What’s On! Oxford Property Consulting look at the must-see upcoming events in Oxfordshire this spring!
Spring is well and truly on its way! The nights are drawing out, the air is getting that bit milder and Oxfordshire will soon be blooming in all its glory.
From the rolling hills of the North Wessex Downs to quaint Cotswold towns and villages and the buzz of Oxford city centre itself, our county really does deliver something for everyone.
But it’s not just the aesthetics which make Oxfordshire appeal to so many people. In the coming months, a packed programme of events, festivals, competitions and age-old traditions will contribute to making this great county of ours what it is.
With so much going on, we’ve listed our top eight must-see events unique to Oxfordshire taking place in the coming months!
Oxford Literary Festival – 2023!
Celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2023, the Oxford Literary Festival returns for a nine-day event in the city centre from Saturday, March 25.
The world-class event brings together leading authors and public figures with talks taking place mostly at Blackwell’s Marquee, the Bodleian Library, Weston Library and Worcester College.
The festival announced earlier this month that children across Oxford city state schools will receive free tickets for the event and school visits from authors. With so much going on, head over to their website for full details.
The Boat Race!
Okay, we’re cheating a bit here!
But on Sunday, March 26, approximately 250,000 people will line the banks of the River Thames with millions more watching at home in support of the annual Boat Race.
First held in 1829, the Boat Race has been an annual event since 1856 as is contested between students at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. In the last 12 years, both teams have won six races each.
Head into Oxford city centre for a real carnival atmosphere on the day where almost every pub will be showing the action live.
A night at the theatre!
Oxford is home to a vibrant performing arts scene, and New Theatre Oxford is at the heart of this with musicals, comedy, opera, plays, dance acts and more held every month!
The hilarious Russell Howard and Jimmy Carr are among visitors in the spring if you’re looking for some laugh-a-minute fun.
If music is your thing, Billy Ocean visits in March with opera legend Alfie Boe set to make a rare Oxford appearance in the autumn. For more on Oxfordshire’s arts and culture scene, visit Oxfordshire World-renowned arts and culture – Experience Oxfordshire.
Speedway makes a comeback!
The roar of speedway bikes racing at breath-taking speeds made a historic return to Oxford Stadium last year as part of the Cowley venue’s extraordinary regeneration project.
Speedway is a team sport where riders race around a shale circuit on bikes with no brakes which can out accelerate a Formula 1 car.
The new season begins on Wednesday, March 29, when Oxford Cheetahs host Swindon Robins Select in a pre-season friendly. A must-see spectacle for anyone who is yet to experience this methanol fuelled sport!
May Day celebrations at Magdalen College Tower!
One for the early risers amongst us!
On Monday, May 1, as many as 12,500 people will line the streets of Oxford at 6am to celebrate May Day. Thousands gather to hear a Latin hymn sung from the top of Magdalen College Tower as part of this truly unique ceremony.
Once the choir ends, the bells ring out and a procession takes place into the city centre featuring dancing, music and more. Want to experience Oxfordshire at its best? This is a good starting point.
World Pooh Sticks Championships 2023!
Yes, you read that correctly!
The World Pooh Stick Championships celebrates its 40th anniversary this year at Sandford Lock in Sandford-on-Thames on Sunday, May 28.
This annual event is a fantastic day out for the all the family as Oxfordshire crowns the fastest pooh stick in the world. We did tell you Oxfordshire offers something for everyone…
Henley Royal Regatta!
Sticking to the water theme.. First held in 1839, the Henley Royal Regatta is the world’s most prestigious rowing competition and the highlight of the summer rowing calendar.
Over 300,000 people attend this event each year to watch the regatta’s 300 races held over six days. The course is a one-mile long stretch of Henley Reach and takes approximately seven minutes to cover.
This year’s regatta is due to take place between June 27 until July 2.
Cornbury Music Festival!
Looking to find a relaxed music festival in a fun, family friendly, environment?
We could not recommend Cornbury Music Festival enough! Held at Great Tew Park from July 8 for three days, this year’s festival is headlined by the brilliant Keane, The Specials and The Beach Boys.
It’s a great country fair with a rock ‘n’ roll twist including not only great music, but fantastic local food, drink, children’s entertainment and a fairground too.