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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Henley Festival expands its RISE programme with visual arts prize
Henley Festival, presented by Westcoast, has launched the RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize to support rising visual artists. As part of the Festival’s RISE programme, the prize offers £1,000 to the winner and £500 each to two runners-up
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E. H. Shepard exhibition inspires talk on Shepard’s War and Winnie-the-Pooh workshops
A series of events will be running alongside the popular E. H. Shepard Before and Beyond Winnie-the-Pooh exhibition at SOFO, unveiling Shepard’s artistic journey from wartime illustrator to beloved children’s book artist.
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A feast of music and flavours awaits as Big Feastival unveils star-studded lineup for 2025
Big Feastival returns to Blur bassist Alex James’ farm in the Cotswolds over the August bank holiday weekend for its 14th year of music, food, and family fun. Headliners include Nelly Furtado, Faithless (Live), Britpop Classical alongside Travis, The Wombats, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
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Witney Rugby Club players receive support from Gigaclear’s Rural Sports Fund
Witney Rugby Club players has received funsing for vital training equipment through the £100k Gigaclear Rural Sports Club Fund, supported by England cricket legend Darren Gough. The fund aids rural sports teams within Gigaclear’s broadband network.
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Jools Holland announces 30-date tour of iconic venues with special guest
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will embark on a 30-date UK tour in Autumn/Winter 2025, featuring special guest Imelda May. Kicking off in Southend on 30 October, the tour includes New Theatre Oxford and other iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall.
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Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2025 longlist revealed
The longlist for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize, the world’s largest literary prize for young writers honours exceptional literary talent aged 39 or under, celebrating various forms of fiction such as poetry, novels, and drama.
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Audi presents Wilderness 2025 reveals a spectacular lineup of music, arts and adventure
Wilderness 2025 returns to Cornbury Park for its fourteenth edition, offering a spectacular four-day celebration of music, arts, feasting, and adventure. Headliners include Supergrass, Orbital, Wet Leg, and Basement Jaxx, alongside diverse performances from orchestras, DJs, and rising stars.
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Fitzwaryn School hosts Team GB captain Hollie Pearne-Webb for an inspiring visit
Olympic gold and bronze medallist Hollie Pearne-Webb visited Fitzwaryn School, inspiring pupils with her journey and promoting teamwork through activities. The visit was facilitated by Persimmon Homes, a Team GB partner and major developer in Didcot.
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Oxford Half Marathon sells out in record time for the third year running
The Oxford Half Marathon, organized by Motiv Sports UK, has sold out for the third consecutive year, with general entries filling by January – a record. The event set for 12 October features thousands of runners, from beginners to elites, with post-race festivities at University Parks.
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Henley Festival reveals sensational lineup for 2025
Henley Festival 2025, presented by Westcoast, returns to Henley-on-Thames from 9-13 July with a stellar line-up of music, comedy, and arts. Headliners include Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli, Jamie Cullum, and Hacienda Classical on the iconic Floating Stage.
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Found Festival reveals full programme for 2025 debut event
Found Festival, the UK’s newest boutique festival, debuts at Claydon Estate, Buckingham, from August 22-24. Blending Americana, Folk, Blues, and World music with comedy, crafts, dance, and family-friendly entertainment, it offers an inspiring cultural escape.
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Exhibition of Winnie-the-Pooh’s illustrator opens at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum
From 18 January to 31 August 2025, the collection of Shepard’s work, including some of his beloved children’s illustrations alongside a wealth of his Great War sketches and comic art, will be on display at the museum.
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Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – bright, bold, and brimming with energy
With its uplifting themes, toe-tapping tunes, and a star-studded(ish) cast oozing with personality, this show was the perfect antidote to my post-Christmas malaise.
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General entries for Oxford Half Marathon 2025 close to another record sell-out
Ticket for last year’s Oxford Half Marathon event sold out in record time, and 2025 sales are now tracking to break that record again.
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat coming to Oxford with its star cast
Running from 07 to 11 January, this acclaimed production brings the beloved story to life with unforgettable songs, vibrant choreography, and a fresh cast of talented performers.
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From vision to reality: Why 2025 is a pivotal year for Oxford United’s future
Despite making tremendous strides last year towards our goal of securing a permanent, sustainable home, 2025 could be one of the most important years in the history of this great football club.