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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Review: Kinky Boots the Musical – A heartfelt high-heeled hit at New Theatre Oxford
A dazzling celebration of self-expression and acceptance, Kinky Boots struts into Oxford with heart, humour, and high heels – don’t miss this fabulous feel-good musical.
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Waterperry Opera Festival 2025 trailers reveal musical excellence and star performers
Rehearsals are in full swing and this season promises passion, drama, and musical excellence, with highlights including “Last Night at the Opera” and emotionally charged works like A World Turned Upside Down by Juliana Hall.
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Whit Stillman heads to Oxford’s Ultimate Picture Palace for a special screening of Metropolitan
Acclaimed indie filmmaker Whit Stillman will visit Oxford’s Ultimate Picture Palace for a special 35mm screening of his debut film Metropolitan (1990), followed by a live Q&A. A surprise hit of the 1990s, Metropolitan is a witty look at New York’s debutante scene.
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Highlights from Henley Festival 2025: Black-tie celebration of music and art
Henley Festival 2025 returned to the banks of Henley-on-Thames from 09 to 13 July, drawing over 27,000 guests for five nights of top-tier music, art, comedy, dining, and fireworks. Highlights included headliners like Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, and Jamie Cullum.
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Henley Festival 2025: Stunning photos capturing the magic of each day
Henley Festival 2025 lit up the Thames with a week of black-tie glamour, world-class music, comedy, and visual arts. Iconic acts like Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Jamie Cullum, and Matteo Bocelli headlined the Floating Stage, while comedians and DJs kept the energy high.
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Big Feastival 2025 lineup: Over 100 music acts, 200 dishes, and Britpop orchestral show
Big Feastival 2025 returns to the Cotswolds this August with a stellar programme featuring the world premiere of Alex James’ Britpop Classical. Festivalgoers can enjoy over 100 music performances, 50 street food vendors, and 200+ dishes.
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Lifelines exhibition at SOFO Museum highlights Bergen-Belsen liberation story
From 09 to 30 August 2025, the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum will present Lifelines, a moving exhibition created by local artists, inspired by a true story from the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945.
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Sanofi supports British Transplant Games 2025 to raise awareness for transplant recipients
Sanofi is sponsoring the swimming event at the 2025 Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Oxford, reaffirming its dedication to the transplant community. The Games celebrate transplant recipients and promote awareness of life after transplant.
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Cover art for The Book of Dust Volume Three: The Rose Field revealed
The cover for The Rose Field, the final volume in Philip Pullman’s The Book of Dust, has been revealed. Illustrated by Chris Wormell, the artwork previews Lyra’s final journey across the desert of Karamakan.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Richard Hammond to judge Salon Privé Concours de Vente at 20th-anniversary event
Salon Privé will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a thrilling new Supercar Sunday & Lifestyle Club Trophy Day at Blenheim Palace on 31 August and motoring icon Richard Hammond will judge the prestigious Concours de Vente and present the Lifestyle Club Trophy.
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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.
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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