Oxford News
Nigella Lawson to meet fans in public before Bake Off debut
The 66-year-old was named as the replacement for outgoing judge and Cotswolds resident Dame Prue Leith in January.
Ms Lawson read Modern Languages at Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall, edited the student magazine Isis, later saving it from financial trouble, and graduated in 1979.
A portrait of the TV cook and food writer was then hung in the very same Oxford college, installed in 2018, to inspire students.
READ MORE: Nigella Lawson will NOT host new episode of Great British Bake Off
Henley in Oxfordshire. (Image: Archant)
It has now been revealed that Ms Lawson is returning to Oxfordshire for the Henley Literary Festival later this year.
The festival is celebrating its 20th year in 2026 from Friday, October 2, through to Sunday, October 11.
Events will take place across the riverside town in which fellow Great British Bake Off star Dame Mary Berry lives.
Bake Off-bound Ms Lawson will make her debut at the festival on its opening night (Friday, October 2).
READ MORE: Fans devastated as Spice Girls reunion CANCELLED over major fears
Nigella Lawson. (Image: Archive)
Julia Donaldson, the UK’s bestselling author of all time, will be back at the festival for the closing day (Sunday, October 11), which marks her first appearance at the festival since its first year.
Speaking about Bake Off whilst appearing on ITV’s This Morning in January, Ms Lawson said: “Yes, I am a teeny bit frightened. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that.
“I am excited, but I take it very seriously. The thing about Bake Off is that it’s about the programme, which is an institution of national treasure status, and it’s about the bakers.
“And I just want to be there and be a part of it.”
She joked that she is the “clumsiest person in the world”, so she hopes that she does not knock over any of the competitors’ culinary creations in the new series of the Channel 4 show.
Oxford News
Confusion as Oxfordshire football legends event cancelled
Didcot Town FC sent out a reminder yesterday (Saturday March 28), that its event today (Sunday, March 29) has been cancelled.
The show was billed as an afternoon with “three Leeds United Legends… Gordon Strachan and Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome”.
READ MORE: Protesters raise ‘war crimes’ sign near US-run Cotswolds RAF base
Mr Strachan is perhaps the best known of the three having also managed Southampton, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Scotland.
To be held at the football club, its description said: “A night you don’t want to miss.
“Filled with historic stories from the lads at their time at the club, funny inside memories and much more.”
Didcot Town Football Club (Image: Didcot Town Football Club)
However, the event was cancelled and Didcot Town said that despite its request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they were still showing as on sale yesterday.
Today, the event is listed on TD Promotions’ website as being ‘sold out’ and does not mention that it has been cancelled.
A statement from Didcot Town Football Club said: “The Gordon Strachan, Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome event at Didcot Town this Sunday has been cancelled.
READ MORE: Business owner slams ‘misinformation’ as woodburner company collapses
“Despite our request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they are still showing as on sale.
“TD Promotions have said they will be in contact with everyone that bought a ticket next week to sort out refunds.
“Any issues contact didcotmedia@gmail.com and I will give you their details.”
Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio at Didcot Town FC (Image: Didcot Town FC)
Didcot Town welcomed former Leeds United strikers Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio in September 2025 for an event through TD Promotions.
Didcot’s event featured an auction and raffle, with comedian Jed Stone as the compere and saw a turnout of around 200 people.
This followed on from other high profile events at the club over the past two years which includes the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton and former England footballer Paul Gascoigne.
Oxford News
UK murder investigation after child dies with two arrested
Thames Valley Police said on Saturday morning that its investigation continues after a duo were arrested on Thursday, March 26 across the county border from Oxfordshire in Berkshire.
A 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from Slough were arrested on suspicion of murder and grievous bodily harm.
READ MORE: Oxford pedestrian ‘hit’ by Toyota near University Parks
The force said both adults had been released on conditional police bail “pending further enquiries”.
The arrests come after a child “sustained serious injuries” and “tragically passed away in hospital”, according to Detective Inspector Nick Hind from the Major Crime Unit.
The detective said the force’s enquiries are “still at an early stage” and acknowledged the incident is likely to cause “significant concern” in the community.
Oxford News
Oxfordshire’s Hailey CE Primary School opens new library
Hailey CE Primary unveiled the library in conjunction with World Book Day, funded through donations from the Friends of Hailey School, community grants, local business donations and our generous families.
Mrs Davies, headteacher, said: “The school is proud that together we are building a brighter future for our children through the power of reading.”
The library offers a wide selection of books across different genres to help children improve their literacy skills and discover new interests.
Excitement is high within the school community.
Mrs Davies said: “We’re so excited about the opening of our library that everyone’s peeking through the doors to catch a glimpse.
“I cannot wait to unfold the magic behind the books.”
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoOxford: ‘Next generation’ LimeBikes in city from today
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoWhy Join Oxford | Oxford University Jobs
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoExplore our Careers
-
Student Life2 weeks agoThe independent cinema battling Oriel College to stay open
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoMichelin Guide Oxfordshire Restaurants – The Oxford Magazine
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoOxford News and Events, What’s on in Oxford, Exhibitions
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoInternal Job Board for University vacancies
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoCrash partially blocks A40 and causes severe Oxfordshire traffic
