Once a thriving merchant quarter, with shops, businesses and homes packed into a web of narrow streets around the hub of the castle, Oxford's West End provides a 1000-year perspective of the city along with some of its finest heritage and arts attractions. An exhibition at Modern Art Oxford, comedy at the New Theatre, outdoor cinema at the Castle, contemporary dance at the Playhouse or a movie and popcorn at the Odeon are just a few of the many attractions this vibrant quarter of the city has to offer. Read on for a selection of cultural highlights and links to West End venues, or for regular updates you can now follow us Twitter or find us on Facebook.
Oxford's 'oldest new quarter', and a flagship project for the West End regeneration, Oxford Castle boasts a history spanning over ten centuries. This award-winning heritage site has been brought to life and opened to the public by a multi-million pound regeneration scheme which saw ancient monuments and listed buildings restored and integrated with new buildings to create a buzzing and architecturally dynamic new quarter, bringing with it a fresh perspective of the city and host of attractions for residents and visitors.
Explore Oxford's hidden history at Oxford Castle Unlocked, take in the panoramic views from the Saxon St George’s Tower, delve into the 900-year-old Norman crypt, visit the unique Malmaison Oxford, which has been crafted within the old prison walls to create a stylish and atmosheric hotel, soak up the vibrant café and restaurant culture, or simply watch the world go by with an al fresco drink at the Living Room's rooftop bar. The dramatic backdrop of the Castle itself forms a memorable setting for outdoor opera, jazz, theatre and film performances. For art lovers, O3 Gallery showcases award-winning Oxfordshire artists with a new exhibition every month. See forthcoming events below or visit the Oxford Castle website for details of all the attractions this unique quarter of Oxford has to offer.
Oxford Castle Farmer's Market
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 9am – 2pm: Launched in September 2011, the Oxford Castle Farmer's Market has quickly become a fixture on the Oxford foodie calendar. The market features an array of local farmers and producers selling a variety of high-quality products - from pork-pies to pickles, cheeses to cherries, venison steaks to fresh vegetables - most from within a thirty mile radius of Oxford.
Interactive Digital Dance Installation
19th - 22nd March: Dancin’ Oxford goes digital! Experience something new and very different... the Digital Dance Trail, never before seen in the UK. Download Dancin’ Oxford’s newly created free app on your smart phone from the Apple iTunes or Android Marketplace, and you can experience compelling and stunning dance at a number of locations across the city (including Oxford Castle) at any time of the day or night.
Dance des Cariatides by Compagnie Retouramont
23rd - 24th March: Following their tremendously successful performance in Oxford Castle Quarter as part of Dancin’ Oxford 2011, French aerial dance company Compagnie Retouramont returns to Oxford with a UK premiere. Danse des Cariatides is a visually stunning, multi-layered spectacle, performed by 6 dancers, fusing aerial dance, sound score and projection. With the walls of Oxford Castle as a breathtaking backdrop, this free outdoor stunning event is not to be missed.
OXFORD TOWN HALL AND MUSEUM OF OXFORD
Oxford Town Hall is a Grade II-listed Victorian building on St Aldate's, in the heart of Oxford's West End. The historic site has been the seat of local government since a Guildhall was built there in 1292, however the current building - elaborately designed by Sir Henry T. Hare - was opened in 1897. The Town Hall continues to play a key role in the civic life of Oxford, with regular meetings taking place in wood-panelled chambers, along with concerts, banquets and private functions. The building also houses the Gallery Suite and the popular Museum of Oxford, where the story of Oxford is brought to life through original artefacts, treasures and room settings. Visit the What's On webpage for a full list of events and activities.
Founded in 1965, Modern Art Oxford is Oxford's foremost modern and contemporary art space. From landmark solo presentations to pioneering group exhibitions, Modern Art Oxford presents the best in international art alongside a vibrant events programme. The gallery underwent a major refurbishment in early 2010 which saw the creation of a new entrance on St Ebbe's Street and the interior yard transformed into a flexible social and creative space. Modern Art Oxford reopened in April with its biggest ever programme of events, including talks, film screenings and contemporary music.
Founded in 1938, Oxford Playhouse and its sister theatre, the Burton Taylor Studio (listed below), present and produce the best of British and international drama, contemporary dance, music, comedy, lectures and poetry, alongside student and amateur productions. Read below for a list of current highlights:
Mephisto
22nd - 25th February: Based on the novel by Klaus Mann, Mephisto tells the true story of a revolutionary theatre company during Hitler’s rise to power. This ensemble production from University of Oxford students explores the darkest reaches of human nature.
Yes, Prime Minister
5th - 10th March: In a world of spin, BlackBerrys and 'sexed up' dossiers, the PM is staring disaster in the face... The original writers of the classic BBC TV series, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, have reunited for this anniversary production.
There has been a theatre at the corner of George Street and Cornmarket for almost 175 years. The first theatre, built in 1836, was known commonly as the ‘Vic’, and later as the ‘Theatre Royale’ after the company that played there. In its latest incarnation, the New Theatre seats 1800 and features prestigious opera and ballet companies, contemporary dance, leading pop acts and hit musicals. Read below for a list of current highlights:
Childish Things 8
27th - 29th February: As always the audience will have a great night of comedy and music, at the same time as supporting the children and families that visit Helen & Douglas House hospice.
Community Markets in the West End
Oxford Castle Market: Friday & Saturday 11am-5pm
Gloucester Green General Market: Wednesday 9am-3pm
Gloucester Green Farmer's Market: 1st & 3rd Thursday 9am-3pm
Gloucester Green Antiques Market: 2nd & 4th Thursday 9am-3pm
West End Venues
Burton Taylor Studio
Jam Factory
Meller Merceux Gallery
Modern Art Oxford
Museum of Oxford
New Theatre
O3 Gallery
Odeon George Street
Odeon Magdalen Street
Old Fire Station
OVADA Gallery
Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle Unlocked
Oxford Playhouse
Oxford Town Hall
Science Oxford
Story Museum
Tourist Information Centre (Visit Oxfordshire)
Christmas in Oxford
December 2nd, 5-10pm: The annual Christmas Light Night parade has become a much-loved fixture on the Oxford calendar, attracting as many as 20,000 revellers to the streets for the Christmas light switch-on. Join us to celebrate the arrival of the 2011 Christmas Season with a buzzing evening of processions, lights, dance, art, live music and performance, all thrown together with a generous helping of festive cheer! Oxford’s museums, Castle, Town Hall, theatres and galleries will throw open their doors to the public for one-off late night viewings of their exhibitions and displays enhanced by special performances. Christmas markets, festive food and drink stalls and children’s rides will also be close by to add that extra bit of seasonal sparkle to the evening’s proceedings. Visit Oxford Inspires' Christmas Calendar for full details of festive events.
Bonn Square civic opening ceremony
The Bonn Square civic opening ceremony took place on the 22nd May 2009 as part of Bonn Week, a celebration of the twin town partnership between Oxford and the German city of Bonn. The relationship between the two cities began in 1947 when the British government encouraged contact between English and German towns, to advance the peace process after the Second World War.
Bonn Square opening event
A revamped and revitalised Bonn Square was opened to the public on the 28th November 2008 as part of the Oxford WinterLight festival. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bonn Square. The space has been redesigned to encourage activity and a sense of vibrancy, offering exciting opportunities for public art, performance and events; WinterLight showcased how the new area will be used in the future.
Image Copyright, R.Halle
WinterLight was organised by Oxford Inspires in partnership with Oxford City Council and the West End Partnership. The unveiling of the transformed Bonn Square marked the beginning of the celebrations, and was followed by an exciting programme of events, including a lively brass band performance by 'Les Grooms' (pictured above), a theatrical stilt performance by stilt troupe 'Wrong Size', and a procession of lanterns made by local schoolchildren. Why not download the brochure and leaflet?
West End Community Event
West End residents and people who work in the area were invited to attend a West End regeneration exhibition, held in October 2008. The event provided detailed information about the progress of the regeneration, outlining the core aspirations for the area and plans for the future. Members of the West End Partnership were on hand to answer any questions and talk through any concerns or suggestions. Why not view the exhibition boards (1.5MB) for the event...