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Festival Highlights
Sat 19 June: 9:00am
The 'Royal Thamesis,' a reconstruction of Queen Mary's Royal Barge, commences its festival journey from the Trout Inn at Wolvercote travelling along the Thames through the city to Iffley Lock and then up the Cherwell River to Christ Church
meadow.
Sat 26 June: 6:30pm/10:15pm
The outdoor premiere of Oxford's new water music will be performed by the OOMF! Ensemble with singers, and mass choir. At the late evening performance the music will be illustrated by a spectacle of light and fire effects.
Read more |
Sat 19 - Sat 26 June
Cropredy to Oxford by the Oxford Canal, Henley to Oxford by the Thames. The festival will feature two heritage boat journeys, re-creating aspects of canal and river life with performances at overnight stops throughout the week. The boat journeys meet in Sandford-on-Thames on the evening of Friday 25th June.
To book free tickets for the Sandford Riverside Gala please visit www.four-pillars.co.uk
Read more
Sat 26 June: 1:30 - 5:30pm
The communities of the county link with boating enthusiasts for a celebratory boat procession on the Isis (the central Oxford section of the Thames). The final hour of the procession will include community images and musicians going by and along the river from Iffley Lock to Oxpens Meadow prior to the
performance of Hydrogen Two Oxygen. |
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Throughout the week |
All Events are Free unless it states otherwise
Exhibition
All week |
A portrait of Castle Mill Boat Yard, 2004.Week-long exhibition of photographs of the working boatyard across the canal by renowned Oxford photographer Adrian Arbib.
www.arbib.com Tel: 07950 728757 [VENUE: ISL] |
Festival Café
Mon 21 - Fri 25 June
12 noon - 2:30pm |
CITY OF OXFORD ROWING CLUB
Meadow Lane (Iffley side of Donnington Bridge)
On the festival weekdays there is a unique opportunity to enjoy a light lunch in the City of Oxford Rowing Club boathouse and in fine weather to sit on the balcony and enjoy the view over the Thames. There will also be a chance to view a display of historical rowing memorabilia from Oxford's history as a rowing city. Photographs date back to the post-war era when the clubs Hannington and Neptune were separate clubs. [VENUE: CORC]
(Note: 2 course set menu for lunch £10 per person. Normal charges apply for snacks and drinks).
Table reservations for lunch advised but snacks also available on the day. Book tables through the festival office, preferably by email with subject heading 'Festival Café' to info@oomf.org.uk or on 01865 204042. Information about all festival events will be available from festival staff at the City of Oxford Rowing Club during the opening hours of the Festival Cafe. |
Exhibition & Café
Sat 19 - Thu 24 June
11:00am - 5:00pm |
Cardigan Street, Jericho
Art Exhibition and café at Castle Mill Boatyard, showcasing work by members of Edition, an open-access collective for Oxford artists, as well as work by artists living on the Oxford Canal. [VENUE: CMB] |
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South Street, Osney Island Beer Festival, Barbecue in the evenings, and live jazz and acoustic music throughout the week. Call for details: Henry Dean, Waterman's Arms Tel 01865 248832. [VENUE: WA] |
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All week view sculptures and flowers in the Lock-keepers Garden. Please view from the pathway through the lock. [VENUE: OSL] |
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View all week a temporary art installation and garden at Iffley Lock 'grass' promontory by the wooden walkway to Iffley Village, opposite the ice-cream booth. Installation by Oxford artist Madi Acharya-Baskerville titled 'The Hero,' which refers to a poem of by Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore - a boy embarks on a journey, with his mother, along a dried-up riverbed. The communities of East Oxford will help develop the temporary Water Garden. With thanks to the Environment Agency and Exeter College for support. [VENUE: IFL]
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Saturday 19 June |
Festival Opening
9:00am Start |
Commencing near The Trout Inn at Wolvercote the Lord Lieutenant will embark in the 'Royal Thamesis',a reconstruction of Queen Mary's Royal Barge. Following a living
tradition, he and his party will progress along the Thames through the city to Iffley Lock and then up the Cherwell River to the Christ Church landing stage. The 'Royal Thamesis' is a reconstruction of the shallop built for Queen Mary in 1689, of the finest English Oak, which can be seen to this day in the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. The original barge transported royal visitors to Henley Regatta as late as 1912, and again to the 1919 Peace Regatta. That barge lasted in service 230 years. The journey can be viewed from the banks of the rivers and will make the following stops (timings approximate): Wolvercote (near the Trout Inn) 9:00am, Medley Sailing Club: 9:30am, Osney Lock 10:05am, Donnington Bridge 11:00am, Christ Church landing stage (nr ferry) 11:35am.
In association with City Barge and rowers from the City of Oxford Rowing Club. |
Open Day
12 noon - 4:00pm |
An opportunity to try sailing on the Thames in Port Meadow at a small family club with competitive racing. Experience the challenge and delights of the classic Oxford scene of sailboats on the river. Refreshments available from the club. Just turn up to try your hand. Numbers may be limited by equipment and safety requirements. [VENUE: MSC]
Directions: On foot or bike: Walton Well Road off Kingston Road in Jericho. Cross Port Meadow and follow Thames Towpath across two bridges. Just past Bossom's Boatyard (on the way to the Perch Pub).
By car: through Binsey Village to a gated road. Parking on riverbank is limited. Further information about the club on www.medleysailingclub.co.uk |
| 3:00pm |
Cardigan Street, Jericho Live music featuring a host of local acoustic musicians. Exhibition opening showcasing work by members of Edition, an open-access collective for Oxford based artists, as well as work by artists living on the Oxford Canal. Live music and food served on the towpath. Organic fresh pizzas made on site. Edition Artists www.editionposition.co.uk
Tel 01865 310930. [VENUE: CMB] |
| 3:00pm |
Exhibition opening with festival atmosphere of 'A portrait of Castle Mill Boat Yard, 2004',a week-long exhibition of photographs of the working boatyard across the canal by Oxford photographer Adrian Arbib.www.arbib.com Tel: 07950 728757 [VENUE: ISL]
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Illustrated Talk
3:00pm |
Jacqueline Du Pré Music Room, St Hilda's College, Cowley Place
An illustrated talk about the annual ritual swan-marking ceremony from The Queen's Swan Warden, Chris Perrins, retired Professor of Ornithology, University of Oxford. Swan Upping is the annual 'swan-marking' on the Thames by the Vintners' Company, The Dyer's Company and The Monarch's Swan Marker. This talk will describe the events on the Thames in the third week of July each year, and the history behind the counting and marking of the swans. Swan Upping dates from medieval times, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans. [VENUE: STH]
Directions: St Hilda's College and the entrance to the acqueline du Pré Music Room can be found in Cowley place off the St Clement's roundabout next to Magdalen Bridge. Go to the end of Cowley Place and the main entrance to the college can be found on the right - the Music Room will be signed. |
| 5:00 - 7:30pm |
Take refuge from the summer heat inside the Oxford Ice Rink where you are welcome to join a FREE session which will commence with a figure skating display. (Limited availability of boots, so booking advised). www.oxfordicerink.co.uk [VENUE: OXI]
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Sunday 20 June |
11:00am - 12:30pm |
Hinksey Heights Nature Park
TV presenter and environmentalist Sasha Norris, from the charity Siren, leads a discovery of the wetlands area at Hinksey Heights Nature Park. Join Sasha as she peers between the reeds and delves into the pond to find out more about these watery features, and the creatures that call them home, and explore why we should pay more attention to these often overlooked places. In association with the environmental charity Siren.
Just turn up at Nature Park at 11am - entrance through Hinksey Heights Golf Club (off A34 between Botley and Hinksey interchanges). Car park available for Nature Park users, follow sign by golf course.Walk through golf course buildings to join us at the entrance of the nature park. Outdoor clothing advisable, binoculars handy. www.siren.org.uk |
Open Day
12 noon - 4:00pm |
Farmoor Reservoir
Oxford Sailing Club Open Day and an opportunity to try out a variety of watersports including keelboats, wayfarer racing, and windsurfing. Numbers may be limited by equipment and safety requirements. Allocated play area for toddlers. Refreshments available from the club. A great day out and something for everyone! [VENUE: FARMOOR] .
Directions: From A34: Leave A34 at A420 towards Swindon. Take first exit, half way up hill, turn right at T-junction towards Farmoor. At mini-roundabout in Farmoor, turn left towards Cumnor and take second major turning on right into public car park. No need to stop at gate house, club house is clearly visible from car park. From M40: Heading south, leave M40 at junction 9 taking A34 south to Oxford. Follow directions as in A34. Heading north, leave M40 at junction 8 taking A40 towards Oxford ring road. Turn right following ring road to A34 then turn left heading south. Then see above. From A420: From Swindon, exit A420 to village of Cumnor. Turn left at T-junction, follow ring road through village towards Farmoor. Reservoir can be seen clearly as you descend hill. Take first major left hand turn into car park. Further info about club - www.oxfordsailingclub.com |
| 12 noon - 4:00pm |
Abingdon Road
Linking with Penguin Books Thames Big Read of 'Three Men in a Boat' we will be joined by national and local authors and performers who will read from water themed stories and poetry. There will be the opportunity to join a series of afternoon writing workshops Washable Inks with writers from the writing group at The Oxford Playhouse. A lovely literary summer afternoon for those interested in novels, books, poems and writing about water and waterways. Just turn up for the literary activities (see parking info below). [VENUE: OFP]
The hotel will provide a barbecue at £4.95 per head and some of the activities will be outside, weather permitting. Parking only available to those booking Sunday lunch in the restaurant (Carvery price £14.95). Please do not arrive by car unless you have booked lunch. Park and Ride buses stop at end of hotel driveway. |
Walk and Talk
2:00 - 4:00pm |
Led by Camilla and George Lambrick. Starting at Walton Well Road car park at 2pm. Port Meadow is an ancient floodplain that has been grazed by horses and cattle as common land for thousands of years. It carries a rich archaeological past, and is home to rare plants and a host of interesting birds and other wildlife. For this event a talk will be given by two experts who will lead a walk across Port Meadow, highlighting the plant life and archaeological features of a unique landscape. [VENUE: PM]
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Talk
4:00 - 5:30pm |
Bangkok House Thai Restaurant used to be the location of the Oxford Boatmen's Chapel. Canal and river author and historian Mark Davies will give a talk and answer questions about the history and use of this unique and beautiful building and about the history and heritage of life on the Oxford Canal. [VENUE: BKH] |
Taster Sessions
12 noon - 6:00pm |
Free ice-hockey 'stick and puck' sessions with the Oxford Stars - limited places available, to book call 01865 467004. Check out www.oxfordstars.com for further information about this great game which has been around since the Vikings. [VENUE: OXI] |
| 7:30pm |
Rodney Bewes stars in his one-man version of 'Three Men in a Boat' by Jerome K. Jerome. prior to the Edinburgh Fringe. Rodney has adapted this well-loved comic novel into a charming and hilarious show, which he stars in, directs and has produced himself. His adaptation is set in 1912, some 23 years after the book was written, with Jerome as narrator recalling his japes, scrapes and narrow escapes with George and Harris. Rodney plays all three characters, accompanied by his skiff and a dog on wheels called Montmorency in this entertaining adventure set on The Thames. [VENUE: OPH]
Ticket prices: £10.50/£12.50 Box Office: 01865 305305
24 hour online booking at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
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Monday 21 June |
All day |
Binsey to Bartholomew, Tracing Rising Water through the city
As a work of art in progress, rather than as a guided walk, Brookes artist, Jo Thomas will be traveling through Oxford in her own time during the day marking the locations of ancient wells and springs. The remnants of these markings will remain through the week. You can see the wells next to the programme's venue map and described in the text. You may like to seek out the wells yourself on Monday or through the week. If you would like to share thoughts about Oxford's numerous wells and springs meet Jo in the Waterman's Arms, Osney, between 7-8pm. [VENUE: WA]
Monday to Friday lunchtimes you can pop into the Boathouse Festival Café at the City of Oxford Rowing Club at Donnington Bridge between noon and 2.30pm to pick up maps and further information about the wells and well sites. Please note that some well sites are on private land - do not stray on to private property without permission. |
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CITY OF OXFORD ROWING CLUB
Meadow Lane (Iffley side of Donnington Bridge)
Light lunches with views over the River Thames and historical exhibition of photographs and rowing memorabilia. See Through the week section for more details.[VENUE: CORC] |
Walk & Talk
7:00 - 9:00pm |
A leisurely two-hour guided walk exploring the towpaths of the Oxford Canal and River Thames with author, historian and canal resident, Mark Davies. Meet Upper Fisher Row,opposite Antiquity Hall pub. Maximum Group size 20. Please collect ticket on arrival from steward. [VENUE: UFR] |
VJ Event
8:30 - 10:30pm |
Meadow Lane (Iffley side of Donnington Bridge)
Mixing water-themed experimental video and film with club sounds, Oxford Film and Video Makers present a visual feast of watery films from some of the most innovative filmmakers and VJs in the city. Bar open through evening. Just turn up. [VENUE: CORC]
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Art Event
From 7:00pm |
Through the evening artists will be exhibiting their work in the area of Osney Lock and late evening video projections are planned. Osney Lock is close by the Waterman's Arms, South Street, Osney - see Through the Week events. [VENUE: OSL] |
Tuesday 22 June |
12:00 noon - 2:30pm |
CITY OF OXFORD ROWING CLUB
Meadow Lane (Iffley side of Donnington Bridge)
Light lunches with views over the River Thames and historical exhibition of photographs and rowing memorabilia. See Through the week section for more details. [VENUE: CORC] |
| 12:00 noon - 6:00pm |
As part of the festival Magdalen College Punts are offering an afternoon of free punting on their boats. Spend an idyllic midsummer afternoon punting in Oxford. Set off from the boathouse and glide past the famous Botanic Gardens - drift quietly through the unspoilt Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice Through the Looking Glass. Recreate the glorious summers of old. No booking necessary but please note if high demand you might have to wait your turn as there is limited availability. [VENUE: MB] |
| 2:00 - 5:00pm |
Boat trips in an unusual direction - from Folly Bridge upstream - a rare opportunity to take a Salter's Steamer up the Thames to Wolvercote. Take the opportunity to visit the island at The Trout Inn in Wolvercote (see next event details). (3-hour round trip - 1 hour in each direction with a 1 hour stop at Wolvercote/Godstow Lock). Meet at Salter's office at Folly Bridge. Charges Return Trip: Adults £7 Children £5. Contact Salter's for details
01865 243421 www.salterssteamers.co.uk [VENUE: FB]
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| 12:00 noon - 6:00pm |
A special opportunity to explore the island in the Thames by The Trout Inn - reputedly where CS Lewis sought inspiration for Narnia. For safety reasons please only access the island over the footbridge from The Trout garden, not via the gate on the road. The Trout can be reached following the road through Wolvercote. Public parking is available next to Port Meadow and for customers of The Trout there is parking by the pub. Salters Steamers are also running special trips to the area by boat on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to link with these openings. See above event. [VENUE: TROUT INN] |
| 6:00 - 8:30pm |
Try your hand at rowing in the company of a qualified coach. Places must be booked in advance. The Exeter College Boathouse can only be approached through Christ Church Meadow and is to be found by following the walkway along the Thames within Christ Church Meadow (main entrance on St Aldate's, and following the river along to the college boathouses). Participants must be over 16, in good health and able to swim. Places limited so please book a place preferable by emailing with subject heading Rowing at Exeter on info@oomf.org.uk or call 01865 204042. [VENUE: EXB] |
Talk
6:00pm |
Saskatchewan Room, Exeter College, Turl Street
Should We Blame 'Global Warming For An Increased Risk of Flooding in South
East England? Whenever apparently unusual weather events happen, from floods in winter to heat-waves in summer, many people ask whether emissions of greenhouse gases due to human activity, or "anthropogenic climate change" is somehow to blame. Dr Myles Allen, a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford will explain how this will never be a completely straightforward question to answer, because of the chaotic, unpredictable nature of weather. However, he will make increasingly specific statements about how the risks of such events may be changing due to human activity, and he will show some results from recent climate modelling experiments and explain how anyone with a personal computer can join in to help understand the climate system better. Suitable for 16+. Free of charge. Booking advised. Call 01865 811105. www.oxtrust.org.uk. [VENUE: EXC]
Please note access to the lecture theatre is down a staircase and there is no alternative disabled access.
Exeter College can be found at the Broad St end of Turl St.
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Walk & Talk
6:45 - 8:00pm |
Riverside walk from Magdalen Bridge to Port Meadow. Adrian Swift, of the Environment Agency Waterways Team, will lead this evening walk and talk along Oxford's river paths. The walk will focus on links which have grown between the rivers, the people and the city, especially in times of flood. Stopping to look at flood features and important landmarks, Adrian will start at the entrance to Rose Lane, opposite Magdalen College on High St, and continue through Christ Church Meadow, across Trill Mill Stream to Folly Bridge and Caudwell's castle, past Friars wharf and the Railway bridge - where a train was derailed by flooding in 1852 - and finally to Fiddler's Island at Port Meadow. [VENUE: RL]
Meet at the High St entrance to Rose Lane at 6.45pm. Numbers limited to 30, please collect a ticket from the steward. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. |
| 12:00 noon - 2:30pm |
CITY OF OXFORD ROWING CLUB
Meadow Lane (Iffley side of Donnington Bridge)
Light lunches with views over the River Thames and historical exhibition of photographs and rowing memorabilia. See Through the Week section for more details. [VENUE: CORC]
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Wednesday 23 June |
Walk & Talk
5:00pm |
Linking with the festival's Heritage Boat Journey overnight stop in Abingdon… A leisurely two-hour, three-mile walk visiting key locations along the Thames relating to Abingdon's most notorious murder, a crime of 1787 in which the river, its bargemen, its lock-keepers and publicans played a key part. The walk will be led by author, historian and canal resident, Mark Davies. Meet: Beneath the Market House Museum, Abingdon Town Centre. Maximum group size 20. Please collect ticket from steward on arrival. |
| 4:00 - 6:00pm |
Iffley Lock
Learn basic angling and more advanced fly fishing skills. A chance to try your hand and find out more about this intriguing pastime. Director from the Country Alliance Campaign for Angling, Charles Jardine and his team of professional fly fishermen will be there to welcome you. Come to Iffley Lock and follow signs to this event. |
Talk 5:00 - 6:00pm
Discussion 6:00pm |
Saskatchewan Room, Exeter College, Turl Street
A talk on Oxford's floods, past and present. Come and hear about the fascinating history of Oxford in flood, and see source material at this talk by Frank Law, former President of the British Hydrological Society.Was Oxford really evacuated for 3 months to recover from the terrible inundation of April 1593? Which flood put out railway engine fires at Kennington?
Where are high floods commemorated? And are the city's floods getting worse, or are its residents living ever closer to its rivers? Frank will describe sources for a flood chronology from 1223; The talk will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion. Chaired by Marc Morris, medieval historian, presenter of Channel 4's 'Castle.' [VENUE: EXC] |
| Through the evening |
Video projections, art installations and music in one of Oxford's most beautiful river settings through the evening.Water garden installation by artist Madi Acharya-Baskerville [VENUE: IFL]
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Thursday 24 June |
12:00 noon - 2:30pm |
CITY OF OXFORD ROWING CLUB
Meadow Lane (Iffley side of Donnington Bridge)
Light lunches with views over the River Thames and historical exhibition of photographs and rowing memorabilia. See Through the week section for more details. [VENUE: CORC] |
Boat Trip
2:00 - 5:00pm |
Boat trips in an unusual direction - from Folly Bridge upstream - a rare opportunity to take a Salter's Steamer up the Thames to Wolvercote. Take the opportunity to visit the island at The Trout Inn in Wolvercote. (3-hour round trip - 1 hour in each direction with a 1-hour stop at Wolvercote/Godstow Lock). See details at Tuesday 22nd listing. [VENUE: FB] |
| 12:00 noon - 6:00pm |
A special opportunity to explore the island in the Thames by The Trout Inn - reputedly where CS Lewis sought inspiration for Narnia. See details at Tuesday 22nd listing. [Venue: TI]
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| 4:00 - 6:00pm |
Iffley Lock Learn basic angling and more advanced fly fishing skills. A chance to try your hand and find out more about this intriguing pastime. See details at Tuesday 22nd listing. |
| 6:30 - 8:00pm |
Next to Donnington Bridge
An evening of reminiscence and history of college barges. Join us on the beautiful Corpus Christi Barge, now owned by The Oxford Barges Preservation Society. Clare Sheriff, author of 'The Oxford College Barges - Their History and Architecture' will give a talk illustrated with an interesting collection of old photographs and some old film footage of the barges in their heyday. Limited numbers. Booking advised. Preferably email with subject heading Corpus Barge to info@oomf.org.uk or call 01865 204042. [VENUE: CORC] |
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Overnight stop of the canal journey at Wolvercote. Read more. |
| Through the evening |
Overnight stop of the Heritage Boats river journey at Iffley Lock, and Video projections, art installations and music in one of Oxford's most beautiful river settings through the evening.Water garden installation by artist Madi Acharya-Baskerville. [VENUE: IFL] |
| Through the evening |
Through the evening enjoy music at the riverside pub the Isis Tavern. The pub can only be reached by the towpath from Donnington Bridge or Iffley Lock. [VENUE: IST]
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Friday 25 June |
Walk & Talk
10:00am |
A leisurely, two-hour guided walk exploring the towpaths of the Oxford Canal and River Thames with author, historian and canal resident, Mark Davies. Meet at Upper Fisher Row, opposite Antiquity Hall pub, Hythe Bridge Street. Maximum Group size 20.
Please collect ticket on arrival from steward. [VENUE: UFR] |
| 12:00 noon - 2:30pm |
CITY OF OXFORD ROWING CLUB
Meadow Lane (Iffley side of Donnington Bridge)
Light lunches with views over the River Thames and historical exhibition of photographs and rowing memorabilia. See Through the week section for more details. [VENUE: CORC] |
| 7:00 - 9:00pm |
City of Oxford Rowing Club, Donnington Bridge
Pub teams and community groups compete in fun punt races on the river. If you have a team which wants to take part, email info@oomf.org.uk with subject title Punt Races before June 12th or phone the festival office on 01865 204042 http://i.am/corc [VENUE: CORC] |
Outdoor
Performances
7:30 - 10:00pm
Grounds open from
5:30pm
for picnics |
OUTDOOR EVENT AT OXFORD THAMES FOUR PILLARS HOTEL
Sandford on Thames
The festival's two heritage boats journey through Oxfordshire along the River Thames and the Oxford Canal and meet in the beautiful setting of the riverside gardens of the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel at Sandford on Thames. There will be performances and storytelling from both boat journeys, music and a festival atmosphere as the boats gather for Saturday's procession. The hotel will be putting on a barbecue in the gardens overlooking the river or you can bring your own picnic.This is a free event but tickets must be booked in advance. Please reserve free tickets via the hotel website at www.four-pillars.co.uk or call the hotel on 01993 777500 if you do not have internet access. [VENUE: SANDFORD]
Parking must be booked and is available at a charge of £5 per car. Please book in advance. When booking you will be asked if you wish to take advantage of the hotel barbecue or bring your own picnic. Tickets for the event and car parking are limited due to safety requirements. Event will go ahead whatever the weather.
Walking distance from Sandford Lock to view boats arriving for procession. Bus service on Friday evenings - Nos. 106 or 105 from city centre, last bus back 10:14pm. Call National Travel Line 0870 6082608 for further details. Ticket holders only: Boat taxi service bookable from Salters Steamers (01865 243421) subject to demand. Must be booked in advance. Return trip: £7 adults £5 children. Will run only if sufficient demand.
Can pick up from Folly Bridge, Donnington Bridge & Iffley Lock. Outward trip between 5-7pm. Return trip 10pm.
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Saturday 26 June |
10:30 - 12:00 noon |
A lively morning on the River Thames at Donnington Bridge with Oxford Sea Scouts. Come and see a demonstration of canoe and kayaking skills - and help build a raft. A great opportunity to find out how much is on offer at the Sea Scouts! Next door to the Sea Scouts, the Isis Canoe Club is a small but expanding club which welcomes beginners and experienced canoeists. Come and try a taster session with this lively and social club.
Directions: From Donnington Bridge Road, turn into Meadow Lane. The Sea Scouts' headquarters is up a short driveway on the left. Email : isiscanoeclub@hotmail.com |
Activities
11:00am - 4:00pm
Boat Processions
1:30pm - 5:30pm |
COLLEGE BOATHOUSES, CHRIST CHURCH MEADOWS
with a great view of the afternoon Isis boat processions
The boathouses can only be accessed by foot or by boat. By foot: Enter Christ Church grounds in Rose Lane, St Aldate's, or by the Head of the River pub at Folly Bridge. Follow the walkways through the Meadow to the river and then to the boathouses over the bridge onto the island. Perfect spot for viewing the Isis boat procession between 1.30 - 5.30pm.
BUILDING BRIDGES
Wherever there are rivers then humans need to design and build bridges to go over them. In this free drop-in session brought to you by The Oxford Trust, you can become an engineer and make and test your own working model of a lifting bridge using the popular construction kit K'Nex. Suitable for 6-11 years,
all children to be accompanied by an adult. For info, call 01865 247004.
SHORE AND WATERSIDE ACTIVITIES
Environmental fun for all the family. Explore the environmental aspects of the river, the quality or the water and learn about the natural life of the local waterways.
WIND IN THE WILLOWS STORYTELLING
Wind in the Willows storytelling for young children from Dreamchild. Join Ratty, Moley and of course, Toad on the banks of the Thames.
PAPER BOAT BUILDING WORKSHOP
PITT RIVERS MUSEUM BY THE RIVER
From birch bark canoes to newspaper boats: have fun making your own paper boat. Free drop in activity for young families. Tel 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk
EXETER COLLEGE BOATHOUSE
Refreshments available throughout the afternoon
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Open Day
12 noon -4:00pm |
Adjacent to the Mill Stream animation event below. Your chance to see the castle site and the progress on the renovations. Entrance from New Rd. Just turn up.
www.oxfordpreservationtrust.org |
Walk & Talk
2:00pm |
Meet at the Plough Inn,Wolvercote for a two-hour tour of discovery led by gardener, plant expert and canal resident Rumi Mohideen. Suggested donation: £2. |
Tour
2:00pm |
The tour will look at water plants in the Botanic Garden including a trip to the tropics to see the giant Victoria water lily. Free guided tour about water gardens. Please book on 01865 286690. www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk |
| 2:00 - 4:00pm |
Organised by Oxford Urban Wildlife Group
The reserve is at the end of Lewis Close, Kiln Lane, Risinghurst, Oxford. This quiet reserve has a large lake teeming with wildlife. A talk by C.S. Lewis expert Peter Cousin will be followed by Pond-dipping and exploration of the surrounding woodland, possibly the inspiration for C.S. Lewis's Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkein's Middle Earth. Children under 14 to be accompanied by an adult. Equipment and refreshments are provided.
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| 5:00pm - 7:00pm |
Take refuge from the summer heat insude the Oxford Ice Rink where you are welcome to join a FREE session which will commence with a figure skater display.
(Limit on availability of boots, first come first erved).www.oxfordicerink.co.uk |
| 7:00pm - midnight |
Before the festival week ends enjoy one last walk by the Mill Stream and see it brought to life with unusual art, sound and as night falls projections and light effects until midnight. |
SATURDAY 26 JUNE FESTIVAL FINALE
1:30pm - 5:30pm |
Gather along the banks of the Thames from Sandford Lock to Folly Bridge to enjoy an afternoon of boat processions along the Isis section of the river. Boats from all over Oxfordshire and beyond will join the procession led by the two festival boats which have journeyed through the county from Cropredy along the Oxford Canal and from Henley along the River Thames.
Community participants will join in the boat procession on the boats and along the riverside displaying processional sails and water images and costumes made in workshops around the county and musicians will play on the boats and on the riverbanks. The procession starts at the Sandford Lock end of the river. The towpath on the Oxford Preservation Trust land at Kennington runs along the river and open pasture from Sandford Lock. For those happy to rub shoulders with cattle and sheep it's a good place to observe activity on the river as the procession starts.
The procession then moves to the Isis between Iffley Lock and Folly Bridge for the afternoon.
Teas available from Exeter boat club as part of the family activities at Christ Church meadow boathouses
Cream Teas and lunch will be served at the Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel,signposted from the towpath.
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Daylight
Performance
6:30pm
Night Performance
10:15pm |
Celebrating the theme of water 'Produced with OOMF!' presents a new commission
Outdoor performance at Oxpens Meadow by the Oxford Ice Rink Two opportunities to experience performances of this specially commissioned work by Oxford
film and TV composer Nick Bicât, which follows the path of water through the human and geographical cycle. A stunning sequence of choreographed visual water effects, light sculptures and electronic projections. Featuring the newly created OOMF! Ensemble, French theatre company Au Cul du Loup, and image, water and fire efects from paBoom.
Produced by Tish Francis and Rosemary Richards. Artistic Director: Jeremy James. Creative Co-ordinator: Aurelian Koch. Creative Design: Consultant Mark Murphy. Community Co-ordinator: Sue Evans. Further details |
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At 11pm, as the late performance finishes you are invited to visit....
Animation and Illumination of the Mill Stream from Hythe Bridge
Street to the Castle Site. Projections and light efects bring the Mill Stream to life.
This animation includes the candle lit release of paper boats made by schools and community groups around the county and at festival workshops.
Illumination of Classic Boats which took part in the afternoon boat procession will display illuminations along the river from Oxpens towards Osney. The illuminated boats will be moored upstream of the railway bridge at Oxpens towards the Osney Lock.
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RELATED EVENTS
The following lists events that are being organised in association with the festival...
Sat 19 June, 9:45am. 10:45am and 11:45am
Quiet Backstage Please! This is a backstage tour with a difference.
The Writers Group at The Oxford Playhouse have come together to fantasize about the peculiar characters that work inside this building.
With scenes and characters from 1938 - 2004, this is a both fictional and factual amble behind the scenes. In association with the Oxford Open Water Festival 'Three Men in A Boat' production and the Playhouse Writers Group at the Waterbooks Day. Tickets: £5, £4 concessions www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Thu 24 June, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Oxford author, waterways historian and canalboat resident Mark Davies will be signing copies of his books, ' A Towpath Walk in Oxford' and 'The Abingdon Water Turnpike Murder.' There will also be a display of water-themed books for sale in the shop during the week. For more details please contact the Shop Manager on 01865 310145 or stgiles56@yahoo.co.uk
Launch of the Sustaining Life project's inter-disciplinary Water ProjectsDirectory. The directory features UK and international water projects working towards an ecologically sustainable future.
Wed 7 July, 7:00pm
Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate and Jane Draycott, recently Poet in Residence at the River and Rowing Museum, Henley will read from their work. Organised in association with Oxford Open Water Festival. £7.50/£6 Tel: Ox 722733 for further information or visit www.modernartoxford.org.uk
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The following events are being organised separately but relate to the themes of the Oxford Open Water Festival...
Sat 12 June, 12:00 - 4:00pm
Popular local street fair, with stalls, music, guest ales at the Bookbinders Arms, and entertainments. Jericho grew up around canal-based industry, and the fair is held on Canal Street, next to the last working boatyards on the southern Oxford Canal.
Sun 13 June, 10:30am - 3:30pm
An opportunity for all canoe enthusiasts to demo a wide range of open boats. FREE BBQ from 12:00 - 13:30!
Fri 18 June - Tues 22 June
A tionol is a festival of Irish Uilleann pipes, and the sessions will feature many pipers as well as other instruments. The musicians will travel from Oxford to Lechlade and back on the Venturer, perform each evening, and give lessons, repair pipes, fashion reeds en route.
| Friday 18 June |
Globe Inn, Cranham Street, Jericho |
| Saturday 19 June |
Rose Revived, Newbridge |
| Sunday 20 June |
Trout Inn, Lechlade |
| Monday 21 June |
Ferry Inn, Bablock Hythe |
| Tuesday 22 June |
Old Bookbinders, Jericho |
If you want to join the Tional as a piper or become a piper with a loaned set of pipes, you can get more details from: buskersean@yahoo.co.uk or www.howardmusic.co.uk
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Sat 19th June from 2pm /Sun 20th June from noon
A free riverside festival. Come along and spend a weekend lazing by the river, and watching some great bands. And remember admission is FREE For regular updates, and more information check out our website www.riversidefestival.charlbury.com
Sat 19 June, 10:00am - 5:00pm
The rose family contains some of our most beautifully perfumed flowers.
Drop in for a sniff or come for a tour, join the promenade performance of 'Keep it in the Family', be creative during our art activity or simply lie back and listen to music. All events are free of charge, but a charge of £2.50 per person is made for entry to the Garden. Children in full-time school education are FREE, but must be accompanied by a paying family member. Booking strongly advised. Telephone 01865 286690 for more information. www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk
Performances in Oxfordshire of this established waterways based theatre company
| June |
Tues 29th |
Goring Lock, Goring |
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Weds 30th |
Isis Tavern, Iffley Lock |
| July |
Thurs 1st |
Boat Inn Thrupp |
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Tues 6th |
Queen's Inn Eynsham |
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Weds 7th |
Boat Inn Thrupp |
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Sun 18th |
Coal Wharf, Cropredy |
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Mon 19th |
Coal Wharf, Cropredy |
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Through the Week
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