In a heartfelt farewell filled with music, dance, and a spirit of giving, the renowned Oxford Hotel in North Adelaide is set to host a monumental three-day event this weekend, from 15th to 17th September.
Anastasia and Grant Murray, the dynamic duo at the helm of the Oxford Hotel for the past eight years, have orchestrated this weekend as a vibrant thank you and farewell to their loyal patrons, dedicated staff, and the supportive North Adelaide business community.
Boasting an epic DJ line up, drink specials and plenty of fun on offer, the weekend festivities have been planned to raise valuable funds for The Childhood Cancer Association, before they close their doors on Monday 18 September 2023.
“The Big Bang Last Drinks Weekend is our way to give back and say thank you to everyone who has helped create our little community of locals that have made a huge difference in our lives, especially during the tragic death of our five year old daughter Mira in May 2022 from a very rare terminal brain tumour.
“It is with great sadness that our commercial associated with The Oxford Hotel will soon end, however we wanted to focus our send off celebrating the wonderful community of patrons and staff we have amassed around us, whilst raising significant funds for a charity that will have lifelong meaning to our family,” the Murray’s said.
The festivities kick off on Friday night with a vibrant musical journey hosted by Mark Yusef Wilson, promising a night of non-stop dancing to the tunes of 80’s Indie Rock and 90’s Brit Pop. The musical extravaganza continues into Saturday with DJ Jaki J spinning the best of the 80’s at the “Just Can’t Get Enough 80’s Party”. Both nights feature drink specials and happy hours, with all proceeds channelled to The Childhood Cancer Association.
Sunday brings a heartfelt gathering from 12 to 6 pm, inviting regulars and the local community to join the Oxford team in a final toast to the good times shared. With half-priced drinks and the proceeds going to charity, it’s a day of reflection, connection, and giving back.
“Our daughter Mira was diagnosed in January 2021 and passed in May 2022. It is an understatement to say that this has been an exceptionally challenging time. That said, we are also very grateful for the overwhelming support, understanding and love from our community,” said the Murrays.
The Hotelier couple went on to say that they would miss all the amazing people they have worked with and met with over the last 8 years.
“We have had the privilege of working with great staff, customers and suppliers, and also the wider North Adelaide business community. We are saddened that we will not be a part of the new energy that the 88 O’Connell St development will bring to the area. Regardless, we will be cheering the entire community on from the sidelines.
“We have put our heart and soul into running this business. We will miss you all enormously,” the couple said.
The Murray’s are currently in a legal dispute with the owners of the building, relating to the terms and conditions of their association with the establishment, that will soon be heard in court.
“Sadly, because of this, we have now had to accept that our original vision for The Oxford will never come to fruition. This matter is now before the courts, a process we trust along with our excellent legal team, and hope we receive a fair and speedy resolution,” Anastasia said.
Everyone is welcome to join The Oxford Hotel in their last ‘knees up’ and offer their patronage to raise as much money for this wonderful charity that supports families like the Murrays in dealing with a terminally ill child due to cancer.
Where: The Oxford Hotel, 101 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
For more information click here.
