Arts & Culture
Discover the best news and stories about art, music, theatre, film, entertainment, and cultural events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
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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.
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Oxfordshire sculptor Will Budgett wins international award at Florence Biennale
Oxfordshire sculptor Will Budgett has won the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” 4th Prize for Sculpture at the Florence Biennale for his light-inspired work Elan. He will next exhibit locally at The Oxfordshire Museum’s gardens in Woodstock this November.
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Abingdon Drama Club brings grunge-fuelled fairytale The Snow Queen to the Unicorn Theatre
Abingdon Drama Club’s The Snow Queen reimagines the classic fairytale with a 90s grunge edge. Directed by Alexandra Jenkins, the production runs 15 to 24 January at the Unicorn Theatre, blending music, emotion, and theatrical spectacle.
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Frog photo leaps to victory in BBOWT 2025 wildlife photography competition
Peter Smith’s golden reflection of a common frog has been crowned overall winner of the BBOWT 2025 Photography Competition, which showcased stunning wildlife moments from across the region, including Thomas Roberts’ People’s Choice-winning photo of a great crested grebe family.
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Music tech inspires young talent at Oxford’s Rose Hill Junior Youth Club
Young people in Oxford are learning to create their own music at Rose Hill Junior Youth Club through new tech-driven sessions organised by Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, offering creative and social opportunities for children in a supportive community setting.
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Stage Watch: Just For One Day, Beetlejuice, Inter Alia, Paranormal Activity, and LOVEtheatre Week
Catch the latest West End excitement in this edition of Stage Watch! From the musical spectacle of Just For One Day and Broadway hit Beetlejuice, to gripping drama Inter Alia, spine-tingling Paranormal Activity, and unmissable LOVEtheatre Week savings, there’s something for every theatre fan this season.
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Frilford Heath Golf Club welcomes new hospitality team after £1.5m investment
Frilford Heath Golf Club has bolstered its hospitality and member services team with several key hires, including Le Manoir’s former Assistant Restaurant Manager, following a £1.5m investment in its facilities and recognition among the world’s top clubs.
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The Indie Oxford Christmas Market returns with festive fun at Tap Social
The Indie Oxford Christmas Market returns to Tap Social Taproom on 29 November, bringing festive fun, local makers, delicious food and free family-friendly activities.
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Ashmolean Museum announces major exhibitions for 2026
The Ashmolean Museum has annound its 2026 programme featuring In Bloom, Aphrodite: The Making of a Goddess, and new works from artists Soma Surovi Jannat and Garry Fabian Miller, promising a vibrant year of art, culture, and global exploration.
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Westgate Oxford hosts family fun this half term
Westgate Oxford is bringing family fun this half term with a new Alice in Wonderland-themed trail, Halloween crafts, and the centre’s first-ever dogwalk. Enjoy free, family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and surprises for both kids and pets.