|
Oxford Castle Launched
10 December 2005
 The launch of Oxford Castle on 1st December 2005 saw the attendance of 2,800 people, despite unremitting rain which persisted for the whole evening. Nevertheless, the guests arrived, the luckiest booking into the Malmaison Hotel during the late afternoon, and those coming only for the party thronging through the New Road entrance at 7p.m. Almost all the guests (who arrived by invitation only) stayed for the whole evening and as a finale, saw the most amazing firework display, accompanied by classical music, releasing a blaze of colour, light and sounds which could be seen in the night sky over St. George's Tower and heard from all over the City. Even in the unrelenting rain, guests were welcomed on arrival to the party by Trevor Osborne and his team. Photographers were on hand to make a permanent record of the party which was staged in the newly created public spaces of Oxford Castle which were brought to life as a Victorian street scene complete with horse and carriage and with actors playing the parts of prison warders, prisoners, pick pockets, flower sellers and muffin men. The Celebration String Quartet, Oxford Jazz Quintet and The Tropicalia Latin Band provided the music and at various locations throughout Oxford Castle the sounds of the saxophone filled the air. The country's most successful "Elvis look-alike" performed "Jail House Rock" from the hotel atrium, which was also the stage set for popular opera arias performed by Opera Anywhere. There seemed almost no end or limit to the entertainment on offer.
 Guests were treated to champagne and canapés served by local Oxford caterers "Elegant Cuisine" and the restaurants offered samples of their delicious and varied menus. Party goers even had the opportunity of trying a Krispy Kreme Doughnut (which does not officially open until March of next year).
The party, held to celebrate the culmination of this eight year project, was attended by celebrities and dignitaries, including top members of both the County and City Councils with many guests remaining until the early hours to help start the life of Oxford's Oldest New Quarter.
 The general consensus was that the project is a wonderful addition to the cultural and architectural assets of the City and that Oxford Castle is now established as a unique place which is part of the City's heritage with its remarkable Malmaison Hotel – "which dares to be different" – its 8 restaurants, its new public spaces and its cultural attractions which are yet to be added. This will be a place where the City's residents and visitors alike will be able to experience a splendid hotel, good food and entertainment to suit all tastes and types.
During December, Father Christmas will be calling, carols will be sung and the Castle will take on a festive air to celebrate Christmas. Among the attractions will be a book signing to launch the three books which are being published to celebrate the opening of the Castle. Mark Davies, whose "From Dunghills to Dungeons" charts the lives of those who lived and worked at the Castle during its long and eventful history. "Classic Locations" includes Oxford Castle as an intriguing Oxford location within its pages and Jude Wall is publishing a book of her photographs which chart the transition of Oxford Castle from the City's gaol to what it is today – a part of the City with its public attractions, entertainment and amusement. The book signing will take place at Tootsie's on 8 th December at 12.00 noon. All these books are relevant as makers of our historic event in the 1,000 years history of the Castle. An early reservation is recommended in order to meet the authors and to secure your table on the book launch day as both the Malmaison Hotel and the restaurants are reporting heavy bookings as Oxford moves towards Christmas.
The potential of Oxford Castle has been released and it is being recognised for the place which now welcomes residents and visitors to "Oxford's Oldest New Quarter".
Here are some of the comments made by some of the revellers after the party:
- Oxford Castle will be the talk of the town
- The scheme and the units looked absolutely fantastic
- Many congratulations for bringing a vision into reality, under such tight constraints
- A truly spectacular night on Thursday 1st December 2005
- Oxford has a truly lovely venue to satisfy everyone's needs
- The atmosphere was really authentic and special, service impeccable and first impressions breathtaking
- Fantastic food and fireworks
- I heard many people commenting that Oxford has long needed something like this project. Congratulations on filling the gap and making Oxford a better place
- It was a super do – such style, such glamour, absolutely gorgeous – the Castle looked amazing – the architecture/street-scape is just superb, 21st century living has been brought to Oxford in one beautifully wrapped parcel for everyone to enjoy, really heaven
- It was a spectacular evening
- Quite the best ever and clearly a huge success
- Stunning setting
- It is a spectacular mix that works wonderfully
- The buildings looked spectacular
- It was a most enjoyable occasion and the fireworks were fantastic!
- Refreshing, uplifting, excellent
- The more I see it, the more impressed I become
|
