June in Oxfordshire is set to be an electrifying month filled with music comedy, and cultural festivities. From the lively beats at the Witney Music Festival to the comedic genius on display at the Bicester Comedy Festival, and the enchanting performances of George Harrison’s hits at The Kenton Theatre, there’s something for everyone. Prepare for a month where the arts take centre stage, offering locals and visitors alike a diverse array of live events. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter under the stars or nostalgic melodies in historic venues, Oxfordshire is the place to be this June.
A small selection of what’s on in Oxfordshire this June 2025
Blood Wedding
Wednesday 04 to Saturday 07 June 2025
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford
This June, the Oxford Playhouse becomes the setting for Federico García Lorca’s intense drama “Blood Wedding,” presented by the University of Oxford’s Full Moon Theatre. This powerful production, featuring a new translation by Emma Nihill Alcorta, plunges into the depths of passion and tradition under the searing Andalusian sun. A bride bound by duty marries a man she does not love, sparking a conflict that could unravel the very fabric of their tight-knit rural community. On her wedding night, she faces a monumental choice between upholding societal expectations or pursuing a forbidden love that promises freedom but comes with high stakes.
“Blood Wedding,” written during the summer of 1932, remains one of Lorca’s most celebrated works, weaving a narrative filled with poetic elegance and the raw intensity of human desires. This rendition by Full Moon Theatre is enhanced by a vibrant, original score that draws inspiration from Flamenco traditions, adding a visceral layer to the already charged atmosphere. The production questions the costs of personal desires clashing with rigid societal norms, making Lorca’s timeless tragedy resonate with today’s audiences.
The Sounds of Simon
Thursday 05 June 2025
The Theatre Chipping Norton, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, OX7 5NL
Step into the melodic world of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel with “The Sounds of Simon,” a heartfelt tribute to the iconic duo’s timeless music, performing on Thursday 05 June 2025, at The Theatre Chipping Norton. This show brings to life their classic hits, enveloping the audience in a wave of nostalgia with beloved songs like “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Boxer,” “The Sound of Silence,” and the poignant “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The performance captures the remarkable harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel and the complexity of their musical and personal relationship, celebrated through each song.
Audiences can expect an evening of exceptional music that pays homage to one of the most successful songwriters of the twentieth century. “The Sounds of Simon” is a musical act and a journey through the history of a musical partnership that defined a generation.
Viva Pavarotti
Friday 06 June 2025
The Theatre Chipping Norton, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, OX7 5NL
Join The Theatre Chipping Norton on Friday 06 June 2025 for “Viva Pavarotti,” a majestic evening dedicated to the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Paul Ettore Tabone, celebrated as Australia’s “Bocelli,” will pay homage to Pavarotti, showcasing the tenor’s most cherished arias that continue to enchant audiences worldwide. Having graced stages from the Sydney Opera House to London’s West End, Tabone’s powerful voice is perfectly suited to honour the “Greatest Tenor of Our Time.”
The night promises an emotional journey through opera’s most exhilarating pieces, including classics like “Nessun Dorma,” “Granada,” “E Lucevan Le Stelle,” and “O Sole Mio.” Beyond the traditional opera repertoire, the concert will also feature beloved songs such as “The Prayer,” “Hero,” and “Vivere,” known from artists like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli. This tribute explores Pavarotti’s profound impact on classical music and his ability to cross into popular music, leaving a legacy that transcends genres.
Witney Music Festival 2025
Friday 06 and Saturday 07 June 2025
The Leys Recreation Ground, Witney, Oxfordshire
Mark your calendars for the Witney Music Festival 2025, a vibrant two-day open-air celebration of music on 06 and 07 June at The Leys Recreation Ground in Witney, Oxfordshire. This much-anticipated event brings together families and music enthusiasts from all over to enjoy a dynamic lineup of bands in a scenic outdoor setting. As a not-for-profit festival, organised in partnership with Witney Town Council, it serves both as a tribute and a community highlight.
The festival was originally founded by Stuart Foster as a heartfelt homage to his sister Jo, whose memory lives on through this annual musical extravaganza. Expanding from its roots, the festival now encompasses a two-week program that involves local businesses and musicians, celebrating the richness of Witney’s music scene. The main event features performances from popular bands like The Britpop Band, The Inflatables, Blondish, Spice Forever, Goldie Looking Chain, The Standard, Fallen Angels and many others.
Bicester Comedy Festival
Friday 06 to Sunday 08 June 2025
Pingle Field, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6AU
Get ready for a weekend filled with humour and high spirits at the Bicester Comedy Festival, taking place from 06 Friday to 08 Sunday June 2025, at Pingle Field in Bicester, Oxfordshire. This open-air comedy extravaganza, known as the Lone Wolf Comedy Festival, will showcase an outstanding lineup of top-tier comedians, including the likes of Scott Bennett, Laura Smyth, Troy Hawke, Russell Howard and many more, ensuring three nights of unstoppable laughter under the stars.
Each day features a stellar lineup that promises to deliver gut-busting performances. The festival concludes on Sunday with hilarious sets from Matt Richardson, Rosie Jones, and Hal Cruttenden, all brilliantly hosted by MC Andrew Bird.
MATU Presents Iona Lane
Thursday 12 June 2025
Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon, Abingdon, OX14 3JB
Experience the ethereal charm of Iona Lane as she takes the stage at the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon on Thursday, 12 June 2025. Iona’s music, deeply inspired by the natural world, weaves poetic narratives into songs that evoke a sense of contemplation and connection with our environment. Her performance is a blend of subtle musical nuances and melodies that bring to life tales seldom told, inviting listeners to explore the depths of the world around them.
Under the guidance of influential musicians such as Nancy Kerr, Jim Moray and Stuart McCallum, Iona has honed her craft to a fine art. Known for her delicate yet resonant vocals, she has garnered acclaim across the music scene with her heartfelt performances.
SiM (Silence iz Mine)
Saturday 14 June 2025
O2 Academy Oxford, 190 Cowley Road, Oxford
Catch the explosive energy of SiM (Silence iz Mine) as they take the stage at O2 Academy Oxford on Saturday 14 June 2025. Known for their eclectic mix that channels the melodic intensity of 2000s alt-metal giants like Korn and Linkin Park, SiM blends metalcore’s heavy riffs with the rebellious vibes of reggae, ska, and punk. This alt-metal quartet delivers a high-octane performance that revitalises the spirit of musical subcultures, ensuring a night of relentless rhythm and raw power.
Oxford Brick Festival
Saturday 14 June 2025
The Kings Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES
Endless fun awaits at the Oxford Brick Festival on Saturday 14 June 2025, at The Kings Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford. Perfect for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages, this festival is a haven for families, collectors and builders alike, offering a vibrant day packed with activities that celebrate the joy of LEGO. Visitors can marvel at astonishing large-scale LEGO displays, participate in speed building competitions and explore a plethora of stalls selling everything from rare bricks and complete sets to unique mini-figures and accessories. Don’t miss the chance to add to your collection or just enjoy browsing.
From the massive, intricately detailed Mos Eisley Spaceport diorama to an over 30-foot long Great Ball Contraption, the displays are set to dazzle and inspire. For hands-on fun, dive into the dedicated building area where thousands of bricks await your creativity, or test your building speed in competitions that offer real prizes for both kids and adults.
Nocturne Live
Thursday 19, Friday 20, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June 2025
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Nocturne Live transforms the majestic Great Court at Blenheim Palace into an extraordinary concert arena from 19 to 22 June 2025. Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most stunning historical landmarks, this music event merges breathtaking scenery with spectacular live performances. This year’s lineup kicks off with Richard Ashcroft, formerly of The Verve, on Thursday with the Lightning Seeds and The Futons. Then continues with the sensational Gary Barlow on Friday as part of his UK and Ireland Songbook tour with performances from the icon Beverley Knight
The excitement continues over the weekend with The Corrs, who bring their enchanting sounds back to Nocturne Live on Saturday, supported by the talented Natalie Imbruglia and the vibrant Remember Monday. Wrapping up the festival on Sunday are the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic, alongside powerhouse performances from En Vogue and Shalamar, ensuring the festival ends on a high note. Each evening under the stars at Blenheim Palace is a celebration of music and history, all within the grandeur of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fault Lines
Sunday 22 June 2025
The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BS
This compelling performance delves into the increasingly strained relationship between humanity and nature, highlighted by our relentless drive for progress that has desynchronised us from the rhythms of the Earth. As the planet raises its voice, “Fault Lines” poses a crucial question: Are we ready to listen and respond?
Crafted with striking digital illustrations, evocative music and transformative dance, “Fault Lines” presents a scorched Earth scenario where survivors emerge from ruins to navigate a new and uncertain world. This original piece by award-winning writer Nick Walker combines existential reflections with practical problem-solving to explore life on a changing planet. The production features a powerful sound score by Dougie Evans and immersive digital visuals by Zach Walker and Courtney McCarthy, creating a rich sensory experience that challenges audiences to envision a hopeful future amidst environmental despair. Described by The Guardian as a sincere and well-crafted piece that offers an alternative view of the future, “Fault Lines” is a dance theatre event that resonates deeply in our current ecological crisis.
The Three Musketeers
Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 June 2028
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford
This summer, the Oxford Playhouse invites you to the swashbuckling world of “The Three Musketeers,” presented by MCS Drama. This new adaptation by Alex Thomas, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, promises a thrilling blend of adventure, friendship and intrigue. Complete with original songs and a live tavern band, the production also features exhilarating battle scenes that bring the spirited era of 1620s France vividly to life on stage.
The plot unfolds during the tumultuous reign of Louis XIII, with the kingdom ensnared in the cunning plots of Cardinal Richelieu and the seductive Milady de Winter, who conspire to disgrace the queen. Amidst this backdrop, the young and ambitious D’Artagnan arrives in Paris, aiming to join the revered ranks of the King’s Musketeers. His journey quickly leads to duels with the legendary musketeers Athos, Porthos and Aramis and skirmishes against the Cardinal’s guards. As alliances form and friendships are tested, D’Artagnan’s path crosses with Constance, the queen’s dressmaker, who might just hold the key to his destiny.
George Harrison – Live!
Saturday 28 June 2025
The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BS
The musical universe of George Harrison lands at The Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames on Saturday, 28 June 2025, with a captivating performance by the All Things Must Pass Orchestra. This 10-piece band has gained a dedicated following for its vibrant and meticulous renditions of Harrison’s work, blending the kaleidoscopic sounds of his solo career with the beloved hits from his time with The Beatles.
Led by the talented Alex Eberhard, the Brighton-based ensemble will take you on a journey through Harrison’s most iconic songs. The set list features tracks from the critically acclaimed album All Things Must Pass, along with other gems like “Something,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and the transcendent “My Sweet Lord.” The All Things Must Pass Orchestra brings these songs to life with lush three-part harmonies, a dynamic horn section and a tight rhythm section, ensuring the performance is both authentic and heartfelt. Praised by George’s own son, Dhani Harrison, for their respectful tribute to his father’s legacy, this concert is a must-see for any music lover.
As June brings a host of vibrant events to Oxfordshire, make the most of your visit by exploring the array of accommodation options available. Whether you prefer the charm of local bed and breakfasts, the comfort of well-appointed hotels, the freedom of self-catering options or the adventure of glamping amidst nature.
