Residents reported seeing the smoke early this evening (Tuesday, April 7) above the city centre and towards the Iffley area.

One local on X said: “What on EARTH is going on regarding the massive billowing CLOUD of BLACK SMOKE in central Oxfrod and greater Iffley area?”

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The large black smoke cloud billows over the city. (Image: Chantelle Gunby / X)

Chantelle Gunby posted a photograph of the large smoke cloud on the social media site and added: “Uhm? What’s on fire?”

Rod Hiles added: “I was just saying the same. Sirens are going off.”

The smoke has now largely dispersed as of 7.30 pm, with no confirmation as of yet on what caused the billowing to take place.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment on the situation.

We will bring you an update on this incident as soon as we get more information.

The Oxford Playhouse in Beaumont Street, Oxford, was set to host two shows of The Little Red Riding Hood, a reimagined version of the ballet for children by production company Northern Ballet.

Coming to the Oxford stage for just two days this week, performers and audiences were disappointed today, Tuesday, April 7, when two of the shows were cancelled.

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Performances at both 2pm and 4pm were called off by the theatre due to a power cut, with the schedule change announced at about 11.30am on Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson for the theatre said: “Unfortunately, due to a power cut, the performances of Little Red Riding Hood for today, Tuesday, April 7 at 2pm and 4pm, have been cancelled.

“Our Box Office team is reaching out to ticket holders of these performances, and we appreciate your patience at this time.

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“We know this news will be disappointing, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“At present, all other performances on Wednesday, April 8 are scheduled to go ahead as planned.”

The Little Red Riding Hood ballet, choreographed and directed by Mariana Rodrigues, s billed as a family-friendly performance featuring ‘colourful costumes, lively characters and playful storytelling’.

Suzi van der Mark of Celebrations by Suzi, based in Nettlebed near Henley-on-Thames, was named as the best celebrant at The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) regional final last year.

More recently, she secured a place in the final of the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards for a second year, picking up her award at Oxford Town Hall on March 18.

The accolade celebrates those who have gone the extra mile to provide outstanding customer care to couples throughout the year.

Suzi van der Mark, an independent celebrant from Nettlebed, near Henley-on-Thames (Image: Mark Rock)

She said: “After being named best newcomer at the previous TWIA, it is a huge vote of confidence and I’m absolutely blown away. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my clients’ generous feedback and for trusting me on the most special of days.”

“It really is the icing on the cake”, she said, “Taking the time to get to know my couples to create a truly bespoke wedding ceremony that’s full of memorable moments and personal touches without any rules of restrictions is a total pleasure and a real privilege.”

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She says her 25 years in corporate communications as a professional writer and storyteller for brands and businesses has proven invaluable in her role to deliver memorable ceremonies from scratch.

She said: “The Statutory Ceremony at the Register Office is a great option and ensures that my couples can have a one-of-a-kind ceremony on their wedding day in front of all their guests with me without any rules or restrictions on music, readings, rituals, faith, vows or promises.

“This allows for a truly celebratory ceremony that reflects them and their wishes entirely because the legalities have already taken place.”

Couples described her story telling as “magical”. One said: “Her amazing story telling was just magical and she got us and the mood spot on”. Another said: “Suzi is a beautiful creative writer. How she transformed our love story into our ceremony was quite amazing – pure genius.”

She only books one wedding a day, allowing for limited time constraints on the couple. She said: “If a guest of bride is running late or we want to wait for the weather to pass, we can. Unlike a council registrar, I’ll have no time constraints or other weddings to rush off to, so I can help with alleviating stress levels and any other unforeseen circumstances.”

Bespoke barn ceremonies have proved a particular hit, including Stratton Court Ban in Bicester, Notley Tythe Barn near Aylesbury and Old Luxters Barn near Henley-on-Thames.