There's always something great going on in Oxfordshire
BUGSY MALONE
@ New Theatre Oxford
Festivals & Exhibitions
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Salon Privé
Salon Privé returns to Blenheim Palace with their most sensational line-up to date. For four days, the South Lawn will be overcome with the finest super and classic cars in the world, accompanied by luxury brands and exquisite hospitality to form the UK’s Most Exclusive Motor Show. Enjoy lobster luncheon, English afternoon tea and Pommery Champagne – with private dining options available in the sought-after Churchill Pavilion.
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Big Feastival
Taking place on Alex James' idyllic Cotswolds farm, the Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities, in an action packed weekend with an unrivalled programme of entertainment.
26th - 28th August
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Classic Cars, Steam & Diesel Day – Chinnor Railway
On Monday 29th August the historic Chinnor Railway is hosting an enjoyable day which will celebrate classic cars, steam, and diesel power. It is anticipated that up to 30 vehicles will be on display from 10.30am, with the steam train offering journeys for the whole family. Those who embark on the train ride could see everything from red deer to the Red Kites!
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Fear No Colours Exhibition – Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum
This exhibition by Marion Bond celebrates the expansive skyscapes and stunning landscapes of Oxfordshire, with the Fear No Colours exhibition described as a kaleidoscope of colours. The artwork includes various images inspired by the local area and other scenes from around the world with photographs, acrylic paintings, giclee prints and greeting cards available to purchase until 11th September.
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Tutankhamun: Excavating the Archive – The Bodleian
Discover the story of the exciting excavation of King Tutankhamun’s tomb within this exhibition which follows the discoveries of the famous archaeologists. This year marks 100 years since the discovery of the tomb, which housed a wealth of items from the king’s life. The exhibition is free to visit and includes photographs, drawings, diaries, and plans which promise to bring the excavation to life.
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The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
The festival is delighted to be rounding off its trio of collaborations with Oxford Botanic Garden for its 400th anniversary celebrations with The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at the city’s Town Hall. The programme has been specially selected for the occasion, with a focus on music that would have been heard at the time of the Garden’s founding in 1621.
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Oxford Canal Festival
Join us for a wonderful celebration of the Oxford Canal its attractions and its colourful history on Saturday September 17th September 2022. Proceeds will go towards the purchase and restoration of a community narrowboat for everyone to enjoy.
Fantastic folk, rock, soul and world music from live bands and DJs along with a range of delicous food from across the world, plus drinks from our G&T and Prosecco Bar, Beer Tent, Cake and Hot Drinks from our Cafe.
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Thame Food Festival
Who doesn't enjoy Food? The Thame Food festival is back celebrating wonderful food and drink from 24th - 25th September.
Some of the country's leading chefs, bakers and street food stalls are accompanied by live music, circus entertainers and even a dog show.br Come and meet Eddie Scott from Masterchef - who has abandoned his career as a Marine Pilot to dedicate his love to his real passion - Food.
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Explosive Events - Abingdon
The UK's Biggest Fireworks & Hot Air Balloon Event Returns Bigger and Better than ever! Head up to Abingdon Airfield with your family and friends for a breath-taking evening of Hot Air Balloons, Explosive Demonstrations, Music, and World class Firework Entertainment! 27th August 22
There will be a huge fairground, street food, bars, skydiving displays, helicopter pleasure flights, sky filling light show and the local excellence market
Food & Drink
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Distillery Experience & Gin Tasting – Sky Wave Gin, Bicester
Immerse yourself in a fun gin tasting experience at this former WW2 RAF base, which is now home to the award-winning Sky Wave Gin distillery. The distillery experience is ideal for gin lovers, with friends and family given the chance to indulge themselves in the delicious local gins from these master distillers. We recommend trying the London Dry Gin which was voted as the best in the world at the 2020 World Gin Awards!
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Foodies Festival, Oxford
Foodies Festival (dubbed “Gastro-Glasto”) is the biggest touring gourmet food festival in the UK, featuring MasterChef champions, stars of Great British Bake-Off and Michelin Starred Chefs. Award-winning chefs taking part this summer, include MasterChef The Professionals 2021 champion Daniel Lee, alongside fellow finalist, Aaron Middleton, and MasterChef 2020 champion, Thomas Frake.
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Didcot Food Festival
Due to popular demand following the success of previous years the 2022 Didcot Food Festival is now bigger and better than before. Organised by Great British Bake Off quarter finalist Christine Wallace, this popular Autumn event grows year on year and features over 50 exhibitors of fine food and drink, street food, skills demos and a fantastic line up of chefs from the Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and local hotels and restaurants who will be in our great demonstration theatre.
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Oxford Mind Body Spirit Show
The Oxford Mind Body Spirit Show is back at the Jury’s Inn, Wolvercote roundabout, Sept 24-25th 2022. Organised by Deer Spirit Events 11am- 5pm both days
Theatre and Concerts
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The Music Of Zimmer Vs. Williams
The London Concert Orchestra perform epic scores celebrating the two of the greatest film music composers of all time.
25th September
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The Pirates of Penzance – Cogges Manor Farm
Illyria, the award-winning theatre company will be staging a memorable production of The Pirates of Penzance on August 23rd at 19.00. The outdoor production will be staged in the beautiful lawns of Cogges Manor Farm, which promises to be the perfect location for a summer evening.
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King Lear – Oxford Castle and Prison
Visit the castle and enjoy the retelling of the tragic tale of King Lear in this performance by the Siege Theatre. Power, vanity, and madness are key themes within this powerful production, with the audience invited to witness the downfall of the dynasty which is on the brink of collapse. The production will be staged from 1st August until 13th August and promises to be a dramatic evening of entertainment.
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Burlesque Workshop
Lead by the fantastic Lola La Pearl of the well esteemed Folly Mixtures Burlesque troop, why don’t you come along and discover the art of the tease in this fun and flirtatious class. Learn the basics of burlesque dancing, including bumps, shimmies and thrusts, all while having a good old giggle! You could even go all out and join us for a glass of bubbles beforehand!
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Dreamgirls, New Theatre, Oxford
Direct from the West End with an extraordinary story and the unforgettable, spine-tingling vocals that send audiences wild, this spectacular musical production features the classic songs And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, Listen, I Am Changing and One Night Only. Meet The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history. Join the three friends as they embark upon a musical rollercoaster ride through a world of fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of show business, testing their friendships to the very limit.
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Oxford Comedy Festival – Venues across Oxford
This hilarious festival takes place until 30th July and with more than 40 comedians visiting the area, the various performances are a great way to preview sets ready for the Edinburgh Fringe. The comedians include Eleanor Morton, which takes the audience on a witty journey through her pandemic experiences, alongside Adele Cliff, Ed Patrick, Helen Bauer and the Crizards. The vibrant city of Oxford is the perfect home to this fun festival, with locations including the Tap Social Movement, The Jam Factory and The James Street Tavern.
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Tim Peake: My Journey to Space
Get a fascinating insight into what it's really like to be an astronaut as Peake reveals the secrets, the science and the everyday wonders of how and why humans journey into space. In December 2015, Peake became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station to conduct a spacewalk (and run a marathon) while orbiting Earth. Now, join him on a thrilling journey to the International Space Station as part of his first ever UK tour, sharing his passion for aviation, exploration and adventure.
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Derren Brown: Showman
The multi award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, is at his very best on stage. His one-man shows have received wide critical acclaim and more Olivier wins and nominations than any other in history!
4th - 8th October
Sports & OUTDOORS
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Broughton Castle Sportive Sunday – Broughton Castle
This unique event is now in its 9th year, with the stunning Broughton Castle providing the perfect backdrop to this enduring cycling event on the 11th July. There are five potential routes to explore which all wind through the hills of the Cotswolds, ranging from a fun family bike ride through to a 100-mile endurance route. There is even a Team Rider Challenge with trophies presented to the winning team for the 50-mile, 75-mile and 100-mile routes.
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Chauffeured Punting/Rowing and Guided Walking Tour – Broad Street, Oxford
This popular student pastime can be enjoyed by everyone visiting Oxford with a Visit Oxford Tour. This chauffeured punt or rowing tour is the perfect way to enjoy the sights of the city as you wind your way along the river. We recommend packing a picnic, so you can sit back and relax as you weave your way around the spires of Oxford. The tour finishes with a guided walk around key sights in the city, with a minimum of 2 adults needed for a booking.
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Summer Holiday Axe Throwing & Archery – Carrimers Farm
Carrimers Farm is a family run enterprise which hopes to help guests enjoy the outdoor world, and with everything from camping to axe throwing available this summer, a visit to the farm will certainly be unforgettable. The Ridgeway Adventures experience is offering an array of activities throughout the summer holidays, including axe throwing, archery and knife throwing, and there is even a great dog park to enjoy!
Fairs & Markets
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St. Giles Fair
Monday 05 and Tuesday 06 September, 11.00am to 11.00pm
Dating back to the seventeenth century and celebrating the feast of patron saint - St. Giles. It is one of the largest fairs of it's kind in Europe and is now run by Oxford City Council
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Witney Feast
The Witney Feast will take place on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 September at its historic home on The Leys, with the traditional Golden Gallopers service on the evening of Sunday 11 September 2022
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Shelswell History Festival – Newton Purcell
On 16th July the Shelswell History Festival will take place at Newton Purcell near Bicester, with the open-air festival offering various exhibitions, musical performances and an exciting array of food and craft stalls. This free event will offer guests the chance to browse classic cars and bicycles before watching craft demonstrations and relaxing in the beer tent, whilst supporting the local charities Oxfordshire Mind, The Woodland Trust, and the churches within Shelswell.
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Marston Community Eco Market – Marston, Oxford
Everyone is welcome to this local community eco market on Sunday 17th July, which is organised by the Marston Eco Group, Marston Community Gardening and St. Nicholas Church. The market is free to visit and there are even free/swap stalls! Browse the selection of food stalls, book stands, plant stalls, crafts, and handmade items. The market will open at 11.30am until 2.30pm, with no need to book in advance.
Family Fun
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Knight School – Oxford Castle & Prison
As King Arthur prepares for his summer quest, Oxford Castle is recruiting the best knights ready for his next medieval battle. This fun knight school will take place from 23rd July until the 29th August, and will run from 11am-12pm every Monday, Friday and Saturday. The hour-long sessions include training in sword handling, fighting, shield skills, archery, and jousting, ready for the closing ceremony.
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Sparkle Bright Summer – Tumblestone Hollow, Stoner Park
Tumblestone Hollow is a magical world in the heart of Stoner Park, with the Sparkle Bright Summer event promising children an enchanting day of summer fun. This is a beautiful and magical area tucked away in the grounds of this stunning home, with an amazing playground, storytelling, and the chance to explore the beautiful gardens.
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The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure – Blenheim Palace
This summer Blenheim Palace is celebrating the traditional tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. The walled garden of the palace will come alive from 6th July until September 3rd with live performances, puppets and storytelling, as visitors rescue Peter from Mr McGregor’s pie plan. The immersive fun lasts for 50-minutes with surprise appearances from Jemima Puddle Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and Benjamin Bunny.
Enjoy summer of Oxfordshire with our guide to the best events!
The above list is just a snippet of the array of events taking place in Oxfordshire this summer, and we hope we have provided you with some inspiration for your summer activities. Whether you are a fan of sports, comedy, art or music, this brilliant county has something to offer everyone, and our team are always on hand to ensure your visit is unforgettable. If you would like to find out more about what’s on in Oxfordshire this summer, contact us today and we will be more than happy to help.
