Local news: Oxford
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Oxford Hoops celebrates 30 years and pushes for permanent home
Oxford Hoops marks 30 years and seeks a permanent home to support its expanding squads. With 300 players and rising costs, the club hopes a dedicated venue will secure its future and allow further growth across Oxford.
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Last tickets remaining for free festive character visits at Westgate Oxford
Westgate Oxford has limited free tickets left for its festive character meet and greets, including The Grinch and The Snowman™ & The Snowdog. December also brings choir performances, late-night shopping, gift-wrapping, dining experiences and fun festive activities across the centre.
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Bill’s unveils festive Christmas menu packed with seasonal specials
Bill’s Christmas menu returns with festive dishes, sharers and seasonal cocktails, available until 05 January. Highlights include indulgent mains, Chrimbo Classics for £10, kids eating free on Boxing Day and a special New Year’s Eve set menu.
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World’s first children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House unveils branded bus after competition win
Helen & Douglas House has launched a newly branded Oxford Bus Company electric bus after securing the runner-up spot in the 2025 Brand the Bus competition, winning a £20,000 advertising package to support its work and Christmas fundraising appeal.
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Oxfam launches Christmas personal shopper service for conscious Oxford shoppers
Oxfam is launching a Christmas Personal Shopper Gifting Service in Oxford to help residents find meaningful, affordable and sustainable presents. With many shoppers feeling financial pressure, the initiative supports second-hand gifting and offers tailored advice for thoughtful festive shopping.
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Children’s health charity and toy company bring the healing power of play to young patients in Oxford
Starlight and Ravensburger have delivered over 7,000 therapeutic toys to John Radcliffe Hospital and paediatric teams nationwide. The toys support children’s emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety during treatment, and fill critical gaps where hospitals lack budgets for play resources.
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Oxford Innovation Space’s Jo Stevens honoured as Institute of Economic Development Leader of the Year 2025
Jo Stevens of Oxford Innovation Space has been named Leader of the Year at the 2025 iED Awards, recognised for her people-first leadership and national impact on innovation-led economic growth across the UK and Ireland.
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Oxford University part of NatWest’s new partnership drive to boost UK innovation
NatWest has partnered with four UK universities, expanding its Accelerator network with new hubs and strengthened support for innovation-led businesses. The bank has exceeded its 2025 growth target as new data shows exceptional turnover and survival rates among participating companies.
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Waterperry Opera announces 2026 mainstage productions and creative teams
Waterperry Opera Festival’s 2026 season will feature new English-language productions of Puccini’s La Bohème and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, led by acclaimed creative teams and rising opera stars. Full programme details will be announced in January.
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Bampton Classical Opera reveals winners of 2025 Young Singers’ Competition
Soprano Seohyun Go has won Bampton Classical Opera’s 2025 Young Singers’ Competition, with Emma Roberts and Erin Rossington sharing Second Prize and Daniel Peter Silcock securing the Accompanists’ Prize after an exceptional final at Wolfson College, Oxford.
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Staff at Oxford United’s official charity benefit from workplace wellbeing workshop
Oxford United in the Community staff received a tailored wellbeing workshop from psychotherapist Rebecca Lisi, equipping them with practical tools to manage stress and support the charity’s Match Fit campaign. The training forms part of a growing partnership under the Friends of the Community scheme.
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Waterperry Opera Festival unveils La Bohème and The Elixir of Love for 2026
Waterperry Opera Festival will headline La Bohème and The Elixir of Love at its 2026 festival. Performed in English and led by acclaimed creative teams, the productions continue the festival’s mission to deliver imaginative, accessible opera in Waterperry’s iconic gardens.