I am bemused by the recent reports and correspondence about the abandonment of Oxford Light Night’s lantern procession, suggesting that the decision has only recently been made.

The city council reported to a meeting of representatives of cultural venues and organisations, schools, residents, businesses and the universities on March 13 that, on financial grounds and because of complaints by traders and colleges, there would be no road closure and therefore no procession in 2014.

In spite of lobbying, particularly by schools who have loved and recognised the community value of this relatively new tradition, when children from all around the city come together to claim their place on the streets, with lanterns which they have personally created, the planning from March onward has all been towards a new style, no road closure, event.

There will be some children’s involvement in light structures at the Natural History Museum, the day of song, and lanterns hung in Magdalen Road but it won’t be the same. We do hope ‘our’ Friday night event may be reinstated next year.

Lesley Williams, Wykeham Crescent, Oxford

Today’s letters

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