Oxford City Council has created a new Champion for events, live music and the nighttime economy.
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of the Council, announced that Councillor James Taylor will take on the new role at a Full Council meeting last night (6 October).
The aim is for Councillor Taylor to champion the importance of a vibrant cultural offer and nightlife within the city and the wider community, and provide insight and advice to Cabinet Members for decision-making.
Councillor Taylor will work closely alongside Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture, and Councillor Lubna Arshad, Cabinet Member for A Safer Oxford.
The Council has four other Champions:
- Councillor Mary Clarkson, Heritage Champion
- Councillor Mark Lygo, Armed Forces and Veterans Champion
- Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Small Business Champion
- Councillor Louise Upton, Cycling Champion
The positions are unpaid, and the Champions will continue to fulfil their duties as local councillors, representing their constituents.
“Oxford has a long tradition of excellent communal events from May Morning to the Christmas Lights Festival and street fairs including the Cowley Road Carnival. I want to make sure we continue to support events like these, and in particular, get the Cowley Road Carnival back on track as a regular event in our city’s calendar.
“Additionally, Oxford is a university city, with an economy that strongly relies on students and young people. In common with other cities, Oxford has seen a decline in the number of venues available for live music and nightlife – and this can have a knock-on effect on the wider economy. Our residents need jobs, and our businesses need support. I will use my position as champion to work with new businesses who would like to expand into Oxford’s nightlife economy, and support existing businesses to keep contributing to our local culture. In doing this, I will work closely with Cabinet Members Hollingsworth and Arshad to make sure this nightlife economy is safe for the people that use it and the residents that live around it.”
Councillor James Taylor, Events, Live Music and the Nighttime Economy Champion
“Oxford is the home of Radiohead, Supergrass, Foals, Ride and Glass Animals. Events, live music and the nighttime economy are key industries in Oxford.
“James will be a great champion for this vital aspect of our city’s life and will work with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture to ensure that our city continues to thrive.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
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