St John's International Piano Series: Alexander Gavrylyuk
2026-04-27 19:30 (Europe/London) | JdP Music Building, St Hilda's College, Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DY
St John’s International Piano Series: Alexander Gavrylyuk

About St John’s International Piano Series: Alexander Gavrylyuk

Mozart Sonata in C major, K.330

Chopin Fantasie in f minor op.49

Liszt Tarantella Venezia e Napoli

Interval

Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition

Alexander Gavrylyuk’s big break came when he won Gold Medal at the 2005 Arthur Rubenstein Piano Masters. He has been a sought-after presence on the international stage ever since.

Tonight’s programme begins with Mozart’s sunny sonata in C major, written when he was newly married and all was going well for him in Vienna. Chopin’s Fantasie in f minor follows, a mysterious and contemplative piece despite its marching rhythms. Then – dancing to the interval – Liszt’s fast and furious Tarantella.

The second half is Pictures at an Exhibition. This came about after Mussorgsky’s close friend, artist Viktor Hartmann, died suddenly at the age of 39.

In the form of a stroll through an exhibition of Hartmann’s work, with a pause to look at each picture, it is one of those pieces that is so special it can seem too familiar. It is certain that tonight it won’t. Presenting the piece at Wigmore Hall in 2023, Alexander Gavrylyuk received not one but two standing ovations.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £18.00 to £40.00

A fee of £1.50 per transaction applies to bookings for this event across all channels – website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for Oxford Playhouse members.

Dates & times:

Monday 27 April 2026 at 7.30pm

Doors open at 7.00pm

Running time:

2 hours, including an interval

Mike Wozniak: The Bench
2026-04-28 00:00 - 23:59 | Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2LW, United Kingdom
Mike Wozniak: The Bench

About Mike Wozniak: The Bench

Avalon UK presents

Mike Wozniak returns to Oxford with his show, in which a story about a bench will be prominent. Previous experience of or strong opinions about benches are not required. Let Mike worry about that.

As seen on Taskmaster, Man Down and Junior Taskmaster. As heard on Three Bean Salad podcast.

Reviews

“A comic of adorably skewwhiff charm.”

The Times

“Deliciously distinctive fun… The story of Wozniak might be the shaggiest of shaggy dog stories you will ever hear.”

The Evening Standard

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £26.50

A fee of £1.50 per transaction applies to bookings for this event across all channels – website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for Oxford Playhouse members.

Dates & times:

Tuesday 28 April and Thursday 10 September 2026 at 7.30pm

Running time:

1 hour 50 minutes, including an interval

Age guidance:

14+

Content guidance:

This show contains strong language.

About Oxford Playhouse

Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce several live performances and feature a rich array of British and international dramas, family entertainment, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry.

The Playhouse not only produces and tours its own theatrical productions, but it also fosters creativity through its Artists in Residence program and the Playhouse Plays Out series, which brings unique events to various locations across the county.

The theatre’s Participation Team engages over 15,000 individuals annually, offering an extensive range of activities, including post-show discussions, workshops, work experience opportunities, holiday programs, a youth theatre, and a company for young performers.

Oxford Playhouse stands dedicated to its mission of being a Playhouse for all, striving to ignite inspiration and bring about transformative experiences through its commitment to creativity on its stages, within its community and online.

Discover more about Oxford Playhouse, including travel, access and venue information.

Party Season
2026-04-28 00:00 - 2026-05-01 23:59 | The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JN
Party Season

About Party Season

Three parties. One weekend. The invitations have been sent and there’s no going back… it’s Party Season!

Xander is back in town, and this weekend he’s on parenting duty. The kids are in the ball pit; the Entertainer is blowing bubbles; the adults gobble Perelló olives and pretend to like each other.

As ancient grudges rear their heads, the tension rises like a helium balloon. Caught between who he was and who he’s supposed to be, Xander must decide whether he’s going to grow up or just pass the parcel.

From the multi-award-winning creators of Education, Education, Education and The Last of the Pelican Daughters comes a sugar-fuelled, bobbin-winding fever dream where class identities collide, social niceties unravel, and underslept parents do their best to hold it all together.

Party Season is a razor-sharp new comedy about privilege, party rings and the pressures of being a parent. RSVP!

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Standard – £18.00

Pay More – £22.00

Pay Less – £14.00

Dates & times:

Tuesday 28 April to Friday 01 May 2026 at 7.30pm

About The North Wall Arts Centre

The North Wall Arts Centre is an an award-winning theatre, gallery and performing arts centre located in Summertown, North Oxford. The facility was opened in 2007, and offers a fully flexible 200-seat theatre, a public art gallery, as well as studios for dance and drama.

The centre is owned by St Edward’s School and shared with the city, and it was created for the benefit of emerging artists across a range of disciplines. The programme of events at The North Wall places emphasis on new and innovative work.

Discover more about The North Wall Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.

Gardens In Bloom: Tours of Trinity College
2026-04-28 14:45 - 15:45 | Trinity College Gardens, Oxford, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH, United Kingdom
Gardens In Bloom: Tours of Trinity College

About Gardens In Bloom: Tours of Trinity College

An informal walk around Trinity’s famous gardens, focusing on recent developments which have updated the historic gardens and adopted more sustainable practices.

Head Gardener Kate Burtonwood and her team will share the restoration of the lawns and impactful 120m border, while touring around the college’s open spaces and private gardens.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Standard – £10.00

Tickets including optional cream tea – £18.50

A fee of £1.50 per transaction applies to bookings for this event across all channels – website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for Oxford Playhouse members.

Dates & times:

Tuesday 28 April, Tuesday 07 July, Tuesday 08 September and Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 2.45pm

Running time:

1 hour, without an interval

Good to know:

Add an optional cream tea snack with home-baked scones in the café! Please check times carefully when booking, as the cream tea will take place at 2.00pm, before the advertised tour start time.

The State of the Union
2026-04-28 17:30 - 18:30 | de Jager Auditorium, Trinity College, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH
The State of the Union

About The State of the Union

In the run up to the May 2026 elections to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and English councils, this distinguished panel will discuss what the campaigns in the three nations tell us about what is at stake, possible outcomes, and the unity — or otherwise — of the United Kingdom.

The panel brings together the leading academic election analysts for the BBC and ITN (Professors John Curtice and JaneGreen), the award-winning Financial Times journalist (StephenBush), and the Plaid Cymru MP — and Trinity alumnus — Ben Lake.

The panel will be chaired by Trinity’s Fellow and Tutor in Politics, Professor StephenFisher.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £10.00

A fee of £1.50 per transaction applies to bookings for this event across all channels – website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for Oxford Playhouse members.

Dates & times:

Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 5.30pm

Doors open at 5.00pm

Running time:

1 hour, without an interval

Good to know:

Please be aware that, as entry may be limited once the event begins, it is advised to arrive between 5.00pm and 5.30pm.

Hackney Colliery Band
2026-04-28 19:30 | The Theatre Chipping Norton, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
Hackney Colliery Band

About Hackney Colliery Band

Since 2009, East London musical pioneers Hackney Colliery Band have pushed the boundaries of brass band conventions, building a steadfast fanbase with their joyous live shows and slew of heralded releases.

Now fifteen years deep into their collective journey, and with some incredible career highlights to note (such as performing to 80,000 people at the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games in London), the 9 piece outfit prepare to announce their 6th full-length offering, the hotly anticipated ‘Collaborations: Volume Two’.

Whereas their fifth album ‘Collaborations: Volume One featured a range of World Music legends, including Grammy-winning Beninese vocalist Angélique Kidjo and godfather of Ethiopian jazz Mulatu Astatke, ‘Volume Two’ sees HCB focus on songs and singers, alongside a sprinkling of instrumentals featuring harp, guitar, cello, and even conch shells.

As anyone who has attempted any degree of social organisation will attest, it is no mean feat to gather nine people in one place, at the same time, on a semi-regular basis, never mind taking this group of people all over the world to play instrumental music.

Add into the mix an industry where artists are encouraged to find a genre niche and stick to it – advice HCB have joyously ignored for their fifteen-year career – and the community and kinship that HCB have built up over this time seems even more remarkable.

Frontman/composer Steve Pretty and composers Olly Blackman and Luke Christie say of this release: “It’s a privilege and joy to still be playing together after all these years, and especially to be pushing each other to be as creative and innovative as we can be.

“The process of collaborating with so many amazing artists and the freshness that’s brought to the project is endlessly inspiring. Some of this music started life almost a decade ago, and other tracks are only a few months old, but we’re so proud of the breadth of musical talent on display with this record.”

A testament to their tenure and calibre as musicians, ‘Collaborations: Volume Two’ is an exuberant and original addition to HCB’s already impressive and varied catalogue, highlighting their restlessly collaborative and creative instincts.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

£25.00

All prices include any booking fees

Dates & times:

Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 7.30pm

About The Theatre Chipping Norton

The Theatre Chipping Norton, sometimes called The Theatre, Chipping Norton or Chipping Norton Theatre, is a theatre, an arthouse cinema, a gallery and a concert hall in Chipping Norton.

The theatre has has 217 seats, including stalls and a balcony. It is a resource for the community, and it is also a professional venue, welcoming over 55,000 customer visits every year.

It is something unique, but it is also different things to different people. It is the cause and subject of many arguments and debates; and a fair amount of acclaim and affection. It is complicated and a little eccentric.

It is not a little theatre. It likes to make a big noise.

Discover more about The Theatre Chipping Norton, including travel, access and venue information.

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift
2026-04-29 00:00 - 2026-05-02 23:59 | New Theatre Oxford, 24-26 George Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2AG
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift

About Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift

Murder comes to the countryside in the theatrical world premiere of the critically acclaimed television favourite Midsomer Murders.

When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets, and deadly rivalries.

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift

With eccentric villagers, shocking twists, and an unforgettable reveal, The Killings at Badger’s Drift is a classic whodunnit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Bringing to life the wit, charm, and chilling suspense of the beloved TV series and original series of books, this gripping and thrilling new show is set to delight audiences.

Daniel Casey, who created the role of Sergeant Troy in ITV’s Midsomer Murders, now returns to play the role of Inspector Tom Barnaby. Daniel’s recent television credits include Emmerdale, EastEnders and Coronation Street. Daniel’s recent theatre credits include Bernard in Yes, Prime Minister (Theatre Clywd), Laurence in Abigail’s Party (UK Tour), and Roger in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (National Theatre).

Spend an evening in England’s deadliest county…

Written and directed by Guy Unsworth, this new theatrical adaptation is based on the book by Caroline Graham, The Killings at Badger’s Drift, and the television series Midsomer Murders produced by Bentley Productions [for ITV] in association with All3 Media International.

Watch the trailer

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £15.00

Tickets are subject to a transaction fee of £3.95

Dates & times:

Wednesday 29 March 2026 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 30 March 2026 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Friday 01 April 2026 at 7.30pm

Saturday 02 April 2026 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Running time:

This show has an interval

Good to know:

The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any individual artist at all performances.

About New Theatre Oxford

There has been a theatre on George Street for almost 170 years. The first theatre was built in 1836, and a second in 1886. In 1934, the third New Theatre opened.

The theatre has been owned by several different companies and undergone several name changes. It is now owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group and hosts everything from ballet and opera to musicals.

On performance days, the Box Office opens at noon and closes 15 minutes after the show starts. If there is a performance on a Sunday or Bank Holiday, Box Office will open 2 hours before the show begins and close 15 minutes after the show starts.

There is a large air-conditioned bar with seating located below the Stalls Foyer, two further bars in the Circle Foyer and an additional one at the back of the balcony. All stocked with an array of drinks and snacks.

There is a cloakroom located in the stalls bar. If this is closed, please speak to a member of staff. £1 per item. It is free to ATG Theatre Card members.

See important information about Getting there and Access here

See other shows at this venue

Organ Recital with Richard Moore
2026-04-29 12:00 | Oxford Town Hall, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's,, Oxford, OX1 1BX, United Kingdom
Organ Recital with Richard Moore

About Organ Recital with Richard Moore

Join Organ Recital with Richard Moore at Oxford Town Hall in the stunning Main Hall for some beautiful music performed on the famous Father Willis Organ.

Why not take a special lunch break and bring your pack up with you? Alternatively, tea and coffee is provided!

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

£7.00 – cash only (change is encouraged!)

Tickets available on the door

Dates & times:

Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 12.00pm

Museum of Oxford Walks: The Lost Shops of Oxford
2026-04-29 14:00 - 15:30 | Museum of Oxford, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1BX
Museum of Oxford Walks: The Lost Shops of Oxford

About Museum of Oxford Walks: The Lost Shops of Oxford

‘Do you remember Woolworths, Elliston & Cavell, or the Cadena Tea Rooms?’

Town centre shops often evoke powerful memories of time and place. It could be the location of a first date, a Saturday job, a regular meeting point, or the place you went for a favourite childhood treat.

Join Maurice East to explore the history of Oxford through the fascinating stories of ever-changing city centre shops through the ages.

The tour will explore: the ‘shambles’ of medieval Oxford; the hidden Jewish quarter of St Aldates; the alleyways of the covered market; lost coaching inns; grand department stores; the controversial destruction of a famous hotel; and much much more!

Accessibility and further information:

Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team.

The walk lasts 1.5 hours. It starts and ends at the Town Hall.

The route is flat, on paved streets and is easy walking. Please email museum@oxford.gov.uk if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk.

Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.

Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours.

Meet Your Tour Guide: Maurice East

Maurice East is a local historian who was born and raised in Oxford. He interprets the social history of the city through the lens of growing up as a ‘townie’ and shines a spotlight on stories far off the usual tourist trail. His main area of research is the history of car making at Cowley and how the arrival of industry, cars and blue collar workers changed Oxford forever in the early twentieth century.

Access

The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies, and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum.

Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on the website: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

£15.00

Tickets are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event include access to the Museum’s Galleries.

Dates & times:

Wednesday 29 April and 08 July 2026 at 2.00pm

Running time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Age guidance:

16+

About Museum of Oxford

The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people. Located inside the Oxford Town Hall, it explores the city’s rich history beyond the university, focusing on the lives, industries, and communities that have shaped Oxford over time.

The museum features interactive exhibits, local artefacts, and personal stories, covering topics such as Oxford’s medieval origins, its diverse communities, and key moments in its development. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages.

Discover more about the Museum of Oxford.

Antiques Expert on the Road
2026-04-29 19:30 | The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, Spiceball Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5QE
Antiques Expert on the Road

About Antiques Expert on the Road

Step into history with Mark Smith, the Medals & Militaria expert from BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow, where he’s captivated audiences since 2014.

Acclaimed Author Mark has written five authoritative books on the Great War, cementing his place as a respected voice in military history.

Experience history brought to life as Mark delves into the origins of the Victoria Cross, debunks long-standing myths, and shares jaw-dropping stories of the extraordinary heroes who earned this prestigious honour.

This is your chance to see Mark’s expertise and passion live on stage, an unforgettable journey through courage, sacrifice, and history!

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Standard – £31.00

VIP Meet & Greet – £53.50

Dates & times:

Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 12.00pm

About The Mill Arts Centre

The Mill Arts Centre is the cultural hub for Banbury and the surrounding area.

As the only dedicated arts provision in the area, it aims to inspire creativity and enrich the lives of the communities by providing a high-quality, varied artistic, educational and participatory programme.

It plays a significant role in the town’s cultural, social and economic development by offering the community the chance to engage with and be entertained by several art forms.

The Mill Arts Centre offers an exciting live events programme, including theatre, dance, music, comedy, film, workshops and classes. Alongside this, it runs several community projects and initiatives with partner organisations.

You can visit our Café Bar for delicious hot and cold drinks and light refreshments – and while you’re there, the Gallery is home to a fantastic programme of exhibitions from local artists.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for meeting rooms or spaces for hire in Banbury, our wide range of spaces – including our theatre, art studio, dance studio and meeting rooms – are available for hire.

Discover more about The Mill Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.

Simon Evans Is Staring At The Sun
2026-04-29 19:30 | The Theatre Chipping Norton, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
Simon Evans Is Staring At The Sun

About Simon Evans Is Staring At The Sun

With growing evidence that we are living in a Computer Simulation – and a pretty glitchy, off-brand simulation at that – and the approaching watershed of the AI Singularity looming like a weirdly pixelated cumulo-nimbus on the horizon, BBC Radio 4 stalwart and veteran of a quarter century of highly acclaimed stand-up comedy Simon Evans is squinting at an uncertain future, and revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth.

The analogue world of hitch-hiking, pub bets and hedge porn. Of being able to get properly lost. And also pondering the great thinkers and mystics of the past who had, it seems, the same doubts and misgivings about ‘reality’, back when an adjustable sandal passed for cutting-edge tech.

NB: Any similarity of Doll in package to Patrick Stewart is coincidental. No refunds.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

£21.00

All prices include any booking fees

Dates & times:

Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 7.30pm

Running time:

2 hours

Location:

The Theatre

Age guidance:

14+ only

About The Theatre Chipping Norton

The Theatre Chipping Norton, sometimes called The Theatre, Chipping Norton or Chipping Norton Theatre, is a theatre, an arthouse cinema, a gallery and a concert hall in Chipping Norton.

The theatre has has 217 seats, including stalls and a balcony. It is a resource for the community, and it is also a professional venue, welcoming over 55,000 customer visits every year.

It is something unique, but it is also different things to different people. It is the cause and subject of many arguments and debates; and a fair amount of acclaim and affection. It is complicated and a little eccentric.

It is not a little theatre. It likes to make a big noise.

Discover more about The Theatre Chipping Norton, including travel, access and venue information.

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Mozart Requiem
2026-04-30 19:00 | The Olivier Hall, Oxford, St Edward’s School, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Mozart Requiem

About Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Mozart Requiem

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488

Mozart Requiem in D minor, K. 626

Sarah Dufresne soprano

Claire Barnett-Jones mezzo-soprano

Joshua Ellicott tenor

Jonathan Lemalu bass

Oxford Philharmonic Choir

Rainer Küchl guest concertmaster

Marios Papadopoulos conductor/piano

Marios Papadopoulos conducts and performs in an evening devoted to the genius of Mozart. The programme opens with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, where Papadopoulos’s delicate yet dynamic piano playing brings this lyrical masterpiece to life.

The second half of the concert features Mozart’s Requiem, a profound and dramatic work, performed by the Oxford Philharmonic Choir, capturing both the composer’s deep spirituality and his unparalleled gift for orchestral and choral texture.

This performance includes the world premiere live performance of Robert Saxton’s Agnus Dei for the Requiem by Mozart, written in 2017 for a projected TV drama. The writer/producer Peter Kosminsky (who had directed Wolf Hall) wanted a ‘darker’ Agnus Dei in the manner of late Mozart, replacing the very beautiful movement by Mozart’s pupil, Süssmayr.

Mozart: Requiem but still no peace

Left incomplete on his death, Mozart’s setting of the Requiem Mass has been one of the most debated and argued-over works in the history of music. Nicholas Kenyon explores the turbulent background to the piece and the many versions of it that exist today.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £18.00

(Students from £5.00)

Dates & times:

Thursday 30 April 2026 at 7.00pm

Good to know:

Pre-concert talk given by Sir Nicholas Kenyon at 6.00pm

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
2026-04-30 19:30 | Amey Theatre, Abingdon, Abingdon School, Park Road,, Abingdon-on-Thames, OX14 1DE
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

About Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings to life the spirit of extreme adventure and the world’s last great wild places – all through the big screen. The UK & Ireland Tour features extraordinary collections of inspiring short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival!

The Banff Mountain Film Festival features a thrilling selection of films from the most captivating places on earth!

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back with a brand-new line-up of captivating short films packed with extreme journeys, intriguing characters and stunning cinematography. Join the world’s top outdoor filmmakers and adventurers as they climb, ski, paddle, run and ride through the wildest corners of the planet!

Two entirely different film programmes will be featured in Abingdon on the 2026 Banff Tour – the RED and BLUE programmes. The Red Film Programme will be shown on 5 March, and the Blue Film Programme will be shown on 30 April.

Watch the trailer

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £15.48

Tickets are subject to a transaction fee.

Dates & times:

Thursday 05 March and Thursday 30 April 2026 at 7.30pmDoors open 30 minutes before the show starts.

Duration:2 hours 45 minutes, including an interval

Film rating:

12A

The (almost) Complete History of Britain
2026-04-30 19:30 | The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, Spiceball Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5QE
The (almost) Complete History of Britain

About The (almost) Complete History of Britain

Mud, blood and stiff upper lips! Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain in under 2 hours.

Have you ever wanted to see the life of Henry VIII told as a romantic comedy or the tale of the Spanish Armada reimagined as a light operetta? Probably not.

But that won’t stop The Pantaloons from retelling great moments from the country’s past in a variety of surprising genres! Featuring live music, audience interaction and wild historical inaccuracy.

Reviews

“Laugh out loud funny… endless verve and utterly infectious joy.”

Northwich Guardian

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Standard – From £19.50

Silver & Gold Members – From £16.50

Dates & times:

Thursday 30 April 2026 at 7.30pm

About The Mill Arts Centre

The Mill Arts Centre is the cultural hub for Banbury and the surrounding area.

As the only dedicated arts provision in the area, it aims to inspire creativity and enrich the lives of the communities by providing a high-quality, varied artistic, educational and participatory programme.

It plays a significant role in the town’s cultural, social and economic development by offering the community the chance to engage with and be entertained by several art forms.

The Mill Arts Centre offers an exciting live events programme, including theatre, dance, music, comedy, film, workshops and classes. Alongside this, it runs several community projects and initiatives with partner organisations.

You can visit our Café Bar for delicious hot and cold drinks and light refreshments – and while you’re there, the Gallery is home to a fantastic programme of exhibitions from local artists.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for meeting rooms or spaces for hire in Banbury, our wide range of spaces – including our theatre, art studio, dance studio and meeting rooms – are available for hire.

Discover more about The Mill Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.

Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years
2026-04-30 19:30 | Oxford Town Hall, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's,, Oxford, OX1 1BX, United Kingdom
Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years

About Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years

Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years is the most authentic sounding concert of the unforgettable music of Simon & Garfunkel.

Made up of Dan Haynes & Pete Richards, Bookends have toured the globe extensively with their concerts being described as ‘simply breath-taking’.

Performing the songs in a truly captivating way, against a backdrop of iconic imagery, their delicate recreation of the unmistakable sound of the American folk-rock duo is something of a masterpiece.

Bookends have been performing their unique, world-class concert to audiences in some of the finest theatres and concert halls across the UK, Europe and the United States.

Hear many of the hits such as The Sound of Silence, Mrs Robinson, The Boxer and Bookends’ own beautiful rendition of the unforgettable Bridge Over Troubled Water. This is without doubt the closest thing to Simon & Garfunkel touring the world today.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £31.24

Dates & times:

Thursday 30 April 2026 at 7.30pm

May Morning 2026
2026-05-01 00:00 - 23:59 | Magdalen College Chapel, Oxford, Magdalen College, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4AU
May Morning. Image: Magdalen bridge looking towards central Oxford with Magdalen Tower in the background

About May Morning 2025

May Morning is an annual event in Oxford, held on 01 May – a tradition stretching back over 500 years.

A centuries-old Oxford tradition

May Morning returns on Friday 01 May 2026, continuing a tradition that has been celebrated in Oxford for over 500 years. Each year, students, residents and visitors gather to welcome the first day of May with music, procession and revelry in the heart of the city.

Music and ceremony at Magdalen Tower

From around 5.00am, crowds start assembling under Magdalen Tower, along the High Street, and on Magdalen Bridge. Students and fellows of Magdalen College gather in the college cloisters and atop the college towers in preparation for the main event.

At 6.00am, the Magdalen College Choir perform the Hymnus Eucharisticus, a hymn composed in the 17th century by the College’s choirmaster Benjamin Rogers, from the top of the 144ft tower. The choir also sings three traditional madrigals, including the perennial favourite Now Is the Month of Maying, alongside prayers for the city led by the Dean of Divinity.

When the choir concludes, the Magdalen Tower bells ring for around 20 minutes, marking the start of the day’s celebrations. A procession moves from Magdalen Bridge up the High Street and into the city centre, setting the tone for hours of dancing, music, and spontaneous festivities that bring Oxford’s communities together.

Dancing and revelry across the city

Traditionally, May Morning features Morris dancing on Broad Street, Catte Street, under the Bridge of Sighs, in front of St John’s College on St Giles, and on the forecourt of the Ashmolean Museum. Highland dancing can be seen in Radcliffe Square, between the University Church and the Radcliffe Camera.

Recent history

During the pandemic, May Morning 2020 moved online, with choir members recording remotely, and a similar online celebration took place in 2021. Following restrictions, May Morning 2022 drew enormous crowds, particularly as it fell on a weekend.

In past decades, there was a tradition of students jumping into the rather shallow River Cherwell from Magdalen Bridge, but this was discontinued in 2005 for safety reasons, after several students were injured.

Tickets

Good to know

A crowd management system will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable morning for everyone.

Look out for stewards and signage guiding you to viewing spots.

It’s important to follow any instructions from stewards, who are there to help you and others enjoy the experience.

Specific viewing areas for wheelchair users, families with young children, and those with buggies are set up in the Magdalen College School car park and Rose Lane.

Expect road closures from 2am to 9am on May Morning, affecting all traffic, including bicycles

Gallery

Ballet Black at 25
2026-05-01 00:00 - 2026-05-02 23:59 | Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2LW, United Kingdom
Ballet Black at 25

About Ballet Black at 25

Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a much-anticipated return to Oxford Playhouse.

For 25 years, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black has brought bold new ballet to stages across the UK, creating and sharing original stories with dancers from around the world. This anniversary season celebrates a quarter of a century of innovation, mentoring and collaboration, while looking ahead to the future.

This landmark double bill features Ingoma (2019), the choreographic debut of former Company dancer, Mthuthuzeli November. Inspired by the 1946 South African miners’ strike, a precursor to the anti-apartheid movement, Ingoma captures the suffering and resilience of Black miners and their communities, bringing rarely told stories to the ballet stage.

The work won both the 2020 Olivier Award and the Black British Theatre Award for Best Dance Production and now makes its Oxford premiere.

Alongside it comes …all towards hope. A joyful new commission from Alvin Ailey royalty Hope Boykin, a two-time Bessie Award winner, making her UK choreographic debut. Boykin, who says “I make work and create environments from personal and lived experiences”, creates a celebratory piece especially for Ballet Black’s 25th year – a vibrant tribute to the company’s journey and a bold look towards its future.

Audiences can expect Ballet Black’s signature blend of powerful storytelling, striking choreography and rich global influences, in a programme that honours the past while celebrating the future.

For 25 years, Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet – creating vital opportunities for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, while building a repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.

Reviews

“These dancers are a force to be reckoned with.” ★★★★

The Times

“Dazzling double bill brings forth resistance and hope.” ★★★★

The Guardian

“Ballet Black consistently brings new and exciting work to Oxford Playhouse.”

Oxford Dance Writers

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £15.00

A £2.75 booking fee per transaction applies to this event across all channels – website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for members, schools, groups and access bookers.

Dates & times:

Friday 01 to Saturday 02 May 2026 at 7.30am

Running time:

1 hour 40 minutes

Age guidance:

7+

About Oxford Playhouse

Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce several live performances and feature a rich array of British and international dramas, family entertainment, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry.

The Playhouse not only produces and tours its own theatrical productions, but it also fosters creativity through its Artists in Residence program and the Playhouse Plays Out series, which brings unique events to various locations across the county.

The theatre’s Participation Team engages over 15,000 individuals annually, offering an extensive range of activities, including post-show discussions, workshops, work experience opportunities, holiday programs, a youth theatre, and a company for young performers.

Oxford Playhouse stands dedicated to its mission of being a Playhouse for all, striving to ignite inspiration and bring about transformative experiences through its commitment to creativity on its stages, within its community and online.

Discover more about Oxford Playhouse, including travel, access and venue information.

The Enormous Crocodile The Musical
2026-05-01 00:00 - 2026-05-03 23:59 | Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG
The Enormous Crocodile The Musical

About The Enormous Crocodile The Musical

“For my lunch today, I would like… a nice juicy little child!”

He’s greedy, he’s grumptious, he’s horrid!

The Enormous Crocodile The Musical

The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle to Aylesbury in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.

This mischievous musical, based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book, has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady.

Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis and puppetry co-designed and supervised by Daisy Beattie.

Snap up your tickets today for this wickedly funny musical adventure, perfect for the whole family!

What the critics say

“The show’s razzle-dazzle energy is contagious, and music by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab soars.” ★★★★★

Ham & High

“Wild, whimsical, and wonderfully wacky.” ★★★★★

London Theatre Reviews

“A Snappy, funny, riotous children’s musical to really sink your teeth into.” ★★★★★

Theatre & Tonic

“Rapturously received.” ★★★★

West End Best Friend

“Magical” ★★★★

The Stage

Watch the trailer

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £18.95

Tickets are subject to a transaction fee of £3.95

Dates & times:

Friday 01 to Sunday 03 May 2026

Friday at 10.30am and 2.00pm

Saturday and Sunday at 11.00am and 2.00pm

Running time:

1 hour with no interval

Location:

Main Auditorium

Age guidance:

3+

About Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is a stunning modern venue at the heart of Buckinghamshire’s cultural scene.

Opened in 2010, its striking wooden interior takes inspiration from the rolling Chiltern Hills, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The theatre regularly hosts top touring productions, offering audiences the chance to enjoy big-name shows and world-class entertainment without heading to London.

Designed for comfort and accessibility, the venue features step-free access, wheelchair spaces, and hearing loop systems. Whether you’re after a hit musical, stand-up comedy, or a magical Christmas pantomime, Waterside Theatre has something for everyone.

See important information about Getting there and Access here

See other shows at this venue

Banbury Farmer’s Market
2026-05-01 08:30 - 13:30 | Banbury Market Place, Banbury Market Place, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5UN
Banbury Farmers Market

About Banbury Farmer’s Market

Banbury Farmer’s Market takes place on the first Friday of every month from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

This popular, friendly North Oxfordshire farmers’ market features plenty of fresh, quality produce including varieties of meat, fish and cheeses, delicious seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as locally sourced pies, bread, cakes, plants and flowers. It also provides an opportunity to meet some of your local farmers and growers.

The market is operated by Cherwell District Council.

Good to know

The farmer’s market is held on the same site as the Banbury Charter Market.

The Charter Market has been trading for several centuries since the town was established back in the 17th Century. Today it hosts approximately 30 stalls offering a range of products, including fruit and vegetables, clothing, footwear, tools, cards and garden plants.

The Royal Charter Market, also operated by Cherwell District Council, runs on Thursdays and Saturdays. There are additional antiques’ stalls on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Once in a Lifetime: Celebrating the Musical Visionaries of the 80s
2026-05-01 19:30 | The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, Spiceball Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5QE
And this: Once in a Lifetime: Celebrating the Musical Visionaries of the 80s

About Once in a Lifetime: Celebrating the Musical Visionaries of the 80s

Get ready to rewind to a time when music wasn’t just heard, it was felt. Once In A Lifetime isn’t your average tribute show, it’s a meticulously crafted journey back to the heart of the 80s, where groundbreaking artists redefined the soundscape.

Forget the shoulder pads and questionable hairstyles. We’re talking about the raw talent and undeniable genius of bands and artists like U2, The Police, Tears for Fears, Toto, Prince, Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, Hall & Oates, The Smiths, and many more.

Featuring an incredible ensemble of world class musicians who obsessively recreate every note, riff, and vocal nuance, Once In A Lifetime brings these iconic tracks to life with breathtaking accuracy and a palpable passion. This is your chance to experience the very best of the 80s, powerful, innovative, and undeniably cool!

Don’t miss this electrifying celebration of the sounds that shaped a generation. It’s more than a concert, it’s an experience.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £27.50

Dates & times:

Friday 01 May 2026 at 7.30pm

About The Mill Arts Centre

The Mill Arts Centre is the cultural hub for Banbury and the surrounding area.

As the only dedicated arts provision in the area, it aims to inspire creativity and enrich the lives of the communities by providing a high-quality, varied artistic, educational and participatory programme.

It plays a significant role in the town’s cultural, social and economic development by offering the community the chance to engage with and be entertained by several art forms.

The Mill Arts Centre offers an exciting live events programme, including theatre, dance, music, comedy, film, workshops and classes. Alongside this, it runs several community projects and initiatives with partner organisations.

You can visit our Café Bar for delicious hot and cold drinks and light refreshments – and while you’re there, the Gallery is home to a fantastic programme of exhibitions from local artists.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for meeting rooms or spaces for hire in Banbury, our wide range of spaces – including our theatre, art studio, dance studio and meeting rooms – are available for hire.

Discover more about The Mill Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.

Jousting tournament at Blenheim Palace
2026-05-02 00:00 - 2026-05-04 23:59 | Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Blenheim Park, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Jousting Tournament at Blenheim Palace

About the Jousting Tournament at Blenheim Palace

The clash of lances, the thunder of hooves, and the roar of the crowd – the Jousting Tournament returns to Blenheim Palace in spring 2026, bringing medieval pageantry to life on the stunning South Lawn.

This electrifying spectacle transports visitors back to the Middle Ages, where gallant knights battle for honour in a dramatic display of skill, bravery and showmanship.

Across the bank holiday weekend of 04 to 06 May 2026, visitors can witness high-octane jousting from the renowned Knights of Middle England, complete with dazzling costumes, authentic armour, and choreographed stunts. The event also features falconry displays and additional family-friendly attractions, making it a perfect day out for history enthusiasts and families alike.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Blenheim Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the tournament combines spectacular equestrian feats with immersive storytelling and medieval pageantry to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Jousting by the Knights of Middle England – Action-packed displays featuring traditional armour, stunt riding and competitive tilts.

Falconry demonstrations – Birds of prey in flight, showcasing historic hunting techniques.

Family-friendly entertainment – Medieval activities, displays and themed attractions on the South Lawn.

Stunning setting – The grandeur of Blenheim Palace provides the perfect backdrop for this timeless spectacle.

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Tickets required:Entrance is free with with an Annual or Palace and Play Pass.

Location:

The South Lawn

Timings:10.00am to 5.00pm

Accessibility:

Disabled Parking is available near the event site.

Dogs:

No dogs allowed

Gallery

Henley Arts Trail
2026-05-02 00:00 - 2026-05-04 23:59 | Oxfordshire
Venues in and around Henley-on-Thames

Henley Arts Trail

About Henley Arts Trail

Searching for a unique and inspiring way to spend your early May Day bank holiday weekend?

The Henley Arts Trail is what you are looking for : a vibrant, inspirational and inclusive celebration of art & creativity. Mark your calendar: 02 to 04 May 2026.

Founded in 2006, The Henley Arts Trail is celebrating its 20th year. The trail was set up to showcase the amazing talent in the area. It’s gone from strength to strength and now shows the work of over 300 creatives in 36 venues.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, or just curious, you’ll have a wonderful time discovering the fascinating variety of venues that serve as a canvas for the creations of 300 artists.

Here’s a really special experience to celebrate the 20th Anniversary. There is a stunning new waterfront Venue 16 at Greenlands (Henley Business School) showcasing the work of over 30 creatives. To make your day that bit more special enjoy a cruise up the Thames from central Henley to Greenlands.

Hobbs of Henley offer a ferry service in elegant 12 seater cruisers so you’ll arrive in style. Only £6 per person and no need to book ahead. Boats will be running every 20 minutes. Hobbs is a short walk from Henley station so ditch the car and have a great day out.

Follow the map to discover hidden treasures and stop for refreshments along the way in beautiful settings many of which are not usually open to the public.

The 36 venues are so varied and characterful. From artists’ studios & village halls to an award winning s riverside stately home, vineyards, a distillery and the world famous Leander Club right next to the bridge in Henley.

The venues are free to enter so you can visit as many as you like to view the varied and beautiful work. The only exception is the National Trust’s Greys Court venue 20 where entrance fees apply for non members.

There are creatives at every stage of their careers showing their work – from established professionals, with years of experience, to newcomers showing their work for the first time. Discover the inspiration behind their work, the techniques used and buy direct from the makers. From paintings, prints and photography to sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and everything in between!

Henley Arts Trail poster

After enjoying the exhibition stroll over to the main house for an indulgent afternoon tea. Pre booking is essential so don’t miss out. Click the button below to make your booking today.

Book Tea

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Venues are free to enter.

Entry to the exhibition is free so you can visit as many as you like to view the varied and beautiful works, except for the National Trust’s Greys Court, where normal admission fees apply for non-members.

Dates & times:

Saturday 02 to Monday 04 May 2026 (Early May Bank Holiday Weekend)

10.00am to 5.00pm daily

Location:

Over 30 unique locations in the picturesque towns and villages in the Thames Valley near Henley-on-Thames.

Many venues feature artists demonstrating their craft, so you can discover the techniques, tools and processes involved.

Explore locations

Medieval Jousting at Tumblestone Hollow
2026-05-02 00:00 - 2026-05-04 23:59 | Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, Stonor, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 6HF
Medieval Jousting at Tumblestone Hollow

About Medieval Jousting at Tumblestone Hollow

This May Bank Holiday marks the exciting return of the Knights of Royal England to Stonor Park and Tumblestone Hollow, kicking off our vibrant events season here at Stonor at a gallop!

Watch the action unfold as riders charge at full speed, lances poised, competing for glory in a thrilling display of skill, strength and precision. Between tournaments, step into the medieval world yourself with archery, axe-throwing and falconry experiences for all ages.

Settle in for an action-packed and fun-filled day, with plenty of time to be thoroughly entertained and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying delicious food and drink from a range of street food vendors.

Tickets include access to Tumblestone Hollow adventure playground, giving kids extra space to play and explore, and also include free access to Stonor’s house and gardens, making sure there is something special for everyone.

Book now for a full day of fun, excitement and laughter, offering exceptional value for families and friends alike.

Medieval Jousting at Tumblestone Hollow poster

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Jousting adult (16+) – From £14.50

Jousting child (5+) – From £15.50

Jousting child (3 to 4 years) – From £13.45

Jousting child (under years) – Free

Jousting family (3 tickets) – From £40.00

Jousting family (4 tickets) – From £50.00

Dates & times:

Saturday 02 to Monday 04 May 2026

Jousting event from 10.00am to 4.00pm

Tumblestone Hollow and Gardens from 9.30am to 5.00pm

Stonor’s House from 1.15pm to 5.00pm

Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival 2026
2026-05-02 00:00 - 2026-05-25 23:59 | Oxfordshire
Various venues across Oxfordshire

About Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival 2026

Celebrating the county’s creativity

The Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival returns in 2026, running from Saturday 02 May to Sunday 25 May, offering three weeks of visual arts, craft, and creative exploration across the county.

As the UK’s oldest and largest artist open studios and pop-up exhibition event, the festival showcases the remarkable talent of hundreds of local artists, makers and designers.

In 2026, the festival is split into three overlapping sections:

South Oxfordshire from 02 to 10 May,

North & West Oxfordshire from 09 to 17 May, and

Oxford City from 16 to 25 May.

Whether you’re wandering through historic streets, ancient churches, or glorious gardens, Artweeks provides a chance to experience creativity in every corner of the county.

Explore studios, galleries and gardens

Artweeks invites visitors to step into artists’ studios, pop-up galleries, medieval tithe barns, private homes and sprawling gardens. You can see painting, photography, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, glass, mosaics, jewellery, woodworking, and contemporary installations. Many artists offer demonstrations or encourage visitors to try their hand, providing a rare opportunity to engage directly with the creative process.

About Oxfordshire Artweeks

Oxfordshire Artweeks is the UK’s oldest and largest artist open studios and pop-up exhibition event.

The Artweeks festival is Oxfordshire’s largest visual arts festival and the UK’s oldest and biggest Open Studios event. It is a three-week not-for-profit celebration in May each year of the county’s artistic and creative talent encompassing the visual arts in their broadest sense.

Usually, around 1,500 artists open the doors to their homes and studios or participate in pop-up exhibitions and welcome the public to see their creations and watch them work. Over 100,000 people visit Artweeks exhibitions each year, and a million pounds of art changes hands.

In previous years, visitors have been able to immerse themselves in a giant wild-flower meadow of paint at Oxford’s North Wall, marvel at shimmering glass meteorites in Kidlington or take a trip into the past with jewellery inspired by archaeology or the stunning mosaics by Becky Paton.

Visitors could see traditional blacksmithing in Watlington and the Cotswolds, take an outdoor art trail through Chipping Norton and wander through a stunning five-acre garden in Kingham near Chipping Norton populated with hundreds of sculptures.

In Burford, there were extraordinary hand-sculpted wooden tables to discover, each like a miniature tree. And in Shipton-under-Wychwood, animal artist Nic Vickery set up her 1968 caravan studio ‘Gertie’ at a working metalwork studio in nearby Asthall, where a metal forest grows!

You’ll find full details for Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival on the festival website.

Tickets

Please see important ticketing information below.

Ticketing information

All venues are drop-in and are generally open between 11.00am and 6.00pm. However, this varies, so please confirm the times for individual venues before travelling.

Wonder of Birds Exhibition
2026-05-02 00:00 - 2027-01-03 23:59 | Bodleian Library – Old Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG, United Kingdom
Wonder of Birds Exhibition

About Wonder of Birds Exhibition

A major new exhibition at the Bodleian Libraries invites visitors to step into the remarkable world of birds, exploring their beauty, symbolism and fragility through art, literature and science.

Wonder of Birds draws inspiration from The Book of Birds, created by artist Jackie Morris and writer Robert Macfarlane. Both the exhibition and the book reflect on the decline of bird populations while celebrating their cultural and natural significance.

Curated by Antonia Harrison, the exhibition unfolds through seven themed sections – from nest and egg to feather, flight and migration – combining original artwork and writing with treasures from the Bodleian’s extensive collections.

Visitors can explore rare and historic material, including previously unseen glass plate negatives by pioneering wildlife photographer Emma Louisa Turner, alongside early nature photography from Richard Kearton and his brother Cherry.

Also on display are striking life-size illustrations from Birds of America by John James Audubon, as well as a rare Great Auk egg on loan from Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The exhibition also highlights birds’ enduring influence on culture, featuring works such as Maya Angelou’s ‘Caged Bird’ and Percy Bysshe Shelley’s handwritten notes on ‘To a Skylark’. Global perspectives include imagery from The Book of the Fixed Stars and the poetic journey of The Conference of the Birds.

Enhancing the experience, a specially commissioned soundscape by sound artist Jason Singh immerses visitors in birdsong and natural environments, while artist duo Daniel & Clara present an interactive ‘Rewilding Imagination field guide’.

Wonder of Birds poster

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Free admission, no ticket required

Dates & times:

Saturday 02 May 2026 to Sunday 03 January 2027

Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pmSaturday from 10.00am to 5.00pmSunday from 11.00am to 4.00pm

Location:

The Treasury, Weston Library

Woodstock Farmers’ Market on 1st Saturdays
2026-05-02 08:30 - 13:00 | Market Place, Woodstock, Market Place, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1SL
Woodstock Farmers’ Market, Oxfordshire

Woodstock Farmers’ Market, Oxfordshire

About Woodstock Farmers’ Market

Woodstock Farmers’ Market offers a wide range of fresh local produce available in this beautiful town. Come along to this popular Oxfordshire market for your fresh, local, seasonal produce.

The market is held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 8.30am to 1.00pm on Market Square in Woodstock.

East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00 | East Oxford Primary School, Union Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 1JP
East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market

About the East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market

The East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market is a small, friendly local market with plenty of fresh food, delicious sweet and savoury takeaways, dried foods, and a plant-based café. The market also features stalls non-food stalls selling antiques, scarves and shawls, non-plastic household goods, and makeup, plus cleaners and detergents.

The majority of the producers are from within 30 miles of Oxford.

The market began in August 2006 with just six stalls, and it has since grown into a local institution. Today, regular stalls include:

Mighty Pie Co – artisan traditional hand made meat & vegetarian flat & raised pies made from local ingredients

Crudges Cheese – a range of cheeses hand made by ethical & sustainable cheese makers known personally to award-winning Crudges

Willowbrook Farm – free-range chicken, lamb, beef, organic eggs & local honey

Natural Bread – handcrafted speciality breads

Mrs B’s Antiques – antique jewellery & vintage household goods

Jericho Coffee Traders – premium coffee roasted in Jericho & served from a vivid turquoise tuk-tuk

Jason’s Book Box – second-hand books

Sandy Lane Farm – seasonal, fresh, local organic fruit & veg, lamb & pork

SESI Food & Detergent Filling Station – refilling empty containers for fairtrade, organic dried foods; household detergents & hair-care products

The market also has a cafe which runs each week selling delicious breakfasts, lunches, cakes and fair-trade teas and coffee. This is a lovely place to meet up and take a break from shopping.

The market is wheelchair accessible both inside and outside.

The East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market is a non-profit making organisation (a Society for the Benefit of the Community). It is run by a committee and a group of volunteers.

Getting there

The market takes place every Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm at East Oxford Primary School. Head down Cowley Road until you reach Tesco – the school borders on the car park directly behind it.

Botley Farmers’ Market, Oxford
2026-05-02 10:00 - 15:00 | West Way Square, Botley Oxford, West Way Square, Botley, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Botley Farmers’ Market, Oxford

About Botley Farmers’ Market

Botley Farmers’ Market, in Botley, just outside Oxford, takes place every Saturday from 10.00am to 3.00pm. The market is located in the brand new West Way Square, and you can pick up all your locally sourced produce and food.

Editorial update

We have unconfirmed reports that the Botley Farmer’s Market is permanently closed. If that’s wrong, you can suggest an edit via our contact page.

Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford
2026-05-02 11:00 - 12:30 | Museum of Oxford, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1BX
Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford

About Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford

Shakespeare came to Oxford when travelling between work (London) and his family (Stratford-upon-Avon) – what a commute! What was Oxford like during his lifetime? What did he get up to while he was in town?

This is an opportunity to pause and look carefully at Oxford city centre, noticing Elizabethan and Jacobean details you might pass by every day. The tour includes a unique Tudor bedroom above Cornmarket Street, the famous Painted Room, which will be opened specially by Oxford Preservation Trust, just for us!

Want to know more about Elizabethan eating and drinking, entertainment and travel? Or the rollercoaster of religious change in Tudor and Stuart England? Led by historian Dr Elizabeth Sandis, this is a Shakespeare-themed journey through Oxford’s famous streets.

At the end, there will be an optional 20-minute extension to the tour (included in the price), exploring Tudor and Stuart treasures in the Museum of Oxford’s galleries.

Join a Shakespeare and Oxford walking tour to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and learn about a fascinating period in its history through the eyes of its most celebrated literary figure.

Accessibility and further information:

Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team.

The walk lasts for approximately. 90 minutes and is a circular walk around central Oxford. Length: approx. 1.2 miles / 1.9 km. Two toilet stops are available along the way.

Please note the Tudor Painted Room is up a steep flight of stairs without a lift; it is sadly not accessible to wheelchairs. The rest of the tour can be adapted to offer a more wheelchair-friendly route, avoiding narrow doorways and cobbles (please let it be known if you would prefer this option by emailing museum@oxford.gov.uk).

Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.

Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours.

Meet Your Tour Guide: Elizabeth Sandis

Dr Elizabeth Sandis works at the Ashmolean Museum and is the author of Early Modern Drama at the Universities: Institutions, Intertexts, Individuals (Oxford University Press, 2022). She researches the way in which the Classical culture of Greece and Rome impacted on English society and values during the early modern period.

With a passion for local history and theatre, she enjoys translating and staging examples of the kind of plays students were producing in Oxford during the time of Shakespeare.

Access at the Museum

The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies, and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum.

Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on the website: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

£15.00

Tickets are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event include access to the Museum’s Galleries.

Dates & times:

Saturday 02 May 11.00am

Saturday 30 May 11.00am

Wednesday 01 July 2026 at 2.00pm

Wednesday 29 July at 2.00pm

Wednesday 26 August at 2.00pm

Saturday 29 August at 11.00pm

Wednesday 30 September at 2.00pm

Running time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Age guidance:

16+

About Museum of Oxford

The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people. Located inside the Oxford Town Hall, it explores the city’s rich history beyond the university, focusing on the lives, industries, and communities that have shaped Oxford over time.

The museum features interactive exhibits, local artefacts, and personal stories, covering topics such as Oxford’s medieval origins, its diverse communities, and key moments in its development. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages.

Discover more about the Museum of Oxford.

Met Opera: Eugene Onegin
2026-05-02 18:00 | The Theatre Chipping Norton, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
Met Opera: Eugene Onegin

About Met Opera: Eugene Onegin

Following her acclaimed 2024 company debut in Puccini’s MadamaButterfly, soprano Asmik Grigorian returns to the Met as Tatiana, the lovestruck young heroine in this ardent operatic adaptation of Pushkin.

Baritone Igor Golovatenko reprises his portrayal of the urbane Onegin, who realizes his affection for her all too late.

The Met’s evocative production, directed by Tony Award–winner Deborah Warner, “offers a beautifully detailed reading of … Tchaikovsky’s lyrical romance” (The Telegraph).

Cast:

Tatiana Asmik Grigorian

Olga Maria Barakova

Filippyevna Stephanie Blythe

Lenski Stanislas De Barbeyrac

Eugene Onegin Igor Golovatenko

Prince Gremin Alexander Tsymbalyuk

Creatives:

Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Conductor Timur Zangiev

Director Deborah Warner

Set Designer Tom Pye

Costume Designer Chloe Obolensky

Lighting Designer Jean Kalman

Projection Designer Ian William Galloway And Finn Ross

Choreographer Kim Brandstrup

Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

Booking information

Ticket prices:

Standard – £19.50

Under 16s – £14.50

All prices include any booking fees

Dates & times:

Saturday 02 May 2026 at 6.00pm

Running time:

3 hours 45 minutes

Film rating:

12A

Location:

The Theatre

About The Theatre Chipping Norton

The Theatre Chipping Norton, sometimes called The Theatre, Chipping Norton or Chipping Norton Theatre, is a theatre, an arthouse cinema, a gallery and a concert hall in Chipping Norton.

The theatre has has 217 seats, including stalls and a balcony. It is a resource for the community, and it is also a professional venue, welcoming over 55,000 customer visits every year.

It is something unique, but it is also different things to different people. It is the cause and subject of many arguments and debates; and a fair amount of acclaim and affection. It is complicated and a little eccentric.

It is not a little theatre. It likes to make a big noise.

Discover more about The Theatre Chipping Norton, including travel, access and venue information.
