Lock29 Invites You to Celebrate Five Incredible Years

Come and celebrate our 5th birthday with family fun activities all day.

From an unloved and overlooked corner of Castle Quay to one of Banbury’s most vibrant destinations, Lock29 has come a long way in just five years. Originally developed and designed to breathe new life into a neglected part of the shopping centre, Lock29 has grown into a bustling hub for food, creativity, and community.

Now, to mark its fifth birthday, Lock29 is inviting the community that has supported it from the very beginning to a full day of free, family-friendly fun from 12pm on Saturday 2nd August.

The birthday celebrations will reflect everything Lock29 stands for with a packed timetable of free activities including Jurassic-Themed and Greatest Showman Circus shows, tricks from magician, Thomas Dixon, face painting, balloon modelling and live music from Dan Lumley. But you’ll need to get there early if you want a free goodie bag and birthday cake, they’re being offered to the first 120 guests!

The party is a thank you to the people who have helped shape it and a celebration of everything Lock29 has become.

“It’s been quite a journey,” says Oliver Wren, Centre Director, “five years ago, the space felt a bit underused and lacked a real sense of purpose. Since then, it’s completely transformed into a lively, welcoming hub. There’s now a real buzz—whether it’s families grabbing lunch, students meeting up, or people coming along to one of our events. It feels like a proper community space now.”

Lock29 was never meant to be just a place to shop or eat, it’s also a space for local businesses to grow and thrive.

“We’ve created a space that takes away a lot of the usual barriers—things like long leases and high rents,” says Oliver. “It’s been brilliant to see people come in with an idea and gradually build up a loyal customer base. That journey’s been one of the most rewarding parts of Lock29—it’s genuinely making a difference locally.”

The past five years have seen the original vision for Lock29 not only realised, but embraced and expanded by the people it was created for. For the team who helped bring it to life, watching it thrive has been emotional, fulfilling and a true highlight of the regeneration journey.

“One moment that really stands out for me,” adds Oliver, “was the launch of the Waterfront. We brought together cinema, amazing street food, and a film-themed event that drew in over 18,000 visitors. But it wasn’t just the numbers—it was the atmosphere. All ages, all backgrounds, enjoying the space together. That’s Lock29 at its best.”

Lock29’s fifth birthday party promises more of that same energy—a day for families, friends, and new visitors to come together and celebrate a local success story that’s only just getting started. Find the full timetable here