Featured Events in Oxford in April 2025 (May Updated)

Through the expansive finding of fossils and development of new techniques and methods, the 19th century transformed our understanding of the history of Earth. Breaking Ground explores these themes through William Buckland, geologist and palaeontologist, and Mary Buckland (née Morland), a scientific illustrator, the couple at the heart of this exhibition. They both helped to establish new scientific methods and ideas, which led to fascinating discoveries in palaeontology, including the first ever dinosaur to be named to science.

Through the expansive finding of fossils and development of new techniques and methods, the 19th century transformed our understanding of the history of Earth. Breaking Ground explores these themes through William Buckland, geologist and palaeontologist, and Mary Buckland (née Morland), a scientific illustrator, the couple at the heart of this exhibition. They both helped to establish new scientific methods and ideas, which led to fascinating discoveries in palaeontology, including the first ever dinosaur to be named to science.

Through the expansive finding of fossils and development of new techniques and methods, the 19th century transformed our understanding of the history of Earth. Breaking Ground explores these themes through William Buckland, geologist and palaeontologist, and Mary Buckland (née Morland), a scientific illustrator, the couple at the heart of this exhibition. They both helped to establish new scientific methods and ideas, which led to fascinating discoveries in palaeontology, including the first ever dinosaur to be named to science.

Anselm Kiefer: Early Works is a landmark exhibition of one of the world's most important living artists, organised in collaboration with the Hall Art Foundation and drawn from the Hall Collection. Featuring paintings, watercolours, artist books, photos and woodcuts, all rarely displayed in the UK, this major exhibition takes us back to the origins of Anselm Kiefer.

Anselm Kiefer: Early Works is a landmark exhibition of one of the world's most important living artists, organised in collaboration with the Hall Art Foundation and drawn from the Hall Collection. Featuring paintings, watercolours, artist books, photos and woodcuts, all rarely displayed in the UK, this major exhibition takes us back to the origins of Anselm Kiefer.

Anselm Kiefer: Early Works is a landmark exhibition of one of the world's most important living artists, organised in collaboration with the Hall Art Foundation and drawn from the Hall Collection. Featuring paintings, watercolours, artist books, photos and woodcuts, all rarely displayed in the UK, this major exhibition takes us back to the origins of Anselm Kiefer.

Anselm Kiefer: Early Works is a landmark exhibition of one of the world's most important living artists, organised in collaboration with the Hall Art Foundation and drawn from the Hall Collection. Featuring paintings, watercolours, artist books, photos and woodcuts, all rarely displayed in the UK, this major exhibition takes us back to the origins of Anselm Kiefer.

Jericho Youth Opera present the operatic version of the classic story of Hansel & Gretel set to music by Engelbert Humperdinck. Updated to an inner city setting, we expolre themes of inner city crime and the vulnerability of young people in poverty. We bring you the folk music that fills the score sung in the original German which includes the famous dance duet Brüderchen komm tanz'mit mir , as well as spoken dialogue and sung sections in English. Information Source: Jericho Youth opera | eventbrite

Wednesday 23rd April is thought to be the birthday of J.M.W Turner. Join a member of our Visitor Team as we mark the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth. The Visitor Team will delve into the life of the artist, the history and inspiration behind some of his works and the techniques used by Turner, and his collaborators in creating such evocative prints. Meet inside the Oxford Road entrance to the building, by the Shop. (Image Credit: J.M.W. Turner 1775–1851, Moonlight on Lake Lucerne with the Rigi in the Distance, Switzerland 1841© the Whitworth, The University of Manchester) Information Source: The Whitworth | eventbrite

Welcome to the Gabriel Latchin Trio: Homage to Gershwin event at 'Jazz at St Gies' Oxford! Gabriel Latchin is a British pianist and composer who has made a name for himself as one of the UK’s finest musicians, praised internationally by critics and world renowned musicians alike. Known for his effortlessly swinging feel and compelling performances. “the best straight-ahead jazz pianist to appear in the past few years. (The Guardian)Now a major highlight on the UK jazz scene, The Gabriel Latchin Trio take inspiration from Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson and Herbie Hancock. Get ready to be swept off your feet by the talented trio's tribute to the legendary Gershwin. It's going to be an evening filled with soulful melodies and captivating rhythms. Don't miss out on this unique musical experience! Information Source: David A Clover | eventbrite

Come and experience the magnificent sounds of Fauré's Requiem in the chapel of Keble College, Oxford. This special performance is presented by the Choir of the London School of Economics and Political Science under the direction of Andrew Campling. Information Source: Andrew Campling | eventbrite

Welcome to the event, 'A Queer Glow from the Book Lantern'! Join us at the Taylor Institution Library for a very special evening with Selby Wynn Schwartz, author of After Sappho. In one of her earliest journals, the young Virginia Woolf wrote of “the lantern bearer... who lights the paths fitfully.” Casting light through writing is a queer, fitful re-illumination: the past is more radiant; perhaps some pages even shine into the future. This talk honors a set of contemporary projects of queer literary lantern-bearing, spotlighting some shapes that queer kinships might trace among writers and readers now. It takes inspiration from the lantern kept on the tomb of Natalie Barney by Suzette Robichon and Suzanne Stroh—an otherwise ordinary garden lantern, but one which holds an evolving set of books that burnish a lesbian lineage. This book lantern suggests that queer kinship could look like an ever-changing library, or a prismatic translation practice, or a curation of objects reflecting across time. In the spirit of that book lantern, the talk will illuminate a few current literary, artistic, and activist projects that themselves shine light on non-lineal, non-linear, luminously queer conjoinings of texts. Followed by a Q&A and a drinks reception. This event is organised by the Queer Kinship Network. Information Source: The Queer Kinship Network | eventbrite

Event Description Join us for an immersive one-day event exploring exciting career opportunities in technical theatre and production. Whether you're making your first steps into the industry, currently studying performing arts or engineering, or considering a career change, this event offers unique insights into technical and production roles within theatre. Hosted at the Dancehouse in Manchester, this free event brings together leading industry professionals, live event producers, major theatres, and other key organisations in technical theatre production. Get hands-on experience, expert advice, and direct connections to potential career pathways in the performing arts industry. What to Expect Keynote Address by leading industry professionals including Mark Dakin (TAIT UK Principal) and Mark Cartwright (Managing Director, Runaway Entertainment)Interactive Panels featuring experts from major theatre organisationHands-on Demonstrations and WorkshopsOne-to-One Careers Advice Sessions including CV surgeries and career resourcesExclusive Tours of nearby ATG venue, the Palace TheatreNetworking Opportunities with industry professionalsTrade Exhibitions from leading theatre companies and organisationsFeatured Organisations Include: Performers College ManchesterGet into TheatreATG EntertainmentUK Theatre/SOLTTAITCameron MackintoshABTTFactory InternationalStage OneMasterclass / TheatreCraftAnd more!Who Should Attend This event is ideal for: People interested in beginning backstage careersCareer changers looking to enter the theatre industryCurrent performing arts and engineering studentsThose interested in technical theatre productionAnyone passionate about the behind-the-scenes magic of theatreAdditional Information Pre-registration requiredLimited spots available for one-to-one sessions and venue toursAccessible venueRefreshments provided during networking sessionsOrganiser This event is organised by Performers College in partnership with Get into Theatre and other leading theatre industry organisations, with consultancy from Masterclass / TheatreCraft. For any queries about this event, please contact: informationhubmanchester@bimm.ac.uk Information Source: Performers College, Manchester | eventbrite

2 hours of live all action family entertainment with wrestlers from all over the world taking on the very best of Great Britain For one night only the Exeter hall will be transformed into a superb wrestling arena to capture the live WWE style event that you would normally only see on your tv screens. The only place to see genuine full time wrestlers in the area Information Source: Superstars of Wrestling | eventbrite

Dob in a friend who would sell their soul to The Final Boss for your chance to win a $100 bar tab! Spinning wrestler intros all night long. YEET! Come get excited for the main event because The Last Time Is Now. Best Wrestler inspired ‘fit wins a $100 bar tab + WWE Title Belt Replica Themed Drinks: Heel Cena Hooch Uce Juice Tiffy Time Tipple WWE Visuals WWE Giveaways THIS IS AWESOME. Staff wanted - multiple roles available! DJs, Designers, Photographers, Content Creators, Influencers, Videographers, Video Editors, Photo Editors, Door Staff, Event Hosting Staff, Full time event managers, plus more! INBOX THE EVENT PAGE TO APPLY. DO NOT CONTACT VENUES. We do not condone the purchase of tickets from any 3rd party resellers. The only way to guarantee the authenticity of tickets is by purchasing directly from the ticket link listed in our event. If an individual claims to have tickets available for this event they are not verified by us and may not be legitimate tickets. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that venues are accessible to all patrons but we do offer companion tickets and will try to accommodate the best we can. We do not tolerate any disrespectful behaviour toward other patrons. 18+ photo ID required. No refunds. End time of this event is approximate; it might end earlier or later depending on the venue and how busy it is. Information Source: Emo Night | eventbrite

FAST-FIRE KILN FIRING COURSE April 17, 18, 19 Our Fastfire Kilns Course offers the perfect introduction to wood-firing ceramics, giving you hands-on experience with wood management and the process of loading and firing wood kilns here at Oxford. We encourage you to bring bisque-fired stoneware pots to test your glaze recipes and see the unique effects wood-firing can create on your own work. Throughout the course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to deepen your understanding of wood-firing techniques, gain insights from our experienced tutors, and share knowledge with fellow participants. These courses are also a great way to get to know our facilities and connect with the wider wood-firing community. Our site is home to a variety of wood-fired kilns, which we use for both firing courses and private hire by experienced firing teams. If you’re interested in building your own kiln, we also run specialized kiln-building courses. For accommodation, we offer free on-site camping with access to hot showers and a field kitchen. If camping isn’t your preference, you’ll find plenty of nearby Airbnbs to choose from. For those booking early, we also have limited accommodation available at our field study centre in the woods. Communal cooking and dining are a cherished part of the firing experience, and we’ll organize these closer to the course date to ensure everyone feels part of the community. We run these courses throughout the year. Our first 3 dates for 2025 are 17-19 April, 2-4 May and 13-15 June. Please ask if you have any further questions. Information Source: Oxford Kilns | eventbrite

In this playful and engaging workshop, we’ll explore: Theatre Games & Warm-ups Break the ice and spark your imagination with fun and interactive games designed to energize and bring out your inner performer. Improvisation Activities & Devising Exercises Learn to think on your feet, embrace spontaneity, and unleash your creativity through group and individual improvisation exercises. Collaborate with others to create unique scenes and stories from scratch. Build characters, explore themes, and bring your ideas to life. Text work We will use play extracts to explore a variety of themes and to have a go at short scenes. Additional support is available to help with reading for anyone who needs it. All exercises are designed to be as accessible as possible. Confidence in Public Speaking Through fun exercises and performance opportunities, you’ll develop tools to speak with clarity, confidence, and authenticity—perfect for both the stage and everyday life. Community Connection Forge new friendships and feel part of a community of like-minded adults. Together, we’ll celebrate creativity, support each other, and enjoy the shared joy of theatre. Who It’s For Adults of all experience levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned performers. Anyone looking to boost their confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Those seeking a fun and supportive space to express themselves and meet new people. Come as you are and leave with a renewed sense of confidence, creativity, and connection! Booking in advance is advisable. Book for one session or for the whole term If you haven’t been before and would like a free taster for your first session, email oxfordpeoplestheatre@gmail.comin advance to reserve your spot. InstructionsPlease wear clothing and shoes that you can comfortably and safely move around in. Bring a water bottle if you wish. Information Source: Oxford People's Theatre | eventbrite

In this workshop, motifs and designs from The Silk Road ( Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkey etc) will be used to produce a Silk Painting. A briefing will be given by Aysha on how Silk is produced and its origins. Also, she will touch upon the origins of the motifs used. Aysha will demonstrate how to apply the design to the Silk fabric from a drawing, followed by techniques of filling in with Silk paints. This workshop is beginner-friendly and suitable for children 7+ years of age ( accompanied by an adult if 7-11 years old). Suitable for adults. About Aysha Aysha classes herself as a Multidisciplinary Artist/ Creative Practitioner as her practice consists of Painting, Textiles and Mixed Media. She teaches Arts and Crafts to different groups ( Age Friendly , Womens Groups, Children, Families). The workshops she teaches are mainly textile based such as Silk painting, Felting and Mixed Media. Her work is mainly Nature inspired. She has taught in many Primary schools as an Artist in Schools. She currently teaches regularly at the Whitworth Art Gallery on their Handmade programme and is a regular artist for UnityArts Manchester. She is on the Whitworth Art Gallery’s Advisory Group. Information Source: MACFEST - Muslim Arts and Culture Festival. | eventbrite

Welcome to Oxford Network Running! Come join us for a fun-filled day of running at Hoare Lea. Lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the pavement with fellow running enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, this event is perfect for all levels. Enjoy the scenic route through the beautiful surroundings of Hoare Lea while connecting with other runners in the community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to challenge yourself, set new personal records, and have a great time with like-minded individuals. Grab your friends, family, or come solo - everyone is welcome to participate in the Oxford Network Running event. See you at the starting line! Information Source: James Goodwin | eventbrite

We're so excited to welcome Adelle Stripe to Blackwell's in partnership with the University of Manchester's Centre for New Writing to hear her discuss her wonderful new book, BASE NOTES: The Scents of a Life. Doors: 6.30pm, starts: 6.45pm Tickets are £4. Admission is free when purchasing a copy the book. About the book: A bedroom dreamer with a headful of Warhol, Adelle Stripe's formative years were ones of daytime drinking and religious fervour, frustrated mothers and reckless daughters, desire, ambition and the pursuit of creativity. Told through a prism of vintage perfumes, and played out in vivid detail with startling clarity and colour, Base Notes chronicles an unbridled Northern England of the late 20th century already fading from view. With a keen eye for the absurd, an ear cocked to eavesdropped conversations and a nose that finds perfume wherever it goes, this tragicomic tale of working-class womanhood is no clichéd story of redemption or escape, but instead a bleakly funny yet unflinching memoir of dead-end jobs, lost weekends, brief encounters and those wild, forgotten characters who slip through the cracks. Infused with acerbic observations and unexpected poignancy, Base Notes sees Adelle Stripe boldly laying her lived experience on the page, creating literature from a life less ordinary. About the author: Born in 1976, Adelle Stripe grew up in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire and worked a variety of dead-end jobs until enrolling at university as a creative writing student at the age of 30. Originally a poet, she published her first three collections as chapbooks, and wrote short stories for small press journals and literary magazines. Her debut novel, Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile, was based on the life and work of Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar. First published by Wrecking Ball Press, it was later acquired by Fleet (Little, Brown). Black Teeth was shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize and Portico Prize for Literature. In 2022, her account of the controversial Irish/Algerian punk band, Fat White Family, was published by White Rabbit. Ten Thousand Apologies tells the band’s story in an innovative novelistic method. It was a Sunday Times bestseller, and a Rough Trade book of the year. The biography was shortlisted for the prestigious Penderyn Music Book Prize. Adelle Stripe holds a PhD by Research in creative writing and is a Burgess Fellow at the University of Manchester. As a journalist, she has written for The Quietus, Yorkshire Post, New Statesman and many more. Tickets are £4.00. Admission is free when purchasing a copy the book. If you cannot make the event but would like a dedicated copy of a book, please email events.manchester@blackwell.co.uk or call us on 0161 274 3331. Our event format is usually a 45 minute discussion between the author and interviewer, followed by a chance for audience members to ask questions. There will be the opportunity to get your book signed/dedicated after the event. Events are a brilliant opportunity to discover new books, meet authors and likeminded readers and learn something new. Support your local bookshop and help us keep the Manchester literary scene vibrant and exciting. You can follow us on Eventbrite and social media (@BlackwellsMCR) to keep up to date on upcoming events. Information Source: Blackwell's Manchester | eventbrite

Experience an enlightening evening at Oxford Café in Lille with the event "2x30 mn avec Louis Arthur et Celimion" on April 3, 2025. Delve into the captivating discussions and insights provided by Louis Arthur and Celimion, promising an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Admission to this event is free, offering a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and perspective in a welcoming setting at 21 Rue Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul, 59000 Lille. Join like-minded individuals for an enriching event that is sure to leave a lasting impact.

We are thrilled to welcome Rozie Kelly to the shop for the launch of her debut novel KINGFISHER. Rozie will be in conversation with Adam Farrer, author of COLD FISH SOUP and BROKEN BISCUITS. Doors: 6.30pm, starts: 6.45pm Tickets are £4. Admission is free when purchasing a copy the book. About the book: When a creative writing academic becomes infatuated with his colleague - the poet - it is not long before it begins to threaten his relationship with his partner, Michael. Michael is beautiful. Michael is safe. But the poet is everything he isn't; she has everything he wants. While he writes about steel and sex, she dreams about the movements of swallows. While he tends to his budding career, she writes from her big, white house in the woods. As he slips between his old life and this new one, his fixation grows into something more powerful. The poet, his Kingfisher, is his sole focus. He is hypnotised. But when simultaneous illnesses threaten to destroy the precarious reality he clings to, he's forced to question what he can and cannot take from someone. This is a novel about grief, power and desire - and the tangles in between that make up a life. About the author: Rozie Kelly is a prose writer based in West Yorkshire. After reading English Literature and Creative Writing she moved to Hebden Bridge, where she works for the Arvon Foundation, hosting creative writing courses. She was shortlisted for the PFD Queer Fiction Prize 2023 and is one of the eight participants in the inaugural Prototype Development Programme, which offers extended support and career development to emerging writers and artists. She won the 2024 NorthBound Book Award for Kingfisher, her debut novel. Tickets are £4.00. Admission is free when purchasing a copy of the book. If you cannot make the event but would like a dedicated copy of the book, please email events.manchester@blackwell.co.uk or call us on 0161 274 3331. Our event format is usually a 45 minute discussion between the author and interviewer, followed by a chance for audience members to ask questions. There will be the opportunity to get your book signed/dedicated after the event. Events are a brilliant opportunity to discover new books, meet authors and likeminded readers and learn something new. Support your local bookshop and help us keep the Manchester literary scene vibrant and exciting. You can follow us on Eventbrite and social media (@BlackwellsMCR) to keep up to date on upcoming events. Information Source: Blackwell's Manchester | eventbrite

Welcome to Études - Equinox - Exist, a triple bill showcasing classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, tap and commercial dance. Études, a one act ballet, orignal choreography by Harald Lander, is an homage to classical ballet training as it follows a dancer's daily ritual of ballet class. Equinox, crafted by three innovative female choreographers, delves into the thematic dichotomy of light and dark, representing the constant cycle from day to night. In the 3rd Act, Exist, through the themes of identity, empowerment and representation, the dancers explore the concept of existence. Immerse yourself in a unique experience where creativity and expression collide! This event will take place on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 April, 19:30, at The Dancehouse. Get ready to be inspired and captivated by the magic of Études - Equinox - Exist! Information Source: Performers College, Manchester | eventbrite

Phytography by Dr Karel Doing The term Phytogram, is a technique that combines plants and photochemical emulsion and was developed by Dr Karel Doing as part of his PHD in 2017. Dr Karel Doing is an Oxford based independent artist, filmmaker and writer whose practice investigates between culture and nature by means of analogue and organic process, experiment and co-creation. Karel has recently published a book called 'Ruins and Resilience: the longevity of Experimental Film'. Karel will describe the process and the theory behind his work. After a brief demonstration, the class will make Phytograms to take home. No prior knowledge is needed. To bring: Cover for clothes. Bag for taking your prints home. All materials will be provided. A vegetarian lunch will be provided. These workshops are designed for 18 + Information Source: Photo Oxford | eventbrite