Traders at Oxford's Covered Market have been celebrating Halloween in style. 

Lots of shops at the market have decorated their windows with spooky themes with staff encouraging their customers to get in the mood for the celebrations.

Picture framing shop Covered Arts is ready for October 31 after decorating its shopfront while staff at cafe Sofi de France are also in the mood for Halloween.

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And staff at iScream gelateria haven't missed out on the opportunity to celebrate - they have created their own pumpkin spice ice cream recipe.

The Halloween festivities are the latest celebrations at the historic market which is celebrating its 250th anniversary.

Last month the city council, the market landlords hosted a big party to celebrate the landmark anniversary.

(Image: Verity Hoper) People came together to sing, dance, try out historic trails, share memories, dress up in vintage outfits, and celebrate the history of one of the city’s best-loved attractions.

A city council spokesman said at the time: "The council would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came and raised a glass to all those who have worked in, shopped in and made the market what it is during its long and treasured 250-year history."

Earlier this month, the market got a visit from Dinah Johnson, of The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society.

About a year ago Ms Johnson founder of the society, and approached the market to host a postcard writing event.

(Image: Verity Hoper) The market said on its website: "With our 250th coming up we leapt at the chance to welcome them to the market and do our bit to help with Dinah’s mission to put handwritten letters back on the map."

Ms Johnson said: "The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society is a way to bring together people who love to write and receive handwritten letters, and to stop them from becoming a lost art.

"The hope is that handwritten letters will go on forever and ever. And if the Society encourages just one person to write a letter to a friend or relative or someone famous, it will be a triumph."

The market's own postbox inspired artist Axel Scheiffler to design a postcard for Ms Johnson to celebrate this year's World Postcard Day.

(Image: Verity Hoper)

There have been events throughout the year to celebrate the 250th anniversary.

Some shops in the market have also been celebrating their own significant anniversaries.

Last year the council agreed a £6.8m package of investment to improve the market

The project includes the entrances in High Street and Market Street being transformed, larger seating areas inside, and a new space outside in a new pedestrian-friendly Market Street.

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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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