Events
Where Paws Meet Palace: DogFest Returns to Blenheim with a Twist
This July, the stately grounds of Blenheim Palace will echo not just with history but happy barks and wagging tails as DogFest, one of the UK’s leading dog-friendly festivals, returns for a high-energy weekend of four-legged fun.
Taking place on 12th and 13th July, the beloved event promises a summer celebration like no other – a fusion of pet pampering, playful adventure, and artisan indulgence set within Oxfordshire’s most iconic estate.
Whether you’re a local dog-lover or simply searching for a unique day out in the heart of the Cotswolds, here’s what you can expect from this year’s tail-wagging extravaganza—and why 2025’s festivities are already setting tongues (and tails) wagging.
The Perfect Day Out – For Dogs and Their Humans
DogFest is anything but ordinary. Picture your pup leaping into a doggy diving pool, mastering an agility course, or enjoying expert-led training in the sunshine—all set against the sweeping parkland of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Live music, gourmet street food and a curated marketplace of artisan pet products give the day a boutique festival feel, while children’s activities and shaded picnic zones make it family-friendly from start to finish.
Enter the Toto Lookalike Contest
New for 2025—and perhaps the most whimsical element of this year’s festival—is the launch of the Toto Lookalike Contest, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s legendary canine character from The Wizard of Oz.
In partnership with Blenheim Palace, the competition offers one lucky pup the chance to win its owners a family ticketto the Palace’s spectacular Christmas transformation later this year.
Tess Drew, Event Director for DogFest, shared:
“It’s such a pleasure to team up with Blenheim for this year’s contest. DogFest is all about celebrating our beloved four-legged companions – and what better way than with a nod to one of literature’s most iconic pups?”
From Dog Days to Oz Nights
The magic doesn’t end when summer fades. From 14th November 2025 to 3rd January 2026, Blenheim Palace will be transformed into an immersive winter wonderland with Christmas at Blenheim. This year’s theme? The Palace of Oz.
Step through the gates and into the pages of a timeless story. Expect an enchanting reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, where the Palace’s grand State Rooms will guide visitors through scenes brought to life with award-winning props, theatrical sets, and captivating characters—from the Cowardly Lion to Glinda the Good Witch.
And yes, Toto will be waiting too.
A Light Trail Like No Other
As dusk falls, the Blenheim experience spills outdoors with the return of its Illuminated Trail—a glittering journey through light and sound curated by the visionary team at Culture Creative. With fresh installations from global artists, the trail offers a festive evening escape like no other, all under a canopy of stars.
Please note: as magical as it sounds, dogs are not permitted at Christmas at Blenheim Palace, so DogFest may be your pup’s only chance to experience the grandeur of these legendary grounds.
A Destination That Keeps Evolving
With over 2,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland, a deep connection to British heritage, and a flair for seasonal storytelling, Blenheim Palace is more than a historical monument—it’s a living, breathing cultural landmark.
From pup-powered summer festivals to dreamlike winter trails, it remains one of the UK’s most versatile destinations for families, culture lovers and curious wanderers alike.
Plan Your Visit
️ DogFest at Blenheim Palace: 12–13 July 2025
The Palace of Oz: 14 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Whether you’re celebrating your pup in the summer sunshine or stepping into a festive fantasy this winter, Blenheim Palace invites you to start your next great adventure—right at the end of the Yellow Brick Road.
For full details, tickets and timings, visit:
www.dog-fest.co.uk | www.blenheimpalace.com
Darkness descends. Shadows flicker. And something deliciously dreadful is stirring in the heart of Oxfordshire.
This October, the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace transform into a spine-tingling Halloween wonderland like no other. Running from 23rd October to 2nd November 2025, the fifth edition of this after-dark Halloween trail promises an eerie, immersive experience for brave families, thrill-seeking couples, and daring groups of friends.
Here’s what visitors can expect from the Palace’s most hauntingly brilliant trail yet.
Step into a Haunted World of Light, Shadow and Story
Forget traditional trick-or-treating—Blenheim Palace’s Halloween Trail invites guests to journey through haunted dungeons, twisted tombs, and mysterious mausoleums. Carefully crafted installations, gothic light projections and eerie soundscapes transform the parkland into an interactive experience that blends theatrical storytelling with unexpected thrills.
Visitors will encounter spectral lights dancing across ancient walls, strange characters emerging from the mist, and whispered secrets hidden in every corner.
All-New Frights for 2025
Returning for its fifth year, the trail introduces new installations and attractions designed to shock and surprise. Among this year’s eerie highlights are:
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The Carnivorous Garden, where nature bites back
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The Demon Barber, with a chilling reputation
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Alien Visitors, offering an unsettling twist
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Towering spiderwebs stretched across centuries-old oaks
As dusk deepens, the trail grows more intense. Families with younger children may prefer earlier time slots, while after-dark adventurers can embrace the full theatrical fear factor.
Devilishly Good Food and Wicked Treats
Between frights, guests can pause to indulge in festive food and drink. The trail’s food village offers warming treats and hot seasonal drinks set against the illuminated silhouette of the Palace. From gourmet hot dogs and flame-grilled burgers to devilishly good hot chocolate and mulled toddies, there’s something for every appetite.
A Historic Setting with a Darker Side
Halloween at Blenheim is not just about scares—it’s about storytelling. Dominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim Palace, said:
“Halloween at Blenheim Palace is a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in our beautiful park and gardens as you’ve never seen them before. With exciting surprises and spine-tingling thrills along the way, this is certainly an experience not to be missed.”
Set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s vast grounds, this event offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience the estate after dark—transformed into a gothic dreamscape.
Perfect for Families, Friends and First-Time Fright Seekers
Designed for a wide audience, the Halloween trail offers an accessible yet immersive evening for all ages. The experience is tailored to be spooky rather than terrifying, with different zones offering varied levels of intensity. Whether guests are visiting with children or planning an adult escape, there’s something here for everyone.
Timed entry helps manage crowd levels, ensuring a relaxed and safe experience for all. The earlier slots are ideal for younger families, while the later times are perfect for those looking to experience the trail in full nocturnal effect.
Trail Info and Tickets
What: Halloween at Blenheim Palace – Outdoor Illuminated Trail
When: 23rd October to 2nd November 2025
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL
Ticket Prices:
Adult tickets from £18.00
Child tickets (ages 3–16 years) from £12.50
Family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) from £57.00
Parking: £10.00
Timed entry applies. Booking in advance is strongly advised due to limited capacity.
Food and drink sold separately.
For full pricing, ticket information and bookings visit:
https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/halloween-at-blenheim-palace.html
Tickets:
https://tickets.blenheimpalace.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=BLHALL25
Henley Festival, the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, is proud to unveil its 2025 RISE Stage line-up – a bold platform championing outstanding new talent in music and visual art.
Running from 9–13 July 2025, Henley Festival returns to the beautiful banks of the Thames, where rising stars in music and art will share the spotlight alongside icons such as Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum.
At the heart of the Festival’s creative mission is RISE by Henley Festival — a charitable programme supporting and promoting the next generation of musicians, visual artists, and backstage professionals.
Music to Discover: Emerging Artists on the 2025 RISE Stage
This year’s RISE Stage, presented by Westcoast, features an eclectic line-up of emerging musical talent, blending genres including R&B, jazz-pop, folk, and indie.
⭐ Westcoast RISING Star Award Winner:
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Hetta Falzon – A 20-year-old Manchester-based singer-songwriter channelling jazz, classical and pop into a distinctive soundscape of emotion and honesty.
RISE Musicians Performing at Henley Festival 2025:
In the run-up to the event, we will be reviewing and spotlighting each RISE musician.
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Leila McKenzie – Welsh-Jamaican singer fusing UK garage, R&B and pop with striking vocal energy.
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Darcy Winter – Jazz-pop singer crafting bass-rich, soulful songs with poetic lyrics.
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Jonny Morgan – Indie Americana artist and AMA Emerging Artist of the Year.
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Naima Adams – London-based R&B vocalist blending layered vocals with emotional storytelling.
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Conor McLain – Irish singer-songwriter closing the RISE Stage with uplifting acoustic soul.
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Tony Mac – Indie singer-songwriter with deeply personal lyrics and powerful vocals.
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The White Lakes – High-energy indie rock band known for their youth-driven, genre-bending style.
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High Windows – London-based indie-pop band blending soaring vocals with synth textures.
Each of these artists brings a fresh voice to the UK music scene. Their performances offer festivalgoers a rare chance to witness breakthrough acts before they rise to wider acclaim.
Raoul Orzabal (Winner) – London-based painter known for digital-influenced landscapes and intricate geometry.
New for 2025: Visual Art Talent on Show in the Audi High RISE Gallery
In a further expansion of its RISE programme, Henley Festival launched the RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize, recognising UK-based visual artists in the early stages of their careers.
2025 RISE Visual Arts Prize Winners:
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Raoul Orzabal (Winner) – London-based painter known for digital-influenced landscapes and intricate geometry.
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Curtis Chan (Runner-Up) – Hong Kong-born artist layering nostalgia and memory through acrylic and watercolour.
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Susan Kellaway (Runner-Up) – Award-winning UK painter spotlighting vibrant, subversive depictions of the female form.
Their work will be exhibited at the Audi High RISE Gallery, a key visual art destination within the Henley Festival
As well as the RISE Stage, the full Festival experience includes:
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Floating Stage Headliners: Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Haçienda Classical, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum
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Comedy at the Paradiso & Riverside: Ed Byrne, Ivo Graham, Matt Forde, Alistair McGowan and more
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Visual Arts: Dozens of galleries and installations throughout the festival grounds
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Jazz, Swing, Cabaret & Global Music: Across multiple tents and stages
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Family-Friendly Events: Playdate @ Henley Festival with theatre, music and hands-on activities for children
From spectacular music to stunning riverside views, fine dining, fireworks and late-night dancing, Henley Festival offers something truly unique for every guest.
Tickets and info: www.henley-festival.co.uk
