It was the day shoppers in Oxford had been waiting for - October 24, 2017 when the new Westgate Centre opened.

Shoppers have now had to adapt to social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic but on the opening day it was very much a case of shop until you drop.

Oxford Mail:

Contractors worked all hours to get the new centre ready for the grand opening in Leiden Square.

Oxford Mail:

Thousands of shoppers poured into the new centre, with flagship store John Lewis and discount clothing chain Primark cutting their ribbons at 10am.

While there were queues outside John Lewis, it was Japanese store Uniqlo which was a big hit with shoppers on the first day.

Oxford Mail:

Shopper Harry Brown

And you could tell it was an Oxford shopping centre as civic dignitaries were surrounded by actors dressed up in Alice in Wonderland costumes, with live performances taking place including one involving an acrobat and an airborne balloon

Oxford Mail:

There was a phased arrangement for the opening of new stores, with 60 units out of 125 opening, then a further 30 before Christmas.

Oxford Mail:

Drivers were advised to use public transport and park-and-rides, as well as city centre car parks including the Westgate Centre’s underground car park off Oxpens Road.

And shoppers discussed the striking open-air design of the new centre and enjoyed a walk around the restarants on the rooftop terrace.

We’re really excited to launch We Grew Up in Oxford, a new online community for everyone who loves our great city. In our new Facebook group, we’ll be delving into the archives - both recent and older - to bring you memories of what it was like growing up and living here through the years.

Oxford Mail:

We hope you’ll join us and get involved in the project, and remember to let us know what memories from your glory days you want to see in the group. We Grew Up in Oxford, so now it’s time to celebrate that. See you there!