Shops in Oxford including those in Cornmarket have been busy since Monday when non-essential retail was allowed to reopen.

There have been numerous queues outside Primark in the Westgate Centre and for other major chain stores.

Read again: Queues outside Primark and John Lewis

For many years Cornmarket was the city's main shopping street but some chains switched to Westgate when it reopened in 2017 following a £440m revamp.

As well as being a busy shopping street, it has featured all kinds of protests, demonstrations and numerous buskers and performers over the years.

Rowan Groom camped out in Cornmarket for a week in 2014 to protest against modern slavery Picture: Jon Lewis

Rowan Groom camped out in Cornmarket for a week in 2014 to protest against modern slavery Picture: Jon Lewis

The George Street end of Cornmarket has suffered two major blows with the closure of Boswell's department store followed by the closure of Debenhams.

The Boswell's building is to be converted into a hotel.

Read more: New Cornmarket shops in £36m block

Reef is planning a four-star luxury hotel called The Store.

A theatre performer busks in Cornmarket Street in 2014

A theatre performer busks in Cornmarket Street in 2014

At the same time Jesus College is continuing its £36m redevelopment of Northgate House, which will feature new retail units, student accommodation and facilities and a doctor's surgery.

In 1974 councillors Margaret Butler and Dennis Pratley delivered a paing stone cheque to the bank to protest against the cost of paving work in Cornmarket Street

In 1974 councillors Margaret Butler and Dennis Pratley delivered a paing stone cheque to the bank to protest against the cost of paving work in Cornmarket Street

Read again: Protesters against Covid passports gather in Oxford

Cornmarket over the years has been a popular location for bizarre demonstrations.

In 2014, barman Ryan Groom camped out for a week to protest against modern slavery.

And in 1974, councillors Margaret Butler and Dennis Pratley delivered a paving stone cheque to the bank to protest about the cost of repaving Cornmarket.

In 2002, paving laid by the city and county council had to be re-done after it cracked, costing taxpayers more money.