Giles Woodforde looks ahead to an eclectic celebration of art and fun

‘It’s just over 100 events, held in 25 different venues,” says Tim Hands, tossing off the figures almost nonchalantly. You’d think he was describing a major international festival held in a capital city, but actually he is referring to the 2015 MCS Arts Festival – and it’s about to open right here in Oxford.

Tim is Master of Magdalen College School (MCS), and the festival is his idea, although he is quick to pass on credit to others. “It’s a fantastic tribute to the people who’ve made it happen,” he says, “Principally the amazing Anne Cotton, who is an MCS classics teacher. She has been a genius in involving so many of the artistic and educational communities within the city – we have an extensive educational programme attached to this year’s festival, involving over 50 local schools. We’re very keen to show young people the liberation and inspiration that the arts can offer them.”

Tim Hands has been Master of MCS since January 2008, and he started the arts festival a year later. He brought a wealth of festival management with him, having initiated a similar festival while headmaster of Portsmouth Grammar School – his previous job. The MCS festival began as a modest end-of-term event for pupils and parents, but welcomed members of the public as well. There was an emphasis on classical music – not surprisingly, for Tim nearly became a professional musician rather than a teacher. Instead, he become a lecturer at Oriel College and conductor of the internationally famous Schola Cantorum of Oxford from 1982-85.

Whilst there is still plenty of classical music – 13 events this year – the festival has spread out into drama, talks, walking tours, dance, and exhibitions. To emphasise Mr Hands’ desire to promote the festival as a city – rather than just a school – event, he starts in Bonn Square on Saturday with live acts and activities.

The Oxford Playhouse stages a production of Alice in Wonderland, while Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, will be presented at the Burton Taylor Studio in a production that’s on its way to the Edinburgh Fringe. But will the stories turn out to be more or less rumbustious and bawdy than The Oxford Tales, a reworking of Chaucer’s originals to be staged a few days later by MCS and Oxford Academy students? Enigmatically, Tim Hands laughs: “I couldn’t possibly comment on the content”.

On the music front, there’s a major first. If you’ve ever fancied experiencing a Garsington Opera production, but were put off by the ticket prices and the obligation to dress up in formal frocks and dinner jackets, this is your chance to see the show absolutely free. Mozart’s comic opera Così fan tutte, starring Lesley Garrett, will be beamed from Garsington Opera’s base at Wormsley Park on to a giant screen set up on the banks of the Cherwell, alongside Magdalen Bridge.

“Opera is, let’s face it, such an expensive art form, and it’s great to bring it here free,” Mr Hands comments.

“There will be no dress code, and the screening will continue – whatever the weather.”

* Following Tuesday’s fire in the school gym, some events will be relocated. Check for details at artsfestivaloxford.org

MCS Arts Festival. Various Oxford venues, June 20-July 5. Full details and booking at ticketsoxford.com. 
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