Hello Bicester!
Hope your week is off to a good start and you’re taking care of yourself on the hottest day. We have a big community music event just days away, a historic local leadership announcement, and a packed lineup of free family activities at the library. Let's get into it.
Here is what’s been happening lately, plus what’s coming up soon.
Top Stories
Bicester Gets a New Council Leader
Cherwell District Council made history this week. Following the May local elections, a new council leader was elected on 21 May 2026, and she is the first female leader of Cherwell in over thirty years. That is a big moment for our area, and it comes after Bicester voters played their part in electing four new ward councillors on 7 May. Donna Ford won Bicester East, Nick Mawer took Bicester North and Caversfield, Chris Pruden won Bicester South and Ambrosden, and John Broad secured Bicester West. Congratulations to all elected and to all who took the time to vote.
Glass Recycling Gets a Big Boost
Household recycling across north Oxfordshire, including Bicester, has jumped thanks to a new kerbside glass collection service. Cherwell District Council confirmed on 21 April that residents have taken to the scheme well, making it one of the easiest green wins our community has had in a while.
Community Buzz
Bicester Library is having a brilliant few weeks for families and language learners. The Language Cafe runs every Monday evening and Saturday afternoon through June, welcoming anyone who wants to practise English or meet new people. Rhymetime for toddlers runs every Tuesday morning at 9:45am and 11:00am, and Lego Club meets every Friday at 3:30pm. All sessions are at Bicester Library and are a great way to get kids out and meet other local families.
Bicester Business Beat
Bicester Village is keeping things lively this month. Charlotte Tilbury is running a beauty masterclass on 30 May, and a joint Charlotte Tilbury and Monica Vinader masterclass is set for 11 June. There is also a regular On Running Club meeting at the Village on various dates throughout May and June, open to anyone who wants to run with a local group. Pizza-making for children runs on various dates too, which makes it a solid family day out as well.
Council Corner
Two big items from Cherwell this week. First, the £5.1 million Bicester Market Square regeneration got its design approved at the latest council executive meeting, moving the project forward. Second, the council announced on 21 May that Cherwell now has its first female leader in over thirty years. Both are positive steps for how our district is run and how our town centre will look in the years ahead.
Around the Region
Banbury is making a push to become UK Town of Culture 2028, with Cherwell District Council submitting an expression of interest alongside local community organisations. That is great for the wider area, and anything that brings more arts, events, and visitors to Oxfordshire is a win for nearby towns like Bicester too. Also worth knowing: Banbury's Woodgreen open-air pool opens for the new season next week, so it is worth a trip if you fancy an outdoor swim.
UPCOMING EVENTS
This Week & Next
28 May, 2:00pm - Bicester u3a General Meeting, with Paul Lillie speaking on the life and works of The Beatles
28 May, 6:30pm - BCOS 2026 Stage Show, Bicester
29 May, 3:30pm - Lego Club at Bicester Library (free, ages 5+)
30 May, 11:00am - Saturday Morning Storytime at Bicester Library
30 May, 1:30pm - Language Cafe at Bicester Library
31 May, 12:30pm - Sundays in the Park: Bicester Town Council and Bicester Live present live music on the bandstand at Garth Park, with Bicester Concert Band and MALISH performing
Coming Late June and After
5-7 June, from 5:30pm - Lone Wolf Comedy Club Festival, Bicester
7 June, 11:00am - Thame Psychic and Wellbeing Fair, Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame
8 June, 12:30pm - Sundays in the Park returns: Jubilee Brass (Oxford) and Bicester Live on the bandstand
18 to Sunday 21 June - Circus Cortex comes to Bicester Motion, Gate 3, Buckingham Road, with shows at 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 1:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday
20 June, 11:00am - Armed Forces Day at Pingle Field: military stalls, vehicles, food vendors, children's activities, and live music
25 June, 9:30am - Ministry Formation and Safeguarding session at John Paul II Centre, Bicester
See You Out There
There is so much happening right here on our doorstep. Whether you are heading to Garth Park for Sundays in the Park on 31 May, taking the kids to Lego Club at the library, or just popping to the Friday market on Sheep Street, there is always a way to get involved. See you out there, Bicester.
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