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.
-
Cliveden Literary Festival returns to Cliveden House this October
The Cliveden Literary Festival will take place this October, offering a weekend of political debate, literary discussion, and cultural inspiration. Celebrated for its elegant setting and thought-provoking programme, past speakers include Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, and Rachel Weisz.
-
Audi Presents Wilderness returns to Cornbury Park with music, art, and family fun
Audi Presents Wilderness returns to Cornbury Park in summer 2025, celebrating creativity, music, food, wellness, and family fun. With headliners like Wet Leg, Basement Jaxx, and Supergrass, and standout sets from emerging artists, the music is just the beginning.
-
Oxford University names Gavin Svenson as new director of Museum of Natural History
The University of Oxford has appointed Dr Gavin J. Svenson as Director of the Museum of Natural History, effective September 2025. Previously Chief Science Officer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Dr Svenson brings vast expertise in museum transformation, scientific research, and public engagement.
-
Vale and Downland Museum fête to launch major fundraising campaign in Wantage
The Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage will launch a major new fundraising campaign during its annual fête on Saturday, 12 July. Marking 50 years since its founding, the museum hopes to rally community support to secure its future.
-
Discover medieval history at Greys Court as Festival of Archaeology returns for 2025
This July, visitors to National Trust Greys Court can experience live archaeology in action during the Festival of Archaeology. Experts will be on site, using geophysical techniques to guide the excavation of a suspected inter-court range, offering insights into the site’s rich and layered history.
-
Oxford’s Race for Life 2025: What to know about road closures and parking restrictions
Oxford city centre will play host to thousands of runners this month as the Race for Life returns on Sunday 29 June 2025 – bringing with it a series of road closures, parking suspensions, and traffic measures
-
Adventure Cinema and United for Wildlife team up for powerful Guardians film series
Adventure Cinema has teamed up with United for Wildlife, founded by Prince William, to showcase the impactful Guardians docuseries during its 2025 summer tour. With over 280 screenings at iconic UK heritage sites, audiences can enjoy outdoor films, food, giveaways, and immersive experiences.
-
The Old Stables in Wantage invites locals to summer party with creative workshops and music
The Old Stables in Wantage will host a free summer party on Saturday, 28 June. This vibrant community event will include a shared meal made from surplus food, live music, storytelling, art workshops, and a makers market featuring local creatives.
-
Hampton Court Palace Festival 2025 ends with sold-out Elbow shows
Hampton Court Palace Festival 2025 wrapped up with two electrifying sold-out shows by Elbow, closing nine nights of world-class live music that featured standout performances from James, Tom Jones, Rag’n’Bone Man, Chaka Khan, Gary Barlow, and more.
-
Aliki Braine flower works to feature at Ashmolean Museum still life gallery
In a notable recognition of her innovative still-life photography, Aliki Braine’s ‘flower works’ will be exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum’s Daisy Linda Ward Gallery from June 2025 to August 2026. These works will be shown alongside historic still-life paintings.
-
Trygve Wakenshaw brings Edinburgh Fringe hit Silly Little Things to Oxford
Fresh from being ranked in the Top 5 best-reviewed comedy shows at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, Silly Little Things by Trygve Wakenshaw is embarking on a UK tour with a stop in Oxford. The physically dazzling, hilariously absurd show reimagines mime through slapstick brilliance and emotional storytelling.
-
2025 Hampton Court Palace Festival opens with electrifying set by James
The 2025 edition of Hampton Court Palace Festival opened in spectacular style on Wednesday 11 June with an unforgettable performance from indie-rock legends, James.
-
Gladiators Live adds O2 Arena shows after Wembley sell-out
Gladiators fans in Oxfordshire will be thrilled as four extra shows have been added to the Gladiators Live Tour in London as the high-energy spectacle lands at The O2 arena in November.
-
Dougie Blaxland’s Jane Eyre: An Autobiography to return to Burton Taylor Studio
Produced by the creative team that won the National Campaign for the Arts Best Arts Project 2021, it has been hailed “a theatrical tour de force from a company with a rare gift for bringing classics to life with loyalty, energy and intrigue”.
-
Henley Festival 2025 unveils RISE line-up of emerging talent on the Thames
Henley Festival returns with its acclaimed RISE programme spotlighting emerging talent in music, art, and production, and this year’s RISING Star Award winner, Hetta Falzon, will lead a diverse musical line-up alongside visual artists.
-
Thousands compete in 21st Blenheim Palace Triathlon at UNESCO Heritage site
The UK’s 21st Blenheim Palace Triathlon, held on 07 – 08 June at the UNESCO World Heritage site, attracted thousands of participants, including celebrities. The event, known for its scenic beauty and beginner-friendly courses, raised over £130,000 for 60+ charities with 509 running clubs attending.