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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Town's carnival to return for better than ever event
Wallingford is expected to put on its biggest and best annual carnival event this month with the return of the traditional celebration. Wallingford Carnival will take place on Saturday, June 21 to bring summer cheer and community spirit to the historic town centre. Dating back as far as 1929, the carnival is firmly set in the community calendar with organisers believing the event in its modern form has been going on for more than 60 years. READ MORE: 'Witty' and 'extremely intelligent' man found dead at Oxford hotel This year, the theme is 'summer solstice' to take place as is tradition on the third Saturday in June. Last year's Wallingford Carnival saw a huge turnout in a day of excitement for the town (Image: Ed Nix) Katherine Keats-Rohan, South Oxfordshire district councillor for Wallingford, said: "This is the town's longest running event and brings everyone together, young and old, in colourful and creative displays. "Wallingford has a great sense of community and events like this celebrate and reinforce that, whilst welcoming newcomers and visitors as well. Flash Sale Alert! 🌟 Dive deeper into the stories that shape Oxfordshire with Oxford Mail. Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80 per cent fewer ads on our site. 🗞️ 👇#StayInformed — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 26, 2025 "What will this year's Summer Solstice display bring? I can't wait to find out." The event will include stalls, music and entertainment on the Kinecroft throughout the day starting from 10am, brought together with a spectacular carnival procession at 1pm. Dancers put on a dazzling display at last year's celebration (Image: Ed Nix) It will also feature music, dance, funfair activities, as well as street food and a bar. Stall pitches are already full with weeks to go before the big day, and schools, community groups, businesses and individuals are being invited to create a float to participate in the parade. READ MORE: Abingdon: M&S new store at town retail park takes shape Floats can be made for walking, cycling or vehicles, and as big or small as the entrant likes with everyone participating for free. Last year, floats included everything from tractors and trailers to children's walking groups, and even a donkey pulling a cart. The colourful affair is sponsored by Paul Simmonds, a removals company serving the community since 1973, New Home Improvement Group, and Ask4Support Ltd, an IT company in the town. A spokesperson for Ask4Support said: "Summer is coming and so is the Wallingford Carnival. This year the theme is 'summer solstice' and we are excited to be sponsoring this amazing event. "Expect live entertainment on the Kinecroft all day, plus lots of stalls and plenty of food and drink carts to enjoy. READ MORE: Tributes to Oxfordshire 'murder victim' Rachael Vaughan "Then there will be the spectacular carnival procession at 1pm. Save the date." Businesses have been invited to join the carnival by decorating their windows on theme and enter a competition, with a prize for the best creation. The carnival is funded by income from its stalls, generous sponsors and small community grants, and put together every year by a small committee of volunteers to create a "spectacular community event."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Planning green light given on new 80,000 sq ft building in city
The planning green light has been given to a new four-storey building spanning 80,000 square feet in Oxford. Featuring a laboratory and office space, the newbuild will be located at The Oxford Science Park in Littlemore. Located at the eastern edge of the park, the site is near the proposed new Cowley Branch Line, with a new station scheduled to open in early 2030, bringing direct links to central Oxford and London. Yong Shen, The Oxford Science Park director, said: 'This is fantastic news for the Oxfordshire ecosystem and for the companies shaping the future of science and technology. READ MORE: 'Their legacy will live on': Fire chief tribute to three killed in fire The decision by Oxford City Council on planning was a unanimous one. (Image: Ed Nix) "This development allows us to offer more world-class facilities in an established setting that promotes collaboration, sustainability and discovery, further cementing The Oxford Science Park's reputation as a leading destination for science and technology companies. "My thanks go to everyone who worked on the planning application.' Designed with sustainability and community integration in mind, the development includes a 5.86 per cent biodiversity net gain, extensive landscaping, improvements to the adjacent wildlife site, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian connectivity. There will be 168 car parking spaces with 25 per cent of these with EV charging and 104 bicycle spaces. READ MORE: Three arrested on border as police discover huge cannabis factory Missed a copy of the Oxford Mail you wanted? Here's what to do — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 13, 2024 The building itself will feature upgraded façades with anodised aluminium, high energy efficiency standards, and rooftop photovoltaic panels. Significant heritage enhancements will also feature including a public space showcasing archaeological discoveries and contributing to the setting of the nearby Grade II listed Minchery Priory. The unanimous decision by Oxford City Council follows extensive public engagement and marks another milestone in the park's growth, following the unanimous approval of the 450,000 sq ft Daubeny Project in 2023.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cotswold Wildlife Park crowned 'best zoo in the UK' for second year
Oxfordshire's own Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens has been crowned the 'best zoo in the UK' for the second year in a row. The award has come from a nationwide poll conducted by Outdoor Toys on criteria like affordability, reviews, range of species and overall popularity. The Burford area attraction came out on top for the second year in a row, ranking at number one with a score of 8.7 out of 10. READ MORE: Oxford: Co-op supermarket shelves 'empty' after cyber attack A statement from Outdoor Toys said: "Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire has come out on top as the best zoo in the UK for 2025 with an impressive score of 8.71 out of 10. "Exhibiting over 260 different species of animals, spectacular sights include the rhinos grazing in front of the park's gothic-listed manor house and the boisterous lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit." Penguins at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens (Image: Philip Joyce) It comes after the wildlife park was also named 'Best Family Attraction' in both the Muddy stilettos and Little Ankle Biters' Awards, and 'Best Animal Attraction' by Red Kite Days Oxfordshire Awards over the past few years. Stay connected to the heart of Oxford for less! 🚨 Our flash sale is ON: get trusted local news for just £5 for 5 months or 40 per cent off an annual subscription. Don't miss out — subscribe now! 🗞️👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) April 29, 2025 The zoo extended thanks to visitors who took the time to support them in these public-vote awards. Reggie Heyworth, managing director of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, commented: "To receive this 'Best zoo in the UK' accolade two years in a row is amazing. "Everybody here is delighted at the news, especially as Outdoor Toys are completely independent and their analysis includes really vital indicators such as visitor reviews and admission prices, which are incredibly important and often overlooked. READ MORE: Young man missing from Bicester: Police appeal for help "We have always tried to keep our admission prices low and we are proud to be regarded as offering such good value for money, when many attractions have become so expensive. Red pandas at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens (Image: Philip Joyce) "We would also like to thank our visitors who have given us such generous reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google and other social media outlets, they really have made all the difference to us over the last few years." The huge list of attractions at the zoo include the walled garden housing aviaries, a tropical house, and small mammals. A walk-through exhibit called Madagascar opened in 2008, giving guests the chance to get up close with lemurs. READ MORE: Train delays between Bicester and Thame due to 'obstruction' The woodland walk hosts a range of large South American animal species like tapir, capybara and giant anteaters, while large mammals like giraffe, zebra, ostriches and rhinoceros roam large moated paddocks. The 600-year old manor house have a range of customer facilities as well as the ever-popular red panda enclosure. Cotswold Wildlife Park hinted at exciting news about their spring arrivals in the announcement, and celebrated the work of Philip Joyce from the Royal Photographic Society who's been capturing the zoo's occupants for an upcoming photography project.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Clarkson drops hints on royal feature in Clarkson's Farm season four
Jeremy Clarkson has dropped another hint about what's in store for the fourth season of Clarkson's Farm. Fans may be disappointed to hear that Prince William won't be featured in the upcoming series set at Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington. The presenter revealed that, though Diddly Squat stars Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland did meet HRH The Prince of Wales when the royal was in Somerset, but the event came too late to make the cut for the show. READ MORE: Traffic incident on A34 causes delays near Abingdon Mr Clarkson shared the news in response to a fan on X, who wrote how excited she is about the latest season, adding: "For us royal fans we get to see HRH The Prince of Wales too. I can't wait." Jeremy Clarkson said the newest season won't have a royal guest (Image: Jeremy Clarkson) The farm show presenter responded: "'Fraid you don't. I think he met Kaleb and Charlie at some point but that was WAY after we finished filming the fourth series." Stay connected to the heart of Oxford for less! 🚨 Our flash sale is ON: get trusted local news for just £5 for 5 months or 40 per cent off an annual subscription. Don't miss out — subscribe now! 🗞️👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) April 29, 2025 Prince William met Mr Cooper and Mr Ireland along with a host of other young farmers at Folly Farm in Somerset, at an event in March. READ MORE: Young man missing from Bicester: Police appeal for help He was on the trip to raise awareness of mental health care for farmers within the royal-supported Duchy brand, coinciding with the future King becoming a patron of charity We Are Farming Minds. William revealed Prince George is a fan of the show, as the BBC reported he joked with Mr Cooper: "You've got George watching now. I said to him 'What shall I say if I meet Kaleb?' "He said 'Tell Kaleb to mind his language'."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Town hosts vehicle rally and parade with huge turnout
An Oxfordshire town's annual vehicle rally and parade has enjoyed another successful year with a huge turnout for the popular event. Wallingford's Vehicle Rally and Parade was a huge success on Sunday, May 11, with a massive crowd coming out to enjoy the spectacle in Market Place and enjoy the vintage cars parked in Hithercroft. The 280 tickets available for those wanting to drive in the parade sold out in minutes earlier this year. READ MORE: Vandalism in Berinsfield: Business damage worth £30,000 Stay connected to the heart of Oxford for less! 🚨 Our flash sale is ON: get trusted local news for just £5 for 5 months or 40 per cent off an annual subscription. Don't miss out — subscribe now! 🗞️👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) April 29, 2025 The annual event raises thousands of pounds for a range of local causes every year, reaching a total of £24,000 in last year's fundraising effort. After the successful day, a statement from organisers said: "We are incredibly grateful to our amazing sponsors whose generosity makes it possible for us to raise such an incredible amount each year—helping us make a real difference in so many lives." The rally and parade is organised by a group of dedicated volunteers and headed up by Mark Brett MBE, director of Bunkfest and chair of charity Wallingford 1155.
