Arts & Culture
Discover Arts & Culture in Oxford and just beyond, from theatre, music and film to literature, exhibitions, museums and the people shaping the creative landscape.
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Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts to headline Blenheim Palace Festival 2026
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts will headline Blenheim Palace Festival 2026, joined by Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton. They join a high-profile lineup including Katy Perry, Teddy Swims, and Pete Tong for the festival’s debut year.
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Pakistan gifts landmark Islamic artwork to Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies has added its first Pakistani artwork to its permanent collection – a striking Amin Gulgee sculpture gifted by the Government of Pakistan, symbolising deepening academic and cultural ties.
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Enjoy festive family fun with a Nutcracker-inspired Christmas at Cliveden
Cliveden has brought The Nutcracker to life this Christmas with sparkling decorations, extended evening openings, festive food, family games, and carol singing.
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Steeleye Span announce 2025 winter tour with new album ‘Conflict’
Steeleye Span have announced their Winter 2025 tour alongside new album Conflict, their first in over five years. Featuring classic favourites and fresh material, the performance is at The Beacon in Wantage.
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Big Feastival announces Basement Jaxx, The Streets and Bastille as 2026 headliners
Big Feastival has announced its 2026 headliners, confirming Basement Jaxx, The Streets and Bastille for next summer’s event in the Cotswolds. The festival returns from 28 to 30 August with music, top chefs, and family-friendly entertainment.
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Stage Watch: Strictly Come Dancing, Romeo & Juliet, 1536, Dick Whittington, and Jack & the Beanstalk
This edition of Stage Watch covers the must-see shows coming soon, West End performances and festive pantomimes for all ages – Don’t miss Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Romeo & Juliet, 1536, Dick Whittington, and Jack and the Beanstalk!
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O2 Academy Oxford to host Summer in Nashville’s Country Roadshow
Oxford welcomes a taste of Nashville this December as the Country Roadshow arrives at the O2 Academy. Expect tribute acts, line dancing, competitions, and more – with the first 100 guests receiving a free cowboy hat.
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New exhibition by local students at SOFO Museum marks 80 years since end of second world war
SOFO Museum presents Letters from Liberation, a moving exhibition of artwork by Abingdon & Witney College students. Marking 80 years since the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, the display offers a powerful young perspective on memory, survival, and Holocaust remembrance.
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Festive family fun comes to Westgate Oxford this December
Westgate Oxford is hosting free festive character meet-and-greets, live choirs, and a Wonderland-themed trail this December. Families can meet favourites like Pingu and The Grinch, enjoy Christmas shopping, and explore seasonal menus and rooftop igloos.
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Blenheim Palace Festival announces Katy Perry, Teddy Swims and Pete Tong for 2026 debut
Blenheim Palace Festival has revealed the first headliners for its 2026 debut, including Katy Perry, Teddy Swims and Pete Tong. The new five-day event promises world-class music, culture and VIP experiences set against the iconic backdrop of Blenheim Palace.
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City Sightseeing Oxford bus to play starring role at Christmas Light Festival
A glittering open-top City Sightseeing Oxford bus will headline the city’s Christmas Light Festival from 14 to 16 November, joining a programme of markets, workshops and light-themed events supported by more than 25 local partners.
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Henley’s award-winning River & Rowing Museum placed on the market for £3 million
The award-winning River & Rowing Museum in Henley has hit the market for £3m. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the landmark includes galleries, a café and offices, with CBRE marketing the site for a wide range of future uses.
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Cirque du Soleil adds 38 extra and final OVO shows at the Royal Albert Hall
Cirque du Soleil has added 38 extra performances of OVO at the Royal Albert Hall from Jan 2026. The spectacular insect-themed show blends dazzling acrobatics, music, and artistry, for an unforgettable experience.
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Reduced Shakespeare Company brings Complete Works (abridged) to Chipping Norton
A newly rebooted version of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) will arrive at Chipping Norton Theatre in February 2026, bringing the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s fast-paced comic take on all 37 plays to a new generation.
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In Pictures: BBOWT 2025 Photography Competition winning images
Launched in May, the competition featured eight categories, including mobile phone photography and “nature on your doorstep,” inviting wildlife enthusiasts of all ages to capture scenes at BBOWT’s reserves or in their local communities.
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Oxford North unveils plans for major public artwork celebrating moths
Oxford North has submitted plans for The Length of a Moment, a new public artwork of three bronze sculptures inspired by the hidden movements of pollinating moths. The installation will form part of the district’s cultural and ecological vision.