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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Gipsy Kings and Ronan Keating announced as 2026 Party in the Paddock headliners
Newbury Racecourse has confirmed the Gipsy Kings and Ronan Keating as the first headliners for Party in the Paddock 2026. The performances take place on 17 and 18 July, with priority ticket access opening on 04 December.
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Oxford University unveils Catalysts portrait series honouring global research leaders
The Bodleian Libraries and British Journal of Photography have unveiled Catalysts, a portrait series honouring Oxford researchers whose work is shaping global health, climate action, education, and social justice.
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Waterperry Opera announces 2026 mainstage productions and creative teams
Waterperry Opera Festival’s 2026 season will feature new English-language productions of Puccini’s La Bohème and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, led by acclaimed creative teams and rising opera stars. Full programme details will be announced in January.
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Bampton Classical Opera reveals winners of 2025 Young Singers’ Competition
Soprano Seohyun Go has won Bampton Classical Opera’s 2025 Young Singers’ Competition, with Emma Roberts and Erin Rossington sharing Second Prize and Daniel Peter Silcock securing the Accompanists’ Prize after an exceptional final at Wolfson College, Oxford.
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Waterperry Opera Festival unveils La Bohème and The Elixir of Love for 2026
Waterperry Opera Festival will headline La Bohème and The Elixir of Love at its 2026 festival. Performed in English and led by acclaimed creative teams, the productions continue the festival’s mission to deliver imaginative, accessible opera in Waterperry’s iconic gardens.
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Stage Watch: Black Friday Deals, Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, and Festive Pantomimes
From Black Friday ticket deals to family pantos like Pinocchio and Beauty and the Beast, and West End favourites including Wicked, there’s something for every theatre-goer this season.
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Michael Bublé joins star-studded lineup for debut Blenheim Palace Festival 2026
Michael Bublé has been confirmed as the latest headliner for the inaugural Blenheim Palace Festival in 2026. He joins a high-profile lineup including Katy Perry, Neil Young, Teddy Swims and Pete Tong Ibiza Classics for a spectacular series of open-air concerts at the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts to headline Blenheim Palace Festival 2026
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts will headline Blenheim Palace Festival 2026, joined by Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton. They join a high-profile lineup including Katy Perry, Teddy Swims, and Pete Tong for the festival’s debut year.
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Pakistan gifts landmark Islamic artwork to Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies has added its first Pakistani artwork to its permanent collection – a striking Amin Gulgee sculpture gifted by the Government of Pakistan, symbolising deepening academic and cultural ties.
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Enjoy festive family fun with a Nutcracker-inspired Christmas at Cliveden
Cliveden has brought The Nutcracker to life this Christmas with sparkling decorations, extended evening openings, festive food, family games, and carol singing.
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Steeleye Span announce 2025 winter tour with new album ‘Conflict’
Steeleye Span have announced their Winter 2025 tour alongside new album Conflict, their first in over five years. Featuring classic favourites and fresh material, the performance is at The Beacon in Wantage.
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Big Feastival announces Basement Jaxx, The Streets and Bastille as 2026 headliners
Big Feastival has announced its 2026 headliners, confirming Basement Jaxx, The Streets and Bastille for next summer’s event in the Cotswolds. The festival returns from 28 to 30 August with music, top chefs, and family-friendly entertainment.
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Stage Watch: Strictly Come Dancing, Romeo & Juliet, 1536, Dick Whittington, and Jack & the Beanstalk
This edition of Stage Watch covers the must-see shows coming soon, West End performances and festive pantomimes for all ages – Don’t miss Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Romeo & Juliet, 1536, Dick Whittington, and Jack and the Beanstalk!
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O2 Academy Oxford to host Summer in Nashville’s Country Roadshow
Oxford welcomes a taste of Nashville this December as the Country Roadshow arrives at the O2 Academy. Expect tribute acts, line dancing, competitions, and more – with the first 100 guests receiving a free cowboy hat.
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New exhibition by local students at SOFO Museum marks 80 years since end of second world war
SOFO Museum presents Letters from Liberation, a moving exhibition of artwork by Abingdon & Witney College students. Marking 80 years since the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, the display offers a powerful young perspective on memory, survival, and Holocaust remembrance.
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Festive family fun comes to Westgate Oxford this December
Westgate Oxford is hosting free festive character meet-and-greets, live choirs, and a Wonderland-themed trail this December. Families can meet favourites like Pingu and The Grinch, enjoy Christmas shopping, and explore seasonal menus and rooftop igloos.