News
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Oxford volunteer marks rehoming of 25,000 hens with British Hen Welfare Trust
The British Hen Welfare Trust’s Oxfordshire team has reached a remarkable milestone, rehoming its 25,000th hen. Coordinator Lucia Singer reflects on 13 years of volunteering, teamwork and the enduring appeal of what she calls “beautiful, intelligent little dinosaurs”.
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RISE by Henley Festival opens 2026 Emerging Artist Prize applications
Applications are now open for the 2026 RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize, offering cash awards and the chance for early-career visual artists to exhibit their work at Henley Festival with commission-free sales and transport support.
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Stevenage and Milton Keynes now rival Oxford and Cambridge as supercluster growth spreads
New research shows Stevenage and Milton Keynes now rival Oxford and Cambridge for economic growth, as business leaders call on government to fast-track East West Rail approvals to unlock a £78bn growth opportunity across the supercluster.
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Parkers Properties raises thousands for local causes across West Oxfordshire
West Oxfordshire estate agent Parkers Properties is marking a year of community fundraising, supporting charities, village events and grassroots sport while raising thousands of pounds for local and international causes.
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Rising indie artist Tom A. Smith to bring 2026 UK headline tour to Oxford’s Bullingdon
Rising indie artist Tom A. Smith brings his 2026 UK headline tour to Oxford’s Bullingdon this April, following the release of his acclaimed EP Say What You Want and a breakthrough year of major live performances.
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New Theatre Oxford partners with The Store for Inspector Morse mystery competition
New Theatre Oxford and The Store have launched a city-centre Inspector Morse mystery competition, inviting the public to solve clues in a themed window display as Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts arrives in Oxford this January.
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Strictly The Professionals to bring ballroom brilliance to Oxford as part of 2026 UK tour
Strictly The Professionals come to New Theatre Oxford on 5 and 6 May 2026 as part of a major 30-date UK tour, bringing world-class dancers, live music and dazzling ballroom action to the city.
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Savills appoints Gemma Chandler as new head of Oxford office
Savills has named Gemma Chandler as the new head of its Oxford office from January 2026. She succeeds Richard Binning as the firm prepares to celebrate 30 years in the city.
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voco Oxford offer free luxury stay to lift Blue Monday blues
voco Oxford is helping locals beat Blue Monday by offering a complimentary luxury stay at one of its Oxfordshire hotels, complete with dinner and breakfast. The annual giveaway returns for its fourth year in January 2026.
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Ava Reineke to perform opera and art song in support of Henley Music School
Soprano Ava Reineke presents an evening of opera and art song at The Bottle and Glass Barn, raising funds for Henley Music School through a multilingual recital featuring works by Mozart, Debussy, Puccini and more.
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The Ivy relaunches £19.17 menu as Brits redefine luxury in 2026
New research shows Brits now value time, connection and affordable treats over extravagance. The Ivy has responded by expanding its iconic £19.17 1917 set menu, offering more seasonal dishes and accessible luxury across its restaurants.
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New guided tour linking Oxford and Shakespeare’s Stratford launches for 2026
A new guided tour launching in 2026 will connect Oxford with Stratford-upon-Avon via the Cotswolds, offering visitors a scenic small-group day trip through Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold before reaching Shakespeare’s hometown.
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Inflatable dinosaurs and rubber ducks top list of bizarre items left on Oxford buses
From inflatable dinosaur costumes to bags of rubber ducks, Oxford Bus Company has revealed the strangest items left on its buses in 2025, alongside thousands of everyday essentials logged and reunited with passengers using digital technology.
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Oxford doctors share the health resolutions they are making for 2026
Oxford doctors have revealed the health resolutions they’ll be making and recommending in 2026, including eating more fibre, wearing sunscreen year-round and prioritising sexual health. The advice comes ahead of the opening of Welbeck Health Partners’ new £30m medical centre in north Oxford.
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Oxfordshire Community Foundation marks 30 years of local giving
Oxfordshire Community Foundation marked 30 years of local giving with a Giving Tuesday celebration in Oxford. Since 1995, the charity has distributed more than £20 million in grants, supporting over 2,000 organisations and transforming lives across the county.
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Empty homes tax in Oxford expected to raise nearly £1m this year
Oxford’s empty homes council tax premium is expected to raise nearly £1m this year, incentivising owners to bring properties back into use amid a housing shortage