Hello Bicester!
Welcome to this week’s HelloBicester Newsletter. We’re excited to share all the great things happening in our community right now. From fantastic job opportunities to festive celebrations, there’s so much to look forward to in Bicester. Read on to find out what’s coming up this month.
Top Stories
Career Opportunities Come to Bicester
Looking for your next job or career change? Bicester Job Fair brought employers and jobseekers together on Wednesday, November 12, from 10am to 1:30pm at Bicester Library. Representatives from retail, hospitality, warehousing, driving, and construction industries were on hand to chat with people exploring new work directions. The fair also offered advice on training and apprenticeships, plus volunteering options that help build strong CVs. If you missed it, remember that North Oxfordshire has a varied job market with plenty of chances to explore new paths.
Big Changes Coming to Market Square
Exciting news for our town center! Bicester Market Square is getting a major makeover with a £5.1 million regeneration project that will transform this beloved community space. The design has been approved and includes outdoor dining areas, more greenery, and community art installations to give the square a vibrant, welcoming feel. Construction is set to begin in summer 2026, with completion expected by summer 2027. This investment shows real commitment to making Bicester’s town center a gathering place where neighbors can connect and enjoy time together.
Library Life: Events Bringing Our Community Together
Bicester Library continues to be a hub of activity with loads happening for all ages. The library hosts regular events including Rhymetime for little ones, Chess Club for adults on Thursday evenings, Board Games on Saturdays, Language Café sessions for people learning new languages, Stay & Play for young families, Knit & Natter for crafty neighbors, and Storytime for children. These programs give everyone in our community a welcoming place to learn, connect, and enjoy activities together. Stop by to find your next favourite activity!
Upcoming Events
This Week Bicester Events
Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday, November 29, 10am-7pm, Market Square The annual celebration returns with festive market stalls, arts and crafts, gifts, and food vendors. Saturday, November 30 from 4pm features a Christmas stage, stories, and the lights switch-on at 6pm, finishing with Christmas carols until 7pm.
Language Café – Saturday, November 29, 1:30pm-3:30pm, Bicester Library A regular gathering for language learners.
Next Week and Beyond Bicester Events
Christmas Candlelight Concert – Saturday, December 20, 6pm, St Edburg’s Church Enjoy an evening of festive music and candlelight with your community.
Library Stay & Play – Monday, December 1, 9:30am-11:30am, Bicester Library A fun morning for young children and caregivers.
Bicester Motion Scramblers Assembly – Sunday, November 30, Bicester Motion The final event of the 2025 Scramblers season celebrating the future of mobility.
Community Buzz
Bicester is full of volunteers and generous neighbors making life better for everyone. Organisations like Bicester Good Neighbour Scheme connect volunteers with older residents who value friendship and practical support. Meanwhile, Home-Start Banbury, Bicester & Chipping Norton continues celebrating new volunteers completing training to support families with young children. These efforts show how much our community cares about looking after one another.
Business Beat
Bicester continues to attract innovative companies and investment. Catalyst Bicester, a sustainable business park for technology companies, is growing with Phases 1 and 2 complete and Phase 3 under construction, bringing jobs and opportunities to our area. Nearby, Bicester Arc, a new 48-acre business park, is being developed with flexible office and manufacturing space designed to welcome companies of all sizes. These developments mean exciting job prospects and growth for our economy.
Council Corner
Cherwell District Council has approved the exciting Market Square regeneration project that will give our town center a fresh, vibrant look. The plans include improved parking, expanded sidewalks for outdoor dining, and community spaces for gathering and events. Additionally, new funding worth up to £3,000 is available for community groups working on cost of living projects, helping local organizations support residents who need it most. Looking ahead to 2026, kerbside glass recycling will launch across north Oxfordshire, making it easier to recycle bottles and jars at home.
Around the Region
Beautiful Christmas events are happening across Oxfordshire this season. If you venture beyond Bicester, check out Henley Christmas Festival (November 29), Science Oxford Family Days featuring interactive exhibits and wintery woodland walks, and Christmas at various farms and gardens featuring Santa visits and festive activities. Oxfordshire truly becomes magical at Christmas time!
Getting Involved
Bicester is thriving because neighbors like you show up and participate. Whether you’re looking for work, wanting to volunteer, learning a new language, or simply seeking friendly connections, there’s a place for you here. Visit Bicester Library for programs, explore volunteering opportunities through Volunteer Connect (0300 3030 126), or check out our community Facebook groups to stay informed about what’s happening. The holidays are the perfect time to get involved and strengthen the bonds that make Bicester special.
Hello Bicester!
Welcome to this week’s HelloBicester Newsletter. We’re excited to share all the great things happening in our community right now. From fantastic job opportunities to festive celebrations, there’s so much to look forward to in Bicester. Read on to find out what’s coming up this month.
Top Stories
Career Opportunities Come to Bicester
Looking for your next job or career change? Bicester Job Fair brought employers and jobseekers together on Wednesday, November 12, from 10am to 1:30pm at Bicester Library. Representatives from retail, hospitality, warehousing, driving, and construction industries were on hand to chat with people exploring new work directions. The fair also offered advice on training and apprenticeships, plus volunteering options that help build strong CVs. If you missed it, remember that North Oxfordshire has a varied job market with plenty of chances to explore new paths.
Big Changes Coming to Market Square
Exciting news for our town center! Bicester Market Square is getting a major makeover with a £5.1 million regeneration project that will transform this beloved community space. The design has been approved and includes outdoor dining areas, more greenery, and community art installations to give the square a vibrant, welcoming feel. Construction is set to begin in summer 2026, with completion expected by summer 2027. This investment shows real commitment to making Bicester’s town center a gathering place where neighbors can connect and enjoy time together.
Library Life: Events Bringing Our Community Together
Bicester Library continues to be a hub of activity with loads happening for all ages. The library hosts regular events including Rhymetime for little ones, Chess Club for adults on Thursday evenings, Board Games on Saturdays, Language Café sessions for people learning new languages, Stay & Play for young families, Knit & Natter for crafty neighbors, and Storytime for children. These programs give everyone in our community a welcoming place to learn, connect, and enjoy activities together. Stop by to find your next favourite activity!
Upcoming Events
This Week Bicester Events
Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday, November 29, 10am-7pm, Market Square The annual celebration returns with festive market stalls, arts and crafts, gifts, and food vendors. Saturday, November 30 from 4pm features a Christmas stage, stories, and the lights switch-on at 6pm, finishing with Christmas carols until 7pm.
Language Café – Saturday, November 29, 1:30pm-3:30pm, Bicester Library A regular gathering for language learners.
Next Week and Beyond Bicester Events
Christmas Candlelight Concert – Saturday, December 20, 6pm, St Edburg’s Church Enjoy an evening of festive music and candlelight with your community.
Library Stay & Play – Monday, December 1, 9:30am-11:30am, Bicester Library A fun morning for young children and caregivers.
Bicester Motion Scramblers Assembly – Sunday, November 30, Bicester Motion The final event of the 2025 Scramblers season celebrating the future of mobility.
Community Buzz
Bicester is full of volunteers and generous neighbors making life better for everyone. Organisations like Bicester Good Neighbour Scheme connect volunteers with older residents who value friendship and practical support. Meanwhile, Home-Start Banbury, Bicester & Chipping Norton continues celebrating new volunteers completing training to support families with young children. These efforts show how much our community cares about looking after one another.
Business Beat
Bicester continues to attract innovative companies and investment. Catalyst Bicester, a sustainable business park for technology companies, is growing with Phases 1 and 2 complete and Phase 3 under construction, bringing jobs and opportunities to our area. Nearby, Bicester Arc, a new 48-acre business park, is being developed with flexible office and manufacturing space designed to welcome companies of all sizes. These developments mean exciting job prospects and growth for our economy.
Council Corner
Cherwell District Council has approved the exciting Market Square regeneration project that will give our town center a fresh, vibrant look. The plans include improved parking, expanded sidewalks for outdoor dining, and community spaces for gathering and events. Additionally, new funding worth up to £3,000 is available for community groups working on cost of living projects, helping local organizations support residents who need it most. Looking ahead to 2026, kerbside glass recycling will launch across north Oxfordshire, making it easier to recycle bottles and jars at home.
Around the Region
Beautiful Christmas events are happening across Oxfordshire this season. If you venture beyond Bicester, check out Henley Christmas Festival (November 29), Science Oxford Family Days featuring interactive exhibits and wintery woodland walks, and Christmas at various farms and gardens featuring Santa visits and festive activities. Oxfordshire truly becomes magical at Christmas time!
Getting Involved
Bicester is thriving because neighbors like you show up and participate. Whether you’re looking for work, wanting to volunteer, learning a new language, or simply seeking friendly connections, there’s a place for you here. Visit Bicester Library for programs, explore volunteering opportunities through Volunteer Connect (0300 3030 126), or check out our community Facebook groups to stay informed about what’s happening. The holidays are the perfect time to get involved and strengthen the bonds that make Bicester special.
