New West End Company

May 23 2009

London’s West End today welcomed the arrival of a record number of May Bank holiday visitors on the first ever spring traffic-free day on Oxford Street in London’s West End.  500,000 shoppers descended on the iconic street for what was billed as London’s biggest birthday party to enjoy the free on-street and in-store entertainment provided by West End stores and latest Hollywood release Night at the Museum 2.  The event commemorates 1,415 years of West End retailers’ birthdays in 2009. 

Event organisers, New West End Company, estimate up to £50 million was spent in West End stores.  The street carnival, which saw Oxford Street west free of buses, taxis and cars between 12 noon and 5pm, had visitor numbers boosted by the “staycation” trend – with many Londoners and Brits choosing to holiday in the UK rather than abroad this bank holiday and over half-term.

Richard Dickinson, CEO of New West End Company says, “Today’s event has involved six months of planning and the hard work of over 100 people. We hope that it will give Londoners and those from other parts of the UK a great reason to rediscover the West End – with its fantastic breadth of retail across 600 stores, great galleries, superb shows, restaurants for every pocket and much more besides. This scale is what makes the West End unique and our event is a birthday party for both Londoners and others to enjoy.” 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson says: "Go West End! I am not at all surprised that, yet again, hundreds of thousands of shoppers have descended on this great centre of retail therapy. Whether you shop until you drop or just soak up the hustle and bustle Oxford Street the West End is a great place to while away a Saturday afternoon."

Cllr Colin Barrow, leader of Westminster City Council, says: "This special event gave our visitors and businesses some much needed cheer during these difficult times, and has received the support of many of the 40,000 local residents whose backing is essential in making it such a success. The West End provides employment for nearly 300,000 people so it is vital we do all we can to support it."

Ewan Venters, Food and Restaurants Director, Selfridges said, “Customers were busy buying for the holiday season with best-sellers including beauty, beachwear and summer dresses. In the food hall people are stocking up on BBQ essentials and ice cream has been flying out.”

The event was organised by New West End Company in partnership with the West End’s retailers and property owners, the Mayor of London, Westminster City Council, Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police, Visit London and Fox Entertainment.