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
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).
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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.
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.
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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.
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.”
The garden has been developed at Folly View Primary School and is designed to support pupil wellbeing, creativity, and personal growth by providing a calming and engaging outdoor space.
Funding for the project was secured through a £1,500 grant from the Tesco Community Grants scheme, made possible by votes from shoppers using blue tokens at the Faringdon store.
Muddy Spades, a local gardening business led by Royston Oxendale, also played a key role in bringing the garden to life by donating plants and building bespoke planters for the space.
Richard Evans, chief executive of Cambrian Learning Trust, said: “This wonderful sensory garden is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
“At Cambrian Learning Trust, we are proud to see Folly View Primary School bringing its core values of belonging, kindness, and aspiration to life in such a meaningful way.
“This space will not only enhance pupils’ wellbeing but also inspire curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.”
The garden will also support the school’s gardening club, offering pupils hands-on opportunities to care for plants and learn about the environment.
The school has thanked Tesco Faringdon, Muddy Spades, the PTA, and everyone involved in turning the garden into a reality.
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