Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FESTIVALS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="679" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Grayson-Perry-A-Show-for-Normal-People.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122472" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Grayson-Perry-A-Show-for-Normal-People.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Grayson-Perry-A-Show-for-Normal-People-360x244.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Grayson-Perry-A-Show-for-Normal-People-720x489.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Grayson-Perry-A-Show-for-Normal-People-150x102.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Grayson-Perry-A-Show-for-Normal-People-773x525.jpg 773w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/london-literature-festival?type=literature-poetry" target="_blank">London Literature Festival</a>, <strong>Southbank Centre</strong>, <strong>21-31 Oct</strong> </h2>



<p>Over in the big smoke, this Thursday sees the launch of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/london-literature-festival?type=literature-poetry" target="_blank">London Literature Festival</a> 2021. The acclaimed annual festival is this year all about friendship. We like the sound of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/talks-debates/grayson-perry-show-normal-people?eventId=862153" target="_blank">Grayson Perry: A Show for Normal People</a> at the Royal Festival Hall, <strong>22-23 Oct</strong>. An &#8220;evening in which existentialism descends from worthiness to silliness&#8221; — what more could you want. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://if-oxford.com/" target="_blank">IF Oxford</a>, various locations and online, 9-26 Oct</h2>



<p>The&nbsp;Oxford Science and Ideas Festival continues to get brows furrowing and hands stroking chins. With a mix of over 100 in-person and digital events for all ages, there’s plenty to pick from. This week we like the sound of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Every drop matters (opens in a new tab)" href="https://if-oxford.com/event/every-drop-matters/" target="_blank">Every drop matters</a>, 6pm on Thurs <strong>21 Oct</strong>, a multi-sensory event at Somerville College all about water, exploring connections between lifestyles and changing climate patterns. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Cliveden-Literary-Festival.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122467" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Cliveden-Literary-Festival.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://clivedenliteraryfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cliveden Literary Festival (opens in a new tab)">Cliveden Literary Festival</a>, Cliveden House, 23-24 Oct</h2>



<p>A hop and a skip over the Berks border this weekend will bring you to the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://clivedenliteraryfestival.org/" target="_blank">Cliveden Literary Festival</a>, <strong>23 – 24 Oct</strong>, for which tickets are still available. It&#8217;s one hell of a culture-vulture line-up: Oscar-winning writer, actor and director Emerald Fennell, comedian David Baddiel,&nbsp;<em>Women’s Hour</em>’s inquisitor-in-chief Emma Barnett, author Kate Mosse, Michael Gove MP, author Olivette Otele, former political columnist Barbara Amiel, and many more. With the sumptuous hotel as the backdrop, this promises to be a fabulous affair. Tickets from £110.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.enjoystalbans.com/event/gin-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Gin and Jazz Festival (opens in a new tab)">Gin and Jazz Festival</a>, George Street, St Albans, 22-23 Oct </h2>



<p>Booze and music, you say? Hop across to Herts and make a beeline for St Albans, which this weekend will come alive with the sound of swinging jazz music and clinking glasses. George Street is hosting a (free!) two-night festival featuring great food, live music, <em>plenty</em> of gin, and a celebration of some of the street&#8217;s indie businesses. Starts 6pm Friday and 2pm Saturday. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://newburyracecourse.co.uk/oktoberfest_2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Oktoberfest (opens in a new tab)">Oktoberfest</a>, Newbury Racecourse,&nbsp;22-23 Oct</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re more at home with a pint in hand, head to Berks instead because this weekend it’s Oktoberfest at Newbury Racecourse. A fab weekend of racing, plus the Grandstand will be transformed into a Bavarian Beer Hall: expect Oompah music, traditional German grub and, of course, loads of beers. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALLOWEEN FUN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/harvest-moon.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-121353" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/harvest-moon.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/harvest-moon-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/harvest-moon-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/harvest-moon-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/harvest-moon-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/halloween.html" target="_blank">Halloween After Dark</a> at <strong>Blenheim Palace</strong>, 22-31 Oct</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s all beginning to get rather spooky, and from this Friday you can get a good old-fashioned thrill at <strong>Blenheim Palace</strong>, from 5.15-10pm. Expect creepy gardens, fire performances, amazing lightshows, and a hot toddy or hot chocolate to soothe any frightened nerves. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/spooky-afternoon-teas/" target="_blank">Spooky Halloween Afternoon Tea</a>,<strong> Waddesdon Manor</strong>, <strong>23 – 31 Oct</strong> </h2>



<p>What better way to spend a weekend than with tea and cake? Treat yourself to a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/spooky-afternoon-teas/" target="_blank">Spooky Halloween Afternoon Tea</a> at Waddesdon from this Saturday. You can enjoy decadent treats like Toffee Apple Crumble Pannacotta and the delicious sounding Death by Chocolate &amp; Cherry Opera Cake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/halloween.html" target="_blank">Halloween themed afternoon tea</a>, <strong>Blenheim Palace</strong>, <strong>22-31 Oct</strong></h2>



<p>Double the themed tea trouble! Think terrible treats (Devilled eggs, of course) and dinky cakes. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/pumpkins.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-121511" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/pumpkins.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/pumpkins-360x239.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/pumpkins-720x479.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/pumpkins-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/pumpkins-789x525.jpeg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pick Your Own Pumpkins, various farms, 23-24 Oct</h2>



<p>Head out and snap-up a pumpkin for your seasonal soup before it&#8217;s too late. This weekend there are sessions at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Peterley Manor Farm (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.peterleymanorfarm.co.uk/october-half-term-on-the-farm/" target="_blank">Peterley Manor Farm</a>, <strong>Great Missenden</strong>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.oddsfarm.co.uk/halloween-festival/" target="_blank">Odds Farm Park</a>, <strong>High Wycombe</strong>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.farmerpaul.co.uk/" target="_blank">Weedon Hill Farm</a>,<strong> Aylesbury</strong>, and <a href="https://milletsfarmcentre.com/halloween-spook-tacular" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Millets Farm (opens in a new tab)">Millets Farm</a> near <strong>Abingdon</strong>. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="See more here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/pick-your-own-pumpkins-bucks-oxon/" target="_blank">See more here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/ghost-fest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Ghost Fest 2021</a>, The Oxford Castle and Prison, 22-31 Oct</h2>



<p>Head over to The Oxford Castle and Prison for spooky tours through 1000 years of history and a resident wizard Merlin (would love to see that job application). Bring a torch and get ready to wander through the dark.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXHIBITIONS</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://thebasegreenham.co.uk/event/hockney-hollywood" target="_blank">Hockney and Hollywood</a>, The Base Greenham, Berks, 22 Oct – 28 Nov</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/11/Hockney-and-Hollywood-at-The-Base-Greenham-1000x666-1.jpg" alt="Hockney and Hollywood at The Base Greenham 1000x666" class="wp-image-31889"/></figure>



<p>Hockney in Berkshire?? You betcha. The works of Britain’s most famous living artist will go on display over the border at The Base in <strong>Greenham </strong>– and we’re giddy. The legendary David Hockney’s major photomontage&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://thebasegreenham.co.uk/event/hockney-hollywood" target="_blank"><em><strong>Hockney and Hollywood</strong></em></a>&nbsp;features an extraordinary life-sized nude photographic study of Theresa Russell, commissioned by film director Nicolas Roeg for the film&nbsp;<em>Insignificance</em>. It starred his then wife Theresa Russell as Marilyn Monroe.&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.thebasegreenham.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tickets</a>&nbsp;£8 (£7 concs, £5 schools/students, under-16s free).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.modernartoxford.org.uk/event/anish-kapoor-painting/" target="_blank">Anish Kapoor’s ‘Painting’</a>, <strong>Modern Art Oxford</strong>, 2 Oct &#8211; 13 Feb 2022 </h2>



<p>His first show at the gallery in 40 years, this pushes the boundaries between sculpture and painting, and explores perceptions and experiences of the human body. Plenty to sink yer teeth into.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.rrm.co.uk/whats-on/skyscape-the-limitless-art-of-the-sky-2/" target="_blank">Skyscape: The Limitless Art of the Sky</a>, <strong>River &amp; Rowing Museum</strong>, <strong>until 16 Jan</strong></h2>



<p>Curated by the Ashmolean, this exhibit features works by the art world&#8217;s top dogs &#8211;  Rembrandt, Dürer, Turner, Palmer, Piper, Nash &#8211; with a focus on aerial landscapes and the sky. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.mkgallery.org/whats-on/laura-knight-panoramic-view/" target="_blank">Laura Knight, A Panoramic View</a>, <strong>MK Gallery</strong>, until 20 Feb</h2>



<p>Exploring one of the most popular English artists of the twentieth century, this charts the long, unconventional, and ground-breaking career of the female painter Laura Knight. There will be displays of rare works, as well as her more iconic pieces.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="689" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/WPY2021.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/WPY2021.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/WPY2021-360x248.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/WPY2021-720x496.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/WPY2021-150x103.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/WPY2021-762x525.jpg 762w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.banburymuseum.org/events/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year/" target="_blank">Wildlife Photographer of the Year</a>, Banbury Museum, until 23 Jan</h2>



<p>A chance to see some truly phenomenal natural photography, this is the most prestigious photography event of its kind — the pictures were first debuted at the Natural History Museum in London no less.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/a-rothschild-treasury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="A Rothschild Treasury (opens in a new tab)">A Rothschild Treasury</a>, Waddesdon Manor, until 31 Oct</h2>



<p>Last couple of weeks to see this amazing gallery of over 300 precious historic objects. A Rothschild Treasury tells the story of generations of Rothschild collecting, including objects with some fascinating personal connections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.darleandthebear.co.uk/the-sounds-that-paintings-make-2021.asp" target="_blank">The Sounds That Paintings Make</a>, Darl-e and the Bear, Oxford, until 31 Oct</h2>



<p>This is an exploration of the works of abstract visual artist, Sandra Beccarelli, and her works which draw from the idea of sound and rhythm. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/detail-naoko-matsubara-flute-1974-ea2018_131.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122479" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/detail-naoko-matsubara-flute-1974-ea2018_131.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/detail-naoko-matsubara-flute-1974-ea2018_131-360x241.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/detail-naoko-matsubara-flute-1974-ea2018_131-720x482.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/detail-naoko-matsubara-flute-1974-ea2018_131-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/detail-naoko-matsubara-flute-1974-ea2018_131-785x525.jpg 785w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ashmolean.org/event/in-praise-of-hands" target="_blank">In Praise of Hands: Woodcuts</a>, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, until 15 March</h2>



<p>A vibrant (and free!) exhibition exploring that trickiest of art subjects: hands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/nero-man-behind-myth" target="_blank">Nero: the man behind the myth</a>, British Museum, until 24 Oct</h2>



<p>Last chance to head over to London and catch this &#8216;thrilling&#8217; exhibition. <em>Nero: the man behind the myth</em> questions the traditional narrative of Nero, one of Rome&#8217;s most infamous rulers, as a ruthless tyrant. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Want to plan next week too? Check our <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/this-month/whats-on-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire-october-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="bumper month guide here (opens in a new tab)">bumper month guide here</a> </h2>


Adults only! 19 grown-up things to do this weekend

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