News
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Oxfordshire firefighters recognised at prestigious Blenheim Palace ceremony
Thirteen Oxfordshire firefighters have been honoured with His Majesty The King’s long service and good conduct medals at a prestigious ceremony at Blenheim Palace, recognising a combined 260 years of service. Additional awards celebrated outstanding contributions, including Andy Ford receiving the Rose Award for his work in road safety education.
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Gigaclear supports Bicester and North Oxford Cricket Club with gear and broadband
Cricketers in Bicester and North Oxford have received a boost from the Gigaclear Rural Sports Club Fund, backed by England legend Darren Gough. The club secured funding for youth match balls and free full-fibre broadband for their clubhouse.
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Flight Club celebrates spring with boozy brunch and darts showdown
Flight Club at Westgate is hosting the Ultimate Easter Brunch Takeover, a weekend of celebration with bottomless brunch, beats, and Social Darts. Guests can enjoy a bottle of prosecco (or beers), unlimited pizza, and an hour of darts, accompanied by tunes from a resident DJ and Easter treats.
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Waterperry Opera Festival opens 2025 booking
Waterperry Opera Festival has announced that general booking for its 2025 season opens at 9.00am on 08 April. Highlights include performances of Don Giovanni, Semele, and Winnie-the-Pooh’s Songbook, alongside free community events.
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Didcot Powerhouse Fund awards £100,000 in new grants to 14 local charities
The Didcot Powerhouse Fund has awarded £100,000 in 2025 grants to 14 local charities, bringing total funding over three years to £383,000. Four new charities join returning recipients tackling issues from male suicide to intercultural education.
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Oxfordshire bus companies launch group travel discounts throughout April
Families and friends can travel across Oxfordshire for just £15 this April, thanks to a special discount from Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel. The offer applies to CityZone and CountryZone Group Day tickets, allowing up to five people unlimited travel for a day—saving £6 off the usual price.
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Parents urged to take advantage of free Easter camps for school children
Parents are encouraged to sign up their children for free Easter holiday camps run by Ignite Sport in Oxfordshire. Available to children aged 4 to 16 who receive free school meals, the camps offer football, art, science, and more.
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KOKO Electronic to curate late-night lineup at Wilderness Festival 2025
For the first time, Audi presents Wilderness is teaming up with KOKO Electronic to curate an electrifying late-night experience at The Valley. With world-class DJs, live bands, and avant-garde performances, the Night Realm will come alive after sunset.
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Faringdon’s Joy Jermy celebrates 30 years of inspiring young linguists
Joy Jermy, a dedicated language educator, celebrates 30 years with La Jolie Ronde, inspiring thousands of children through her engaging teaching. Beginning her career in TEFL, she taught worldwide before settling in the UK, where she built a thriving language business.
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Exhibition tickets on sale for Radiohead’s visual journey with Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke
This immersive showcase is the first major exhibition exploring the visual art of Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke, showcasing their 30-year collaboration on Radiohead’s iconic imagery. The show features over 180 works, including album cover paintings, digital compositions, and unseen sketches.
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Think Human Festival 2025: Exploring what it means to be human
Oxford Brookes University will host the Think Human Festival, featuring four days of free public events exploring social issues, creativity, and humanity. The festival includes panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and film screenings.
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The Hornton Sports Bar opens at Whately Hall Hotel with 2-for-1 launch offer
The Hornton Sports Bar at Whately Hall Hotel has officially opened, offering a stylish new venue for sports fans in Banbury. Featuring large-screen TVs with Sky Sports and TNT Sports, a diverse drinks menu, and a lively atmosphere, the bar provides a prime spot for socialising.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ comes to life at Cliveden
Cliveden will host The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail from 10 May to 29 June 2025, to offer families an interactive journey through Eric Carle’s beloved story. The trail will feature illustrated signs, QR codes, augmented reality, games, and brass rubbing stations, bringing the caterpillar’s transformation to life.
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Oxford writer in shortlist for world’s largest and most prestigious literary prize
The 2025 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize shortlist features six exceptional young writers exploring identity, gender, grief, and sexuality across novels, poetry, and short stories. Worth £20k, the prize celebrates global literary talent under 40.
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Blenheim Palace Horse Trials partners with evoke® to champion rider safety
The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has announced the growing equestrian brand evoke® as its Official Safety Partner and sponsor of the popular Eventer Challenge in a new three-year deal.
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Leys Pools unveils exciting new Active Zone for families
Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is launching its new Active Zone on 05 April, offering an exciting space for children and families. The zone includes a Soft Play area for kids under 12, featuring slides, sensory elements, and an Oxford-themed design.