local performers. 

“Planning permission is being sought to cover the installation of the two rides

“It is understood that the existing planning permission covers the stalls being in place for more than 28 days.”

The plans added that construction work will start on Monday, November 18 and last until the evening of Friday, November 22. 

Mr Gregory previously said: "We are looking forward to getting this year’s Christmas festivities underway in the city centre.

"With new attractions, live entertainment and local goods, we will have all the trimmings to make Christmas in Oxford the best ever.

"The additional visitors this will bring will also have a positive impact right across the city, particularly for existing hotels, shops, bars and restaurants."

The market is due to open on Saturday, November 23 until Sunday, January 5. 

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby