News
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Common Futures: Oxford residents called to co-create the city’s next civic landmark
Makespace Oxfordshire has launched Common Futures, a free public events programme inviting Oxford residents to help shape the future of the civic space at 38–40 George Street. Running monthly through 2025, the programme focuses on three themes—Regenerative Futures, Stories of Place, and City Changemakers—based on previous community input.
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Former warden of Keble College to run 10k at 90 in support of SEND education
Sir Christopher Ball, former warden of Keble College and a knight for services to education, will celebrate his 90th birthday by running a 10K in Brathay, Cumbria, on 17 May. He’s raising funds for ten charities, including The Unicorn School, which supports children with special educational needs.
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Persimmon champions sustainability with donation to local Didcot group
Persimmon Homes Wessex has donated £1,000 to Sustainable Didcot, a local environmental group, through its Community Champions programme. The donation supports the group’s initiatives such as repair cafes, clothing exchanges, and community workshops.
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Mixergy honoured with King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
Oxfordshire-based Mixergy has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, recognising its groundbreaking smart hot water solutions. The company’s connected cylinders use machine learning to improve energy efficiency and support the UK’s transition to net zero.
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High Sheriff of Oxfordshire launches initiative to amplify young voices
John May CVO OBE DL, the new High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, has launched the ‘Hearing the Young Unheard’ initiative to spotlight the needs of young people. As part of this, a series of Big Breakfast Conversations are being held, including one in Chipping Norton focusing on the impact of domestic abuse on youth.
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Construction set to commence on new £190m science park in Oxford
Construction is set to commence at the end of May on Fabrica science park, a £190 million commercial development on Botley Road that will become Oxford’s largest of its kind to date. Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland secured the build contract, with completion expected in early 2027. The 180,000 sq ft scheme will deliver a five-storey,…
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Kelmscott Manor launches community poem and art events celebrating Morris’s legacy
Kelmscott Manor will host a vibrant summer programme celebrating William Morris through poetry, art, and community engagement. Poet Robert Seatter and visual artist Jessica Palmer lead the initiative, featuring a new exhibition, interactive 3-D model of the Manor, and creative workshops.
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Henley Festival reveals shortlist for 2025 RISE Emerging Artist Prize
The RISE programme by Henley Festival has announced the 2025 shortlist for its Emerging Artist Prize, celebrating early-career UK-based visual artists not yet represented by commercial galleries. Twelve artists were selected for their creativity and technical skill across painting, print, textile, and mixed media.
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Wilderness Festival reveals full line-up and stage splits for fourteenth season
Wilderness Festival, presented by Audi, has announced its full line-up and stage splits for its fourteenth season, showcasing an eclectic mix of music, arts, and culture. New additions include berlioz, Craig Charles, Georgia, and Hinds, alongside headliners Basement Jaxx, Wet Leg, and Supergrass.
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Ray LaMontagne announces 2026 UK tour featuring full Trouble album performance
Grammy Award winner Ray LaMontagne will embark on a UK tour in June 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album Trouble. It marks his first UK tour since 2018 and will feature full live performances of Trouble for the first time.
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Cornbury House Horse Trials returns with a spectacular Cotswold showcase
The 2025 Cornbury House Horse Trials returns this September, offering world-class equestrian sport in the scenic Cotswolds. Now in its sixth year, the event features elite dressage, cross-country, and showjumping, alongside a vibrant celebration of local food, drink, and culture.
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Oxfordshire Business Awards reveal finalists for 2025 celebration of excellence
The Oxfordshire Business Awards has announced the finalists for its 29th annual event, recognising outstanding achievements across 11 categories. The Awards Dinner will take place in June at Oxford Brookes University, hosted by Matt Richardson.
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Oli’s Thai to reopen in East Oxford this September
Oli’s Thai will reopen this September at its original home on Magdalen Road in East Oxford after a three-year hiatus that saw the space transformed into Elle’s Deli.
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Oxfordshire Community Foundation marks 30 years of supporting local charities
Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is celebrating 30 years of tackling inequality and supporting grassroots charities across Oxfordshire. Since its founding in 1995, the charity has awarded over 4,500 grants totaling more than £20 million.
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Drago headlines action-packed REVOLT 2025 event in Oxford
Oxford will host REVOLT 2025 on Saturday, 3 May, at Beecroft Hall, Oxford Academy. Presented by British Kingdom Pro Wrestling, the event features international stars, including Lucha Libre icon Drago in a triple-threat match against Tiger Ali and Nico Angelo.
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World PoohSticks championships return to Oxfordshire with Allica Bank sponsorship
The Rotary Club of Abingdon has announced the 2025 World PoohSticks Championships will be held this May at Sandford Lock, Oxfordshire. Sponsored by Allica Bank, the event celebrates the classic game from A.A. Milne’s Pooh stories, drawing over 200 participants from around the world.