The General Strike in Oxford
16 May @ 2.00pm to 4.00pm
About The General Strike in Oxford
2026 marks 100 years since the General Strike. The only General Strike in UK history, it saw three million workers walk out between 04 to 12 May 1926.
Among these millions were workers in Oxford: railway, print and building workers. They walked out in solidarity with miners facing a wage cut and a longer working day. Their actions brought areas of the city to a standstill.
In 1984-85, thousands of miners went on strike over proposed pit closures. The year-long strike was sustained in part by solidarity efforts across the country. In Oxford, despite geographical distance from the coalmining heartlands, collective efforts generated extraordinary support for striking miners.
Through two performances based on historical accounts, these two episodes in Oxford’s history – and the links between them – will be brought to light.
The event will feature live music from the Sea Green Singers and a paid bar.
Programme
1.45pm – Doors open
2.00pm – The General Strike in Oxford, by Peter Cann
Based on written and oral histories, records of the Oxford & District Trades Council, and newspaper archives, this performance will draw on the experiences of those in Oxford who took part in the 1926 General Strike.
The performance will be presented by a group of narrators and performers, who will give voice to the sequence of events and the people involved over the nine days of the Strike. The performance will be accompanied by songs performed by the Sea Green Singers. Written and devised by local playwright Peter Cann.
3.00pm – Interval
3.20pm – 40th Anniversary of the Miners’ Strike in Oxford
Based on the book ‘The Miners’ Strike in Oxford’, this portion of the event will tell the story of the extraordinary efforts made in the city to support the miners, including significant campaigning, picketing and fundraising.
Featuring singing from the Sea Green Singers. This is a reprisal of an event first held at Florence Park Community Centre in 2025 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike.
4.00pm – Event ends
This event is held to commemorate the centenary of the General Strike, alongside further events organised by Oxford & District Trades Council.
Access
There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
Tickets cost £8.50 and can be booked online or at the Museum Shop.
Dates & times:
Saturday 16 May 2026 at 2.00pm
Running time:
2 hours
Good to know:
Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking. A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme.
About Museum of Oxford
The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people. Located inside the Oxford Town Hall, it explores the city’s rich history beyond the university, focusing on the lives, industries, and communities that have shaped Oxford over time.
The museum features interactive exhibits, local artefacts, and personal stories, covering topics such as Oxford’s medieval origins, its diverse communities, and key moments in its development. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages.
