There are plenty of exciting events happening throughout Oxfordshire in April. These are just a few of the many events taking place…
Easter Eggstravaganza – 7th to 10th April 2023 Blenheim Palace
Looking for a fun-filled family day out over the Easter weekend? Look no further than Blenheim Palace’s Easter Eggstravaganza from 7th to 10th April 2023. Head to the Walled Garden to join in on a range of egg-citing activities, from circus skills and balloon modelling to bubble performances and bungee trampolines. Catch the travelling vintage variety show, and keep your eyes peeled for special appearances by none other than the Easter Bunny himself.
Little ones can also take part in the Easter egg hunt, searching high and low around the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace to win a tasty chocolate treat. And after all that excitement, refuel with a visit to the Walled Garden Pizzeria for a slice of delicious pizza and drinks. Don’t miss out on this Easter Eggstravaganza for a memorable family day out.
Easter Trail – 1st April to 16th April 2023, Tumblestone Hollow, Stonor Gardens
Get ready for a fun-filled Easter adventure at Stonor Gardens Tumblestone Hollow from April 1 to April 16. The annual Easter Trail invites you to join Pebble and Grit as they have hidden riddles and clues around the standing stones, treehouses, and gardens at Stonor Park. Follow the trail, solve the puzzle, and receive a fantastic chocolate treat. Not only that, but one of the woodland elves will read the stories of Tumblestone Hollow, and you may even get a special Tumblestone washable tattoo to remember your adventure by.
Take part in this exciting Easter event with your family and explore the beautiful grounds of Stonor Gardens while engaging in a treasure hunt. Whether you are a child or an adult, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the Tumblestone Hollow Easter Trail.
St Matthew Passion – 6th April 2023, Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
On the 6th of April, the Sheldonian Theatre will play host to one of the most renowned pieces of classical music: Bach’s St Matthew Passion. This great musical depiction of Jesus’s arrest and crucifixion was considered revolutionary when it was first performed on Good Friday in 1727.
The Queen’s College Choir and the Boys of Radley College Choir will be joining the orchestra, alongside front-rank soloists, for a performance that is sure to be unforgettable. Under the direction of The Queen’s College’s own Owen Rees, this Passiontide performance will transport listeners back to the time of Bach and the Baroque era, showcasing the beauty and power of this masterpiece.The
Chipping Norton Literary Festival 2023 – 27th to 30th April, Various venues
Chipping Norton Literary Festival has been a popular event since its inception in 2012. The festival, which takes place in April, is hosted in the heart of the charming Cotswold town of Chipping Norton. The ChipLitFest is known for being one of the most innovative and friendly festivals, featuring a wide range of writers, poets, public figures, and creative individuals.
The festival’s lineup includes celebrity speakers like David Baddiel, Adam Henson, and Clare Mackintosh, among many others. In addition, the festival hosts a number of accessible and entertaining events throughout the year to cater to its supporters’ literary appetites.
The festival is a community project involving over 100 volunteers each year, enhancing links with residents of all ages and organisations in and around Chipping Norton. For more information on the authors and events at ChipLitFest 2023, visit the festival website.
Albinoni, Rose and Friends – Jupiter Orchestra, Gregory Rose, George Caird – 28th April 2023, Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
The Sheldonian Theatre is set to host an unforgettable evening of classical music on the 28th of April 2023, featuring the Jupiter Orchestra, Gregory Rose and George Caird. Renowned oboist George Caird will perform both one of the oldest and most loved oboe concertos, as well as a world premiere from Gregory Rose, in honor of his 75th birthday. Alongside these pieces, the evening will showcase two works for string orchestra, with a performance of Janáček’s Idyll Suite, previously recorded for Chandos by the Jupiter Orchestra, and Tchaikovsky’s heartfelt Serenade for Strings. Be sure to mark your calendars for this incredible night of music in the heart of Oxford.
The Bootleg Beatles – 04 April 2023, New Theatre Oxford
The Bootleg Beatles are back! Don’t miss their latest performance at the New Theatre in Oxford on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023. Relive the Swinging Sixties, a decade that was revolutionary, divisive and filled with unforgettable music, from Love Me Do to Let It Be. This premier Beatles tribute band will take you on a magical journey through the most iconic songs and moments of the Fab Four, from their early days at the Cavern to the rooftop of the Apple Corps building.
You’ll be amazed by their attention to detail, from the mop tops to the Sgt. Pepper costumes, and every vocal inflection and witty quip will transport you back in time. The Bootleg Beatles are joined by an orchestral ensemble and will even commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of Please Please Me with a special set. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the music of the Beatles, this multi-media show is not to be missed. It’s not the Beatles, but you simply won’t believe it!
Annie – The Musical – 17th to 22nd April 2023, New Theatre Oxford
Get ready for a heart-warming adventure as “Annie – The Musical” hits the stage at the New Theatre in Oxford from the 17th to 22nd April 2023. The show is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression in New York, where a brave young girl named Annie is forced to live in misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. However, her life takes a turn for the better when she is chosen to spend Christmas with famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
The show features a Tony award-winning book and score, including iconic songs such as “It’s The Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow.” Join Annie as she embarks on a search for her true family, while facing the wrath of the spiteful Miss Hannigan, who has her own plans to ruin the young girl’s life. Don’t miss out on this heart-warming and unforgettable musical experience that’s perfect for the whole family.
The Battle of Fyfield (a contemporary comedy by local author Nick Smith) – 27th to 29th April 2023, Appleton Village Hall
The Appleton Players are proud to present a hilarious and thought-provoking play by local author Nick Smith. “The Battle of Fyfield” tells the story of a small village’s fight against a proposed new town on farmland owned by an Oxford college. The play, a mix of comedy, history, and contemporary satire, raises important questions about rural community dynamics, academic institutions, social media influence, and the future of family life.
The play promises to be an entertaining and insightful evening for all. Set in the charming Appleton Village Hall, the production will run from Thursday, April 27th to Saturday, April 29th, with doors opening at 6:30pm and the play starting at 7:30pm. The Appleton Players are well-known for their exceptional productions, and this one is no exception.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see “The Battle of Fyfield” and join in the laughter and discussion. Get your tickets now for a night of top-quality theatre from the talented Appleton Players.
With so much to offer in Oxfordshire during the month of April, there’s bound to be an event that catches your eye!
