A major UK shopping street will shut completely to traffic today (September 21) to showcase Sadiq Khan’s pedestrianisation plan. The ‘This is Oxford Street’ event will halt traffic from London‘s Selfridges to Oxford Circus between 12pm and 8pm.
The road space will be used to accommodate activities and entertainment such as live music performances, art installations, food and drink stands, and a literary festival. Brands such as Schuh, Holland & Barrett, Topshop, John Lewis, The Body Shop, and the non-profit organisation Choose Love are participating, with over 30 retailers offering deals and vouchers. The closure has been praised by the Mayor of London, who claimed it will give locals an idea of how the iconic high street could look as he moves forward with his vehicle-free vow. “This is Oxford Street is going to be a landmark, free event open for everyone and will showcase the nation’s high street as you have never seen it before, offering a glimpse of what it could look like in the future,” the mayor said when announcing the one-day event.
Here’s everything you need to know about This is Oxford Street.
Oxford Street will be split up into eight areas.
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This is Style – a celebration of Oxford Street’s fashion and retail culture, with branded activations, pop-ups, and photo opportunities from H&M, Schuh and Topshop
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This is Play – celebrating London as a global sporting hub with activities from international partners like Major League Baseball and the NBA
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This is Flavour – food and drink stalls, coffee pop-ups and bars, offering a taste of the West End’s dining scene.
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This is Sound – live music and performances, from headline acts on the main stage to acoustic corners, DJs, and secret sets. Music will be played from midday to 5pm on the acoustic stage, and from 12pm to 8pm on the main stage.
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This is Love – a charity and community-led zone that includes a showcase led by Choose Love and a wellness village hosted by Holland and Barrett.
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This is History – honouring Oxford Street’s heritage via photography and storytelling.
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This is Future – giving us a glimpse of what Oxford Street might look like in the future.
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This is Me – interactive selfie spots and experiences to capture the day, including face-painting.
Transport for London recommends using public transport, walking or cycling to This is Oxford Street. As such, a number of Tube stations are expected to be busier than usual, so if possible, avoid them.
The busiest stations are expected to include Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, and Marble Arch.
TfL is instead urging anyone seeking a quieter and more comfortable journey to take the Elizabeth line to Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road.
Routes that usually travel via Oxford Street will utilise the following side streets:
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94 (northbound) – Regent Street to Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street
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94 (southbound) – Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street to Regent Street
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98/390/N98/N207 (westbound) – Regent Street to Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street
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98/390/N98/N207 (eastbound) – Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street to Regent Street
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139/N113 (northbound) – Regent Street to Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street
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139/N113 (southbound) – Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street to Regent Street
Route 73 will temporarily terminate at Tottenham Court Road, a few streets short of its usual final stop at Oxford Circus. Additionally, routes 7, N7, and N137 will end at Marble Arch.
These restrictions apply from 9pm Saturday (September 20) until 4am on Monday morning (September 22).
