Oxford city centre has been promised "a new lease of life" with the unveiling of a new-look Bonn Square.

With transformation of the city's most infamous rundown area well under way, councillors are ready to celebrate what they hope will be a landmark moment in the regeneration of Oxford's West End.

Plans have been announced for a "people's opening ceremony" on November 28, which will form part of the Oxford's Winter Light celebrations.

The city council's £2m redevelopment of Bonn Square will be marked by an official civic opening next May, attended by representatives from Bonn.

But the completion of work and its unveiling is to be marked six months early, with a procession of lanterns made by schoolchildren and an extravaganza of music and dance.

The improved square — which is designed to host public performances — will include bronze seating, landmark structural lighting and seven semi-mature trees.

And it is hoped the lights event, organised by Oxford Inspires, the city council and West End Partnership, will showcase how the new area will be used in the future.

Council chief executive Peter Sloman said: "The West End Renaissance will help Oxford city centre move into the 21st century in terms of culture, tourism, design, the economy, transport and environmental responsibility."