Oxfordshire Festival of Speech, Drama & Musical Theatre

The Oxfordshire Festival of Speech, Drama and Musical Theatre is a vibrant new celebration of live performance, launching in Witney in 2026. Created by West Oxfordshire Performing Arts Foundation (WOXPAF), the festival is currently in the planning stages and aims to bring people together through creativity, learning, and community spirit.

What to Expect

The Oxfordshire Festival of Speech, Drama and Musical Theatre is currently in development, with plans underway to create a rich and inspiring weekend of performance, learning, and community connection. The festival will be open to people of all ages and experience levels, offering a welcoming and inclusive space to explore creativity, build confidence, and celebrate the performing arts.

Attendees can expect a diverse programme that includes professionally adjudicated classes, celebratory showcases, practical workshops, and informal open mic sessions. Whether you're performing, watching, or taking part in a workshop, the festival will be a space for growth, collaboration, and artistic expression. All activities are designed to be accessible and supportive, with a focus on development rather than competition.

As planning continues, WOXPAF is working closely with arts professionals, educators, and community groups to shape a festival that reflects the creative spirit of the region and offers meaningful opportunities for everyone involved. Follow us for updates as we bring this exciting new event to life.

Festival Classes

Festival classes will form the heart of the Oxfordshire Festival of Speech, Drama and Musical Theatre, offering participants the chance to perform in a supportive, professionally adjudicated environment. Open to all ages and experience levels, classes will be grouped by age and performance type, with options such as solo and group drama, musical theatre, original writing, and spoken word. Each performance will receive written feedback from experienced adjudicators, focusing on artistic development, communication skills, and creative expression. Rather than ranking participants, the festival celebrates personal growth and progress, with certificates awarded based on merit. This approach ensures that every performer—whether a first-time participant or a seasoned artist—feels encouraged, valued, and inspired to continue their creative journey.

Community Showcase

The Community Showcase is a celebratory part of the festival, inviting performing arts groups from across the region to take part and share their work. Groups will be offered a 10-minute performance slot to present anything they choose—whether it’s a highlight from a recent production, a preview of an upcoming show, or a piece that reflects their creative journey. This is a chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the incredible variety of performance happening in our communities. At WOXPAF, we believe we are each other’s audiences, and the Community Showcase is a space to support, inspire, and cheer each other on.

Workshops

The festival’s workshop programme is designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and support skill development for participants of all ages and experience levels. Led by experienced arts professionals, these sessions will offer practical, hands-on learning in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Topics may include improvisation, audition techniques, vocal care, poetry performance, and other core skills that support growth in the performing arts. Workshops will be tailored to suit different age groups and ability levels, ensuring that everyone—from complete beginners to seasoned performers—can benefit from the experience. Whether you're looking to try something new, refine your technique, or simply enjoy creative exploration, the workshops are a chance to learn, connect, and grow alongside others who share your passion for performance.

Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of the festival—whether by performing, volunteering, or donating to help make the arts accessible to all. Everyone is welcome, and every contribution helps build a more inclusive and creative community.