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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Found Festival to return in 2026 after successful debut at Claydon Estate
Found Festival has confirmed its return to Claydon Estate in August 2026 after a successful debut. Early bird tickets are available at frozen 2025 prices, with a new tiered system introduced to ensure accessibility for all festivalgoers.
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Oxfordshire libraries announce annual short story competition for 2025
Oxfordshire libraries have launched their eleventh annual short story competition, encouraging writers of all ages to share original stories. Winners will have their work published digitally as ebooks and audiobooks.
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Wilderness Festival confirms 2026 dates with a return to Cornbury Park
Wilderness Festival has confirmed its 2026 dates, returning to Cornbury Park from 30 July to 02 August. With its mix of world-class music, woodland adventures, and indulgent food, Wilderness remains one of the UK’s most distinctive festivals.
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Big Feastival confirms 2026 return to Alex James’ Cotswolds farm
Big Feastival has confirmed its 2026 return to Alex James’ Cotswolds farm, running from 28 to 30 August. Following the huge success of the 2025 edition, early bird tickets are now available for a weekend of live music, top chefs, and family entertainment.
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BBOWT launches public vote for people’s choice wildlife photo award
BBOWT has opened voting for its People’s Choice Award in the annual photo contest, with eight wildlife shots competing for a spot on the 2026 calendar. The winner will be announced at the Trust’s 2025 Celebration on 25 October.