Arts & Culture
Discover the best news and stories about art, music, theatre, film, entertainment, and cultural events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
-
Christ Church celebrates 500 years of music with landmark festival
Christ Church celebrates its 500th anniversary this autumn with a landmark music festival featuring concerts, recitals, and special events. Highlights include Haydn’s The Creation, Walton’s Façade, and performances by world-class ensembles and distinguished Christ Church alumni.
-
Oxford Half marathon unveils new route with Mansfield Road start and finish
The Oxford Half marathon will introduce a redesigned route this year, featuring a Mansfield Road start and finish, extended loops in Summertown and Banbury Road, and new logistics aimed at easing congestion for runners, spectators, and Oxford businesses.
-
Paddy Summerfield’s first photography retrospective opens at the Bodleian
The Bodleian Libraries will present The Camera Helps, a retrospective of photographer Paddy Summerfield from 11 October to 30 November 2025. The exhibition will highlight published and unseen works, capturing his deeply personal explorations of family, memory, and Oxford life.
-
Leys Pools & Leisure Centre hosts free Splash and Play Weekend for families
Leys Pools & Leisure Centre is launching its first Splash and Play Weekend on 20 to 21 September, with free swimming, soft play, and family activities. The event is open to all, offering a chance to explore the centre’s facilities at no cost.
-
Waterperry Opera Festival celebrates record-breaking season ahead of 2026 launch
Waterperry Opera Festival welcomed a record 7,700 audience members in 2025, with Don Giovanni and Semele setting new milestones. With over half of visitors new to Waterperry, the Festival looks ahead to announcing its 2026 programme this autumn.
-
Flight Club to bring fire engine tour and prizes to Oxford this October
Flight Club’s 10th anniversary fire engine tour will stop in Oxford on 21 October, with giveaways in Westgate and a charity darts tournament in the evening. The event will support 21 charities, including Oxford’s Yellow Submarine.
-
Oxford musician among nominees in Youth Music Awards 2025
Oxford musician Rebecca Tunley has been nominated for the Inspirational Music Leader award at the 2025 Youth Music Awards, recognising her dedication to supporting learning-disabled young people and grassroots music projects.
-
Autumn magic and Halloween thrills at Sudeley Castle this October Half Term
Sudeley Castle is hosting a week of Halloween and autumn festivities, including a pumpkin trail, Tudor ghost stories, and a new Phantoms & Fireworks evening. Families are invited to explore the historic grounds and enjoy seasonal magic in the Cotswolds.
-
Half term and Halloween adventures at National Trust in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire
This October half term, National Trust places across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire are bringing autumn to life with Halloween adventures for all ages.
-
Abingdon resident wins Boodles Best Hat Competition at Salon Privé 2025
Abingdon’s Cheryl Prior has won Salon Privé’s 2025 Best Hat competition with a design by Louise Clare Millinery. Her victory capped off an edition of the luxury event that welcomed a record 28,000 visitors to Blenheim Palace.
-
Cliveden’s reimagined Long Garden celebrates past while embracing future
Cliveden’s historic Long Garden has been reimagined with climate-resilient planting, improved accessibility, and year-round biodiversity. The restoration honours designer Norah Lindsay’s 1930s vision while creating a sustainable, immersive space for visitors to enjoy for generations.
-
The MERL celebrates Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with new displays
The Museum of English Rural Life is marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with new exhibits, including a rare surviving letter, a first edition, and a countryside trail, alongside heritage workshops and town-wide events celebrating the author’s Reading connections.
-
Heather Ferrier to perform with her trio in Faringdon this October
Heather Ferrier, the Stockport-born accordionist, clog dancer and composer, is redefining alt-folk with bold compositions and magnetic performances, bringing her trio to Faringdon’s St. Nicholas Church this October.
-
Frilford Heath to host the R&A Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2026
Frilford Heath Golf Club has been selected to host The R&A Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2026, with the prestigious tournaments set to be played on its acclaimed Red Course in Oxfordshire.
-
Halloween fun for children at Hughenden’s We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ trail
This Halloween, Hughenden invites families on a magical ghost hunt – We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ – inspired by The Bunny Adventures books. From broomstick races to ghost spotting in the gardens, little ones can enjoy a playful trail before joining the celebration party.
-
Salon Privé confirms 2026 return after record-breaking anniversary edition
Salon Privé will return to Blenheim Palace from 02 to 06 September 2026, following its largest-ever weekend in 20 years. This year’s edition drew more than 28,000 guests, celebrated global car debuts, and showcased world-class concours winners.