Bicester’s annual community arts festival set for return this autumn

Taking place from September 11 to 26, the Bicester Festival 2021 will feature live and recorded music, visual arts, dance, theatre and outdoor performances, alongside workshops and talks.

Kirsten Black, an artist and a teacher in Bicester, is volunteering to run creative workshops for schools and families at this year’s event.

Kirsten said: “I am very much looking forward to the festival this year. The last year has shown how important it is to feel part of a community and have a sense of belonging.

"To be able to take part in arts activities and share the experience with others is something I'm so looking forward to. I'll be singing and dancing to the music whilst doing my artwork. Roll on September!”

The event has expanded from its tradition three-day celebration, to a fortnight, enabling organisers to fit more into the schedule. It will also allow those taking part to do so in a safer way, by spreading the performances and workshops over a variety of dates and locations.

Residents are invited to be part of the festival too and everyone is welcome to get involved. There will be opportunities for individuals, communities or creative groups to present their work, as well as a special feature where artists and performers can give their interpretation of this year’s water theme - Sea Change.

After presenting a virtual festival for 2020, the organising team are excited to be planning a mixture of both live and online events, with flexibility built into the programme. The events are being planned carefully with the health of participants and audiences in mind so that, one way or another, the festival can go ahead safely no matter the circumstances.

Organised by a team of volunteers and supported by Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council, the Bicester Festival is now in its fourth year. New volunteers are welcome, whether to support events during the festival fortnight or to help develop and organise the event throughout the year. For more information or to apply, please contact [email protected]

If you would like to submit something or talk to the team about an idea, register your details on our website www.bicesterfestival.org or get in touch via our Facebook page and one of the team will contact you.