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Host of free activities this summer as part of Didcot Garden Party

Published 10 July 2024

Didcot will play host to a bonanza of free activities as the Didcot Garden Party returns this summer.

The festival begins on Saturday 27 July with a day of events in the courtyard at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Station Road, kickstarting more than a month of fun and excitement around the town.

Cllr Robin Bennett, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, and Deputy Leader, said: “Didcot Garden Party is always the highlight of the calendar and I’m delighted it’s returning for 2024. There’s a whole range of amazing activities and performances on offer and, even better, it’s free!”

Cllr Helen Pighills, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing, added: “There’s something for everyone at this year’s garden party and I’m looking forward to seeing all generations enjoying the free events on offer throughout the summer.”

This is the fourth Didcot Garden Party, which is run by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils as part of the town’s Garden Town status which was awarded in 2015.

The launch party on Saturday 27 July features a host of performances including the Crew and Naughty Flock of Sheep, as well as live music with DJ Strange and a make and take workshop.

Free activities continue throughout July and August at Cornerstone including an open mic night, music workshop, aerial theatre, and community come together day.

Elsewhere in the town, families and individuals can try a host of sports from badminton, to skating, to yoga, and all the sessions are free.

Table-tennis fans can use the tables at Edmonds Park, Ladygrove Park and Great Western Park – just bring bats and a ball.

Those who like to get their groove on can enjoy free dance sessions throughout August at various locations in the town.

There’s also a special food event where people can learn how to save money and reduce food waste by using fruit and veg that have seen better days and using parts that would normally be thrown away.  

At Didcot library, children can join the fun and free Summer Reading Challenge 2024 and will receive rewards, a certificate and a special medal for reading at least six library books over six weeks. It will also be hosting a variety of free weekly events.

Download the Didcot Garden Party brochure which contains details of all the events being held.

Find out more about Didcot Garden PartyDidcot’s Garden Town status and Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan on the council’s website. 

ENDS

Notes

Didcot was given Garden Status in 2015, enabling South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils and their partners to create and develop a plan to help improve the lives of residents living in and around Didcot Garden Town.  The Didcot Garden Town delivery plan focuses on supporting community projects that bring people together, supporting local businesses, encouraging healthy lifestyles, tackling climate change and increasing sustainability.


The Didcot Garden Town plan is overseen by the Didcot Garden Town Advisory Board. Find out more here: South / Vale.