It’s the first year of the new festival at the Woodstock stately home after the Nocturne series came to an end.

Brit Award-nominated singer-songwriter Mimi Webb is set to join global pop royalty Katy Perry as special guest on Wednesday, July 1.

READ MORE: Private school pupil wins praise in national competition

She first gained attention with her 2021 debut EP Seven Shades of Heartbreak.

Mimi Webb (Image: Blenheim Palace Festival)

Then her debut album Amelia, released in 2023, achieved a Top 5 debut in the UK Albums Chart and was followed by a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Continuing to make waves with over one billion streams worldwide, she has also supported the likes of The Jonas Brothers, Tate McRae and Benson Boone across the globe.

The Great Court at Blenheim Palace (Image: Oxford Mail)

Blenheim Palace Festival will see some of the world’s biggest artists take to the stage for a one-of-a-kind experience next summer.

The five-day festival takes place in June and July 2026 at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Tickets are on sale now via www.blenheimpalacefestival.com.

With headline slots from American pop royalty Katy Perry, Grammy-nominated vocal powerhouse Teddy Swims, who will be joined by breakout singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith as a special guest, and dance music icon Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, plus two more world-class headliners yet to be revealed, the festival is planning an unforgettable first year.

The festival runs from Saturday, June 27 to Saturday, July 4.

It will end with a performance from popular Canadian singer Michael Buble.

Mimi Webb is also expected to perform at the Big Feastival in Kingham, on Saturday, August 29.

Last month Year 8 pupil Jolyon, whose surname has not been disclosed, took to the national stage at the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association London and South England competition.

Competing with his band, Laidlaw Memorial, their quartet came third overall against strong competition.

READ MORE: Private school groundsman wins praise for pitches

Following the competition, the school stated: “Jolyon also shone as a solo performer, winning the under 14 category with his 2/4 March, Hills of Perth.

“An incredible result at his first national competition. We are so proud of you, Jolyon.”

Cokethorpe School pupil Jolylon (Image: Cokethorpe School)

Cokethorpe School will host its next open morning on Saturday, May 9, offering prospective families the opportunity to experience life at the co-educational Oxfordshire day school.

Visitors will have the chance to meet the head, Dr Sarah Squire, and hear a short address outlining the school’s ethos, recent developments and future direction.

Tours of the school will be led by pupils, with the option for families to explore the site independently.

The event provides an opportunity to see the breadth of academic and co-curricular provision, as well as the school’s facilities.

Last month it emerged that Oxford United Milk Cup legend Les Phillips is part of the team looking after the pitches at the school.

The school was awarded the Grounds Team of the Year 2026 by the Independent Schools Football Association, an accolade which recognises the work required to maintain the 150-acre site including nine grass rugby and football pitches, three cricket squares, six golf greens, two artificial sports pitches, and tennis courts.

Working alongside head groundsman Simon Hole, Mr Phillips makes up the two-person groundskeeping team at Cokethorpe, with a replacement deputy head groundsperson being sought.

Almost 40 community teams across Oxfordshire also use the pitches.

Turf Tavern

Located at 4 Bath Place, in Oxford the Turf Tavern is one of the perfect places to sit outside this weekend.

The pub located against the medieval remains of Oxfords city walls can be enjoyed with a fresh drink or one of the many food items on the menu.

The 12th century pub is also infamous as the place where former US President Bill Clinton ‘did not inhale’ marijuana, during his time at Oxford University.

The Kings Arms

Located on Church Road in Sandford-on-Thames, this pub offers a view of the Sandford Locks.

The pub hosts a large beer garden where visitors can also enjoy a large variety of cask ales, classic pub favourites or a traditional Sunday roast

Abingdon Beer Festival

Today also marks the start of the annual Abingdon Beer Festival.

The festival run by the Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust in partnership with Loose Cannon brewery. £5 entry gets a glass. 

Visitors can find a range of Oxfordshire beers, food stalls, live music.

Any funds raised go towards the upkeep of the historic Abbey buildings in the area.

READ MORE: The crime which Oxford businesses fear the most revealed

The Three Horseshoes

Located on Corn Street in Witney, the pub is another place to find a nice pint in the sun.

The outside of the pub is a festival feel with bunting, fairy lights, and a large canopy and patrons can buy a wide variety of drink and comforting pub food.

The Slow & Steady

The pub located at Abingdon Road in Oxford is another great place for a refreshment

Customers can choose from an assortment of drinks, pizzas or burgers.