On the evening of Brexit, pro-EU groups organised send-off events in central Oxford, involving songs, speeches, and candlelit vigils.
A candlelit ceremony outside the Town Hall began the evening, with speeches from Will Hutton, Principal of Hertford College, and Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East.
Crowds then moved inside to hear speeches from local leaders and activists, including Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon.
The meeting ended as the audience sang ‘Ode to Joy’, the anthem of the European Union, which was also being played by the ‘Horns of Plenty’ jazz band outside on St Aldates. Many were adorned with creative EU-flag accessories.
A candlelit vigil was held in Bonn Square from 10:45pm. Local leaders and event organisers, including the Lord Mayor of Oxford and Labour city councillor John Tanner, gave speeches about the sadness of the day and hopes for the future.
The Mayor told the crowds: “it’s really important in times like this that we show solidarity,” announcing the train journey he is about to take over Europe. He encouraged Oxford citizens to send him messages of support to take to Oxford’s twin cities.
One Oxfordian played a self-composed song on the accordion to say goodbye, with memorable lyrics such as: ‘Should we offer thanks to the Daily Mail, as we sail away on a barge with Nigel Farage?”
11pm, when the UK officially left the EU, was marked by the crowd signing ‘Ode to Joy’ again, waving EU flags, and holding torchlights and candles. The mood was sombre but defiant.
There were some opposing shouts from passers-by. One heckler, a ‘Boris-supporting Remainer’, told Cherwell: “They’re not taking into account the views of other people… I care about the future generations.”
The event was covered by international media, including AP-TV, Television France, and BBC Oxford.
This week, the council has been flying the city flags of Oxford’s five EU twin cities: Bonn in Germany, Grenoble in France, Leiden in the Netherlands, Padua in Italy, and Wrocław in Poland.
Councillor Susan Brown, City Council Leader, says: “We’re flying the flags of our EU twin cities as a symbol of our ongoing ties, a sign of friendship and co-operation for our futures. I know the Oxford city flag will also be flying in Europe today, and I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve built.”
The mayors of Bonn, Grenoble, Leiden, and Padua have each released statements expressing commitment to ties with Oxford and confidence that strong relationships will continue.
