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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Bodleian Libraries exhibition explores humanity’s enduring relationship with birds
The Bodleian Libraries’ Wonder of Birds exhibition explores art, science and culture through the lens of avian life. Featuring rare archives, manuscripts and immersive sound, it invites visitors to reflect on both the beauty of birds and their decline.
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Thousands expected for dawn celebrations as May Morning returns to Oxford
Thousands are expected to gather in Oxford on Friday 01 May as May Morning returns, with dawn celebrations on Magdalen Bridge marking the city’s historic 500-year-old spring tradition.
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Review: Midsomer Murders – The Killings at Badger’s Drift at New Theatre Oxford
The stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift at New Theatre Oxford delivered an affectionate, lightly comic whodunnit, bringing the familiar village intrigue and eccentric characters of the beloved series to life with theatrical flair.
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Stage Watch: I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, Brainiac Live, I’m Every Woman, Legally Blonde & The Rocky Horror Show
From political satire and explosive family science to iconic rock musicals and feel-good West End favourites, this week’s Stage Watch brings together five unmissable shows across London, Oxford and Aylesbury.
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Wilderness 2026 marks 100-day countdown with major programme expansion
Audi Presents Wilderness Festival 2026 marks 100 days to go with 124 new names added across 11 venues. Returning to Cornbury Park, the fifteenth edition features major headliners including Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox, Soulwax, and Groove Armada.
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Two writers with Oxford ties named on 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist
The 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist features debut voices, major authors, and two writers with Oxford connections.
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From three founders to over 300 artists: Henley Arts Trail marks 20th anniversary
Henley Arts Trail marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, expanding to 36 venues. The not-for-profit event connects visitors with artists in their studios while supporting emerging talent through initiatives like the Art Spark competition.
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Stage Watch: Counterpoint of Chaos, Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, Glengarry Glen Ross, Cirque Alice & Midsomer Murders
From algorithm-inspired physical theatre and a rock-driven revival of Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, to an all-female Glengarry Glen Ross, circus spectacle with Cirque Alice, and the stage debut of Midsomer Murders – Stage Watch brings together highlights from London and Oxford theatre.
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Stowe House launches Vanbrugh300 lecture series for 2026
Stowe House will host a 2026 lecture series marking 300 years since Sir John Vanbrugh’s death, with talks, exhibitions and events offering fresh insight into the architect’s legacy as part of the nationwide Vanbrugh300 celebrations.
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Lee Miller: A Woman at War to open at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum this summer
A new exhibition at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum explores Lee Miller’s wartime photography, from Oxford to Europe’s front lines, highlighting her role as a pioneering female photojournalist during World War II.
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Spellbinding puppetry of Shakespeare’s Venus and Adonis set to enchant Oxford on UK tour
A visually stunning revival of Shakespeare’s Venus and Adonis, directed by Greg Doran and narrated live by Simon Russell Beale, is set to bring masterful puppetry and poetic storytelling to Oxford Playhouse this June.
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Stage Watch: Totoro, Cherry Orchard, Now You See Me, Midsomer Murders & Legally Blonde
From magical West End adaptations to gripping whodunnits, spellbinding illusions, and feel-good musicals, our Stage Watch guide helps you plan unforgettable nights out with tips, show details, and what makes each production unmissable
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Oxford indie icons Beaker return with powerful new single ‘50 Men’ after 27-year hiatus
Oxford indie favourites Beaker has returned after 27 years with ‘50 Men’, a fierce and emotionally charged new single inspired by Gisele Pelicot – signalling a bold new chapter for the influential all-female band.
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Big Feastival reveals stage highlights ahead of August Bank Holiday return
The Big Feastival returns with more than 30 stages featuring music, food, comedy and family entertainment across the August Bank Holiday weekend.
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Carrie Hope Fletcher to lead Waitress at New Theatre Oxford as full cast is announced
Waitress has confirmed the full casting for its Oxford run, with Carrie Hope Fletcher leading the production at New Theatre Oxford from 29 June 2026.
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Didcot-based writer Esmé Bates releases HOWLS! — a comedy script and series concept
A new comedy project by Esmé Bates imagines a theatrical production led by expressive dog characters in a playful satire of showbusiness and performance.