Footfall up nearly 40 per cent
Thousands attended a party on Oxford Street this weekend staged in an effort to lift spirits and lure back shoppers.

Oxford Street was pedestrianised for the first time and the event, called Dress to Impress, succeeded in attracting a host of shoppers. FootFall figures show a 38.9 per cent leap in shopper numbers compared with the Saturday before the event (September 24).

Party revellers included Bhs billionaire Phillip Green and Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Rose. The idea for a party is said to have come from Rose and had the support of business rival Green.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said of the event: 'Oxford Street is the shopping heart of the capital. It is fitting that the culmination of our 'Everyone's London' campaign is an event that demonstrates the vibrancy and imagination of London's retail sector.'

The event was organised against a backdrop of sluggish trading and record-low high street sales this summer. It is hoped that the party will woo shoppers back to central London after the July 7 terrorist attacks.

The event included pop star appearances from Charlotte Church and Lemar, fashion shows and trapeze artists.

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