How can words ever describe the indescribable? I had no idea what to expect as I turned into Broad Street to witness the large-scale fire installation Luminox, which marked the beginning of the Oxfordshire 2007. Whatever my expectations, I had not allowed for the sheer magnitude of the event and the way fire could transform this historic street.

I had not allowed for the calm way the thousands of fellow visitors made their way towards the Sheldonian either. I think, like me, they were filled with awe as they watched the way the little buckets of fire illuminated the street. This was not a time for jostling. It was a time for reflection, as haunting music which combined Eastern European folk with passionate traditional singing, drifted through the air from the bandstand erected in the middle of the street, while all around flames danced and people watched.

Children dared to climb the iron gates leading to the Sheldonian Theatre (pictured), clinging on to get a better view - their silhouettes illuminated by fire. It's an image I will carry with me always. There I was standing by a short distance from the famous library which asks its readers to sign a pledge not to burn the books, watching little buckets of whirling flames light up the stone heads which appeared to be watching too.

The highlight of the event, the 15-metre high bamboo spire created by Oxford artist Ted Dewan, was mesmerising. From this spire hung a giant pendulum which marked the passing of time by turning one full circle for everyone of the 1,000 years we were celebrating. Filled with fire, this metre-wide container with its glowing logs gently counted off the years, and all any of us could do was stare with an admiration reserved for phenomenal moments. Conversation was unnecessary.

Congratulations to all who organised a collection of memories that will live with me forever.