South Oxfordshire's most anticipated events for 2024

Didcot's symphony orchestra will be playing concert classics at Cornerstone Arts Centre, 4pm on Sunday, February 4.

Pieces played will include the overture to Humperdinck's opera Hansel and Gretel, based on the fairy tale by the Grimm brothers, Duparc’ symphonic poem Lenore, Borodin's Polovtsian Dances with Strangers in Paradise from the musical Kismet.

To close, the audience will hear Tchaikovsky's sixth and final symphony, Pathétique which is full of soulful melodies.

Meanwhile, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be flying into the Corn Exchange Theatre in Wallingford from Wednesday, March 13 to Saturday, March 23.

The production will be staged by Crescendo Music in association with the Sinodun Players.

A poster for the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang show (Image: Oxford Mail)

It is set to feature classic scenes and songs from the 1968 movie, including Toot Sweets, Me Ol’ Bamboo, Hushabye Mountain and a flying car.

For the list of times and performances, visit the Wallingford Corn Exchange Theatre website.                                    

Cholsey Comedy Club is back in 2024 at Cholsey Great Hall on Saturday, March 9 starting at 8pm.

Headlining the first event of the year is Ignacio Lopez, who has previously appeared on Live at the Apollo.

As well as hosting TV shows, headlining comedy clubs around the UK and Europe, he also writes sketches, sitcoms and tweets.

Alistair Barrie, Michael Fabbri and Sully O'Sullivan also feature in the line up.

And the Thames Run returns to Wallingford for the first time since 2018 on Sunday, June 9.

Starting at Crowmarsh Primary School, participants can take on a 5km or a 10km route along the river and through the town and enjoy a fete at the school after.

The Thames Run serves as a fundraiser for the school’s PTA to organise fun trips, events and visitors to school to enrich children's learning. It also raises money for local charity Style Acre.

Wallingford Carnival will take place on Saturday, June 15.

Organisers are once again keen to create a mesmerising procession.

They are inviting local stallholders and traders to be a part of the town’s longest running community event and be a sponsor.

The theme is yet to be announced, however organisers welcome anyone to join in with a float, including, pubs, clubs, groups, schools, businesses, musicians and individuals.

Grove Charity Car Truck and Bike Show 2024 will be held on the evening of Friday, July 12 and all day on Saturday, July 13 at Grove Rugby Club.

This is a free day out featuring lots of local bands.

A range of trucks will be on display, including some from America and across Europe, with more than 100 cars and bikes also on show and a variety of stalls including bars and food. Donations will be welcome in aid of Oxfordshire Mind.

BunkFest 2024 will return to Wallingford from Friday, August 30 to Friday, September 1.

BunkFest returns (Image: Oxford Mail)

It is described by organisers as “a unique, family-friendly festival with something for everyone on the banks of the Thames".

This will be the 22nd year of BunkFest, which started as a small marquee in a pub car park to filling the Kinecroft.

Starting off as a folk music oriented-event, BunkFest has now evolved to become a community festival showcasing broad-appeal musical talent from around the world.

Meanwhile, J-Fest returns to the Wantage area on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 of August for its fourth run.

Open for all the community, J-Fest is a fully accessible family friendly festival, set up in 2021 to honour Jody Dickinson who passed away during lockdown.

She loved live music and festivals, leading her closest relatives and friends to create an accessible festival for everyone in her honour.

In addition to live acts, the event will feature DJ and street art workshops, accessible climbing walls and sensory zones.

The venue is to be confirmed. See: https://www.j-fest2023.co.uk/