The 2026 Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials runs from September 17 to 20.

It brings together top competitors, rising equine stars and fresh lifestyle attractions in a packed four-day programme.

Katrina Midgley, event director, said: “2026 is shaping up to be an interesting mix of what the event is known and loved for as well as some brand-new highlights.

“From exceptional sport and curated shopping to exciting entertainment and our new Adventure Play offering, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”

The headline CCI4*-L event returns this year, testing horse and rider across dressage, cross-country and showjumping in one of the sport’s most well-regarded competitions.

The GFS Saddles CCI4*-S for eight and nine-year-olds will also be back, as well as the popular evoke Eventer Challenge.

This sees teams representing Riding and Pony Clubs from across the UK compete for top honours.

New for 2026 is an enhanced lifestyle and fashion offering.

This will feature a curated selection of premium brands, with special focus on Cotswold-based artisans and regional craftsmanship.

Cotswold Collective, a business community platform supporting Cotswolds enterprises, will curate a section titled Created in the Cotswolds.

This aims to showcase promoting the value to the local community and breadth of businesses based in the region.

Femme Country Magazine will lead The Friday Fashion Forecast, transforming the Chat Stage Theatre into a dedicated fashion hub for one day only.

Talks and discussions will cover topics such as building your own timeless wardrobe, a history of equine-inspired style, the psychology behind what you wear and a behind-the-scenes look at creating a leading fashion publication.

Sunday has been designated a family day, with a full schedule of entertainment for all ages.

Highlights include falconry displays, a world-class sheep show, dog agility demonstrations and ‘have a go’, plus a variety of pony activities.

Children can look forward to the Shetland Pony Grand National, Mini Landers and other interactive equestrian experiences.

A new ticket discount will give families access to Blenheim Palace’s Adventure Play area, featuring tunnels, bridges, a toddler zone and more.

Single-entry tickets for Adventure Play will be available from Thursday to Sunday.

Horse Trials ticket holders can also enjoy a 20 per cent discount on entry to Blenheim Palace.

This year also introduces Attelage de Tradition, a traditional carriage driving competition.

This one-day, three-phase event celebrates the history, beauty and elegance of horse-drawn vehicles and the partnership between horse and driver.

Visitors can also enjoy food and drink from across the region, including the return of Fortnum & Mason picnic hampers.

Early bird tickets start from £22, with free entry for under 12s.

Joining the ranks of Primark, TK Maxx, John Lewis and more, the toy shop is the latest addition to the city centre retail spot.

A spokeswoman for the Westgate previously confirmed the shop would be opening in “early May”.

Then in February, hoardings started to appear, covering the empty ground-floor unit, which Lego is moving into.

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In an update last month, the official opening day date was confirmed to be this Thursday (May 7).

The hoardings outside feature the brand’s logo as well as iconic Oxford sights made in brick form, including rowers and Oxford University’s Radcliffe Camera.

It will be Oxfordshire’s first Lego store despite selling products inside shops such as Toys R Us and supermarkets.

Lego has stores in Reading, Milton Keynes, Bristol and London.

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Shweta Munshi, vice president of marketing at the Lego Group, said earlier: “We have found the perfect site at Westgate Oxford.

“The new store will allow builders of all ages to be inspired by the endless play opportunities Lego building has to offer.

“This store will be a top destination for product launches and events, while acting as a hub for our Lego community and new builders alike.” 

The Westgate unit was formerly a temporary Christmas decorations and gift shop in the past.

Standing empty ever since, the unit is next to one of the entrances and exits to the shopping centre on the ground level.

The party has led the council for the past two years, which has had no overall control, with 17 of 48 seats.

David Hingley, leader of the party who sits in the Adderbury, Bloxham and Bodicote ward, is re-standing alongside his Lib-Dem colleague, Chris Pruden in the Bicester South and Ambrosden ward.

Mr Hingley said: “The Liberal Democrats have worked hard to get the council on a sound financial footing, protecting taxpayers money and delivering excellent services to the public.

“We’ve kept your council stable, despite big government cuts to the money they give us, finding £1.7m of efficiency savings without cutting frontline services – meaning you and your families can rely on the council to be there for you when you need us.

“We’ve brought in kerbside glass recycling ahead of time, and have delivered on what people have told us they wanted, such as finding the money to safeguard Banbury Museum.

This year, we’ll continue to focus where it matters to you, including:

“Building on our successful introduction of glass recycling at home, promoting recycling and protecting your waste services, maintaining fortnightly collections and never introducing changes without fully consulting the public.

“Providing investment for our town centres through dedicated local funds

“Investing in high-quality accommodation to combat homelessness and continue to fund our vital housing and homelessness services.

“Making sensible progress alongside the new Local Plan for development, so that new housing in the district is in the right places and proportionate, supported by appropriate infrastructure, providing more affordable homes and protecting our rural communities and countryside.

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“Continuing to give climate and nature issues the importance they need, not treat them as some add-on or pretend they don’t exist.

“Investing in culture, working to safeguard valued places like Banbury Museum for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

“Keeping our popular wellbeing programmes going to promote healthy lifestyles for all, on top of new 3G sports pitches in Bicester and Banbury

“Managing Cherwell’s finances in a responsible way, without the risky investment decisions of the past.

“This election is about steady, responsible local leadership – keeping Cherwell well-run and moving forward with confidence.

“Local Lib Dems are rooted in our communities, and we pledge to take decisions carefully, focussed on you and your families, protecting your services and delivering locally what matters most.

A vote for the Lib Dems is a vote to invest in our communities – to elect local people who will work together with residents and who will champion our towns, villages and countryside throughout Cherwell.”