The free event is part of Sadiq Khan’s plans to pedestrianise the 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch
Cars and buses will be banned from part of Oxford Street tomorrow (Sunday, September 21) to showcase Sadiq Khan’s pedestrianisation plan. His free This is Oxford Street event will halt traffic from Selfridges to Oxford Circus between noon and 8pm, with diversions in place from 9pm this evening (Saturday).
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 non-profit organisation Choose Love are taking part, with over 30 retailers offering deals and vouchers.
The “landmark” closure will give Londoners an idea of how the iconic high street could soon look as the Mayor moves forward with his vehicle-free vow. The plans have proven controversial thus far, with Westminster City Council’s Labour administration raising a number of concerns following the announcement last year.
Businesses have however welcomed the change, though many feel antisocial behaviour and rough sleeping must be sorted first to properly ‘revitalise’ the area. A public consultation also found around 70 per cent of people surveyed are in favour. Here’s everything you need to know about This is Oxford Street.
What can I do there?
This is Oxford Street will be split up into eight areas.
- 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
- This is Play – celebrating London as a global sporting hub with activities from international partners like Major League Baseball and the NBA
- This is Flavour – food and drink stalls, coffee pop-ups and bars, offering a taste of the West End’s dining scene.
- 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.
- This is Love – charity and community-led zone including a showcase led by Choose Love and featuring a wellness village hosted by Holland and Barrett.
- This is History – honouring Oxford Street’s heritage via photography and storytelling.
- This is Future – giving us a glimpse of what Oxford Street might look like in the future.
- This is Me – interactive selfie spots and experiences to capture the day, including face-painting.
How to get there
Transport for London (TfL) 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
- 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.
Bus diversions
Routes that usually travel via Oxford Street will utilise the following side streets:
- 94 (northbound): Regent Street to Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street
- 94 (southbound) – Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street to Regent Street
- 98/390/N98/N207 (westbound) – Regent Street to Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street
- 98/390/N98/N207 (eastbound) – Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street to Regent Street
- 139/N113 (northbound) – Regent Street to Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street
- 139/N113 (southbound) – Henrietta Place/Wigmore Street to Regent Street
Route 73 will temporarily terminate at Tottenham Court Road, stopping 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 will apply from 9pm tonight (Saturday, September 20) until 4am on Monday morning (September 22).
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