Football fans in the city are set for a memorable evening this autumn, as three former footballers will come together for a special live event at the Kassam Stadium.

Andy Cole, David May, and Clayton Blackmore will be speaking as part of An Evening with Manchester United Legends on Thursday, September 17.

This will give supporters a rare opportunity to hear first-hand stories from three players who were part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.

READ MORE: When Brazil legend and World Cup winner Pele held an Oxford United shirt

Hosted in a live, on-stage interview format, the event will take fans behind the scenes of life at one of the world’s biggest football clubs.

From dressing room moments to title-winning campaigns and unforgettable European nights, the evening promises insight, humour and plenty of untold stories.

A limited number of VIP tickets will also be available, offering fans the chance to meet Andy Cole, David May and Clayton Blackmore in person, along with a professional photograph.

The second half of the evening will feature an audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask their own questions and hear even more personal stories from the players.

READ MORE: Manchester City star spotted at Cotswolds hotel

A spokesperson for the event said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to get up close to true Manchester United legends and hear stories you simply won’t hear anywhere else.

“It’s set to be a brilliant night for football fans in Oxford and beyond.”

The event is open to anyone aged 14 and over and will run for approximately two and a half hours, including an interval.

Standard tickets are priced from £39 while VIP tickets cost £79.

The Canadian actor is best known for his role as superhero Deadpool, but has appeared in a multitude of other films, including Free Guy and The Proposal.

Ms Lively is an American actor who rose to fame in Gossip Girl and has since starred in films such as The Shallows, A Simple Favour and The Age of Adaline.

The couple, who married in 2012 and have four children together, have revealed they recently visited the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire during their latest UK trip.

READ MORE: Christopher Eccleston gives verdict on Billie Piper as Doctor Who

Ms Lively recently shared a carousel of photos on Instagram from what she described as her “best week” with loved ones.

The visit centred around the Wrexham AFC vs Chelsea FA Cup match in Wales with Mr Reynolds co‑owning the club.

As part of the same trip, the pair headed to Soho Farmhouse, the private members’ club and hotel set on a 100‑acre estate in West Oxfordshire.

READ MORE: Wildlife TV legend praises Jeremy Clarkson over Clarkson’s Farm

Blake Lively. (Image: Ian West / PA)

Photos show the couple enjoying activities on the estate, including practicing archery, holding a falcon and relaxing over coffee and a film screening.

Ms Lively shared an image of herself visiting Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith at what was described as her Cotswolds home, and another featuring her sister, actor Robyn Lively.

In her caption, Ms Lively thanked the Wrexham players, staff and supporters for “the performance of a lifetime”, calling the 10,000‑strong crowd in Wrexham “the greatest” people to share an emotional rollercoaster with.

Trinity Christian School in London Road was attended by 40 pupils and will close for good after staff said rising finances can no longer cover costs.

It comes after the government’s decision to remove the VAT exemption on the fees private schools charge, coupled with soaring business rates.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire private school sold for £4.5m after collapse

Our Lady’s Abingdon, a private school in Radley Road in Abingdon, which was founded in 1860, was forced to close permanently for financial reasons last year.

Meanwhile, Carrdus School in Banbury blamed the VAT tax hikes as the reason for its struggles and subsequent closing down as it was sold for £4.5m in 2025.

In February, Trinity Christian School said it needed to find £10,000 to fill an unprecedented funding gap after they lost 80 per cent of its support after it was cut last April.

However, they have been unable to raise funds to prevent its closure.

In the 2024 Autumn Budget the chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the introduction of VAT on private school fees from 1 January 2025, charged at the standard 20 per cent rate.

Trinity Christian School is a small independent family school for children aged 4-11 which “runs on Christian principles”.

Governor Keith Brown said: “The final £4,000 was raised but we needed way more than that to survive long term.

“Our second issue was the issue of teaching staff because of course, when staff knew the closure looked like it was happening they had to seek alternatives.

“The summer will definitely be the final term.

“This is a sad reality. The government policy of 20 per cent VAT and removing the benefit of business rates is adding to the burden for something we did get previously.”

A “goodbye” assembly was held last Wednesday, March 25 for parents, pupils and staff after 13 years in operation.

Mr Brown said: “There were many tears. Parents are devastated.

“Quite a lot of the parents have found alternatives for their children and there is a proportion who will do home schooling.

“However, there are no other Christian schools similar in the near vicinity.

“Some are going to another Christian school quite far away. Our school is small but we meet a very special need.

“Those pupils are going to struggle.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate reported in June 2025 that all relevant standards were being met – including quality of education.

Headteacher Naomi Moorcroft told the BBC that student numbers had doubled in 2024 when it moved to a new larger building.

However, she said the increase in costs in 2023 were associated with the move.

The school, which has a 40 per cent intake of SEN (Special Educational Needs) pupils, previously paid £5,000 a year for business rates.

However, the government’s policy change on business relief, means they ended up paying about £35,000 a year.

The school applied for discretionary relief from on business rates from Reading Borough Council but confirmed their application “was not considered eligible” and that they had a responsibility to “protect public funds”.