News
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Persimmon Homes submits plans for 172 new homes at Valley Park in Didcot
Persimmon Homes Wessex has submitted plans for 172 new homes as part of the fourth phase of the Valley Park development in Didcot. The proposal includes 61 affordable homes for a local housing association, a playground, and access to green infrastructure.
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Westgate Oxford reveals summer 2025 meet and greet schedule for children’s characters
Westgate Oxford is offering free summer fun for families with a series of character meet and greets featuring Bluey, Paddington™, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and the first-ever appearance of baby pig Evie.
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Big Feastival 2025 lineup: Over 100 music acts, 200 dishes, and Britpop orchestral show
Big Feastival 2025 returns to the Cotswolds this August with a stellar programme featuring the world premiere of Alex James’ Britpop Classical. Festivalgoers can enjoy over 100 music performances, 50 street food vendors, and 200+ dishes.
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Free pop-up play events return to Oxford for families with children under five
Families in Oxford have two more weeks to enjoy free pop-up play events designed for children aged five and under, organised by Oxfordshire County Council with support from local partners.
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Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership secures £10m funding boost for 2025/26
Oxfordshire County Council and local bus operators have secured over £10m in funding for 2025–26 to enhance bus services across the county. The grant will support infrastructure upgrades, such as smart signals and real-time displays, and vehicle improvements.
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Barnwood Limited strengthens pipeline in Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor
Barnwood Limited has reported a strong start to 2025, underpinned by project completions and a robust pipeline along the revived Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. The firm has delivered £40m in Oxfordshire projects over the past two years and anticipates continued growth.
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Lifelines exhibition at SOFO Museum highlights Bergen-Belsen liberation story
From 09 to 30 August 2025, the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum will present Lifelines, a moving exhibition created by local artists, inspired by a true story from the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945.
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Oxfordshire County Council completes GigaHubs project to boost rural broadband
Funded by the council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the project delivers gigabit-capable broadband to 192 public service sites across the county, boosting digital connectivity for rural schools, libraries, GP practices, and community centres.
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Sanofi supports British Transplant Games 2025 to raise awareness for transplant recipients
Sanofi is sponsoring the swimming event at the 2025 Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Oxford, reaffirming its dedication to the transplant community. The Games celebrate transplant recipients and promote awareness of life after transplant.
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Cover art for The Book of Dust Volume Three: The Rose Field revealed
The cover for The Rose Field, the final volume in Philip Pullman’s The Book of Dust, has been revealed. Illustrated by Chris Wormell, the artwork previews Lyra’s final journey across the desert of Karamakan.
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Oxford United’s new stadium to deliver jobs and local growth
Cycas Hospitality which will operate a 180-room Radisson hotel at Oxford United’s proposed new stadium has voiced strong support for the project citing its potential to create up to 80 permanent hotel jobs and benefit the local economy.
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Summer events at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons celebrate 41 years of Michelin-starred excellence
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons celebrates its 41st year with an exceptional summer lineup of events. Highlights include a Michelin-starred Four Hands Lunch with Raymond Blanc and Yannick Alléno, a Provençal-style Bastille Day Garden Party, and a new Garden to Glass cocktail menu.
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Oxford congestion charge faces Labour and business opposition
A proposed £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford has sparked fierce debate, with Labour, local businesses and residents warning of risks to livelihoods, while supporters argue it will cut congestion and speed up buses.
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Barton Leisure Centre hosts Big Open Day with free activities and gym access
On Saturday, 12 July, Barton Leisure Centre will host a Big Open Day packed with free activities for all ages. Highlights include swimming taster sessions led by qualified instructors, family fun swims, and inflatable pool courses.
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Persimmon Homes to host events for first-time buyers in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire
Persimmon Homes Wessex is hosting four events on 26 July across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire to support first-time buyers. Attendees can tour showhomes in Wantage, Didcot, Warminster, and Trowbridge, with financial advisors available for guidance.
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John Savournin appointed as CEO and Artistic Director at Waterperry Opera Festival
Waterperry Opera Festival has appointed John Savournin as its new CEO and Artistic Director, effective 01 September 2025. A celebrated opera director and bass-baritone, Savournin brings extensive experience to lead the festival into its next phase of growth and outreach.