Community space may have seen last public event

Oktoberfest by the Oxford Canal in Mount Place, Jericho, featured four local musicians and food and drink but could have been the last

After five years, a revived suburban space, may have seen its last community event because the organiser is finding it too difficult to put them on.

Oktoberfest by the Oxford Canal in Mount Place in Jericho featured four local musicians, food and drink suppliers such as Little Ox Brew, and several stalls on Saturday afternoon.

It was the 15th free public event of its kind organised by John Mair who was also behind Lazy Saturday and Lazy Sunday during the spring and summer months.

But Mr Mair said that despite the success, his age and required workload had turned organising them into "a bit of an uphill struggle". He said unless someone wanted to take over this might be the end.

John Mair said there was "actually a lot of enjoyment" in organising the Mount Place events

Mr Mair started the events after Oxford City Council revamped Mount Place "by putting in some quite expensive stone" and volunteers from the Greening Jericho group "put in some lovely plants".

"It became a nice communal area for people to use, except they weren't using it," he said.

He said his events, which he was given permission to do just before the 2020 lockdown, were "designed for people to enjoy, right beside the canal".

Each one has been attended by between 150-250 people and donations go towards the bands.

John Mair said his events were "designed for people to enjoy, right beside the canal"

Mr Mair organised about 30 events a year under the MyJericho umbrella, which also features themed walks in the area and guest talks at St Barnabas church.

But he said this one "takes the most work".

"I have to submit a health and safety form to the council, an event plan has to be approved, it costs £120 to put it on, and you have to put a deposit down," he said.

"I'm getting old and tired, and I think [this might be the end for them], unless somebody wants to come in and do them."

He said there was "actually a lot of enjoyment in it".

"I'd happily hold the hand of anybody who wants to take it over," he said.

Lazy Saturday and Lazy Sunday have been taking place during the spring and summer months at Mount Place

Mr Mair also said that if Mount Place stopped being used for public enjoyment, "it'll die".

He said he would wait and see if anyone reaches out within the next year.

"It's very worthwhile - every community needs to have community celebrations and this has been that and I hope it continues."