Love Summer in Banbury

Free

YOUR GUIDe to banbury this summer WHAT’S ON, SHOPPING, EATING AND DRINKING.

Discover Slurp Banbury 2 Riverside, Tramway Road, Banbury, OX16 5TU 01295 672 296 - banbury@slurp.co.uk

or visit slurp.co.uk • Over 500 Wines • Artisan Spirits • Craft Beers & Ciders

• Knowledgeable Staff • In-Store Tastings • Glass Hire Service

love SUMMER in banbury

In fact, the sun shines bright in Banbury whatever the weather - the cheery orb is actually emblazoned throughout our historic market town and features on the Banbury Coat of Arms, so what better theme for our Summer Guide than the sun itself!

This little book of sunshine is the second in a series of Love Banbury free guides we’ve produced to promote our town centre - this time it’s bursting with ideas for places to shop, eat and drink to help you make the most of your summer holidays.

WELCOME

Whether you’re a resident or visiting our town this summer, a warm welcome to you from the Banbury BID team and our 539 levy paying businesses and organisations.

Banbury is great to visit all year round, but it is particularly splendid when the sun shines.

If you’re hot on saving money or want to discover something a little different in our town, download our FREE smartphone app (see page 29) for all the latest deals, exciting events and fun trails in Banbury this summer and beyond!

Jo Holland, BID Manager

/BanburyBID

@BanburyBID

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@BanburyBID

Please note: All information and details, including prices shown within this guide were correct at the time of going to press and are subject to change. All rights are reserved.

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love summer in banbury

Bringing a little bit of sunshine to Banbury.

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Shopping ideas for a family holiday.

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Shopping ideas for a holiday abroad.

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Top 10 tips on booking holidays from Banbury’s travel agents.

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Summer reading.

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Summer scents.

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Get Summer ready.

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12 things to do in Banbury this Summer.

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Feature on Spiceball Leisure Centre.

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What’s on in Banbury this Summer.

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Feature on Sulgrave Manor

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Feature on The Mill Arts Centre - Dance Banbury

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Feature on Banbury Museum - Mechanical Circus

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Shopping ideas for Summer dining

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Life’s a picnic in Banbury

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Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows

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Stay Loyal this Summer

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Enjoy a drink outdoors this Summer

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Recipe: The Banbury Sun Cocktail

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Where to buy great cocktails in Banbury

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Competition: Win tea for two at the Banbury Whateley Hall Hotel. 34

LOVE SUMMER IN BANBURY

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Bringing a little bit of

Sunshine

to Banbury

You may have noticed a touch of sunshine starting to appear around town with a ‘Banbury Sun’ image featuring on our eco-friendly shopping bags and in Church Lane.

Our town has a rich history, something we are proud of - we took inspiration for our ‘Sun’ from Banbury’s Coat of Arms and we will be using it all over to spread a little cheer.

While we are conscious to make wise financial investments, we are also respectful of our environment and want to support the growing number of eco-friendly shoppers.

The motto on the Banbury Coat of Arms translates as “The Lord is our sun and shield” which is very fitting given our role to nurture and enhance what makes our town special.

We recently launched our Little Bag of Sunshine made from 100% recycled materials, so now you can take a sunny slice of Banbury with you when you shop!

During its five-year term, Banbury BID will be investing £1 million, raised via our levy paying business and organisations, on town centre improvements to make it better for everyone.

Our limited edition bags are selling like hotcakes and are currently available at Doodledash Interiors, Sweet Celebrations, The Artery Artshop, Banbury Museum, White Stuff and the Natural Health Store.

Before:

For an understanding of the past, you have to look to the future, or so the saying goes. And, that’s exactly what we’ve done to improve a small recess on Church Lane.

Today its been transformed into a Pocketful of Sunshine with our cheery orb beaming from a bright blue wall and the original tiled floor restored to its former glory.

A little way up Church Lane on the right-hand side was a neglected space rife with graffiti and litter - you’d have never guessed this space was linked to a theatre that once stood on Church Lane.

We have added planters containing wildflowers too and we hope that it spreads a little cheer when you walk on by - we think its the perfect spot for a summer selfie, just be sure to include our hashtag #PocketfulOfSunshine.

After:

love SUMMER in banbury

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shopping IDEAs for a:

Family Holiday

There is a huge range of summer essentials to choose from at our independent and national retailers.

Here are just a few examples perfect for a family staycation this summer.

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Holiday Bag. £29.95 from Kendals, Parsons Street.

Zadie Zebra Print Organic Cotton Dress. £60.00 from Monsoon, Castle Quay.

William Morris Sunglasses and Fold Flat Case. £145 from Harrold Opticians, High Street.

Unicorn Small Leather Clutch.£85 from JD Cruz, Parsons Street.

Summer Hat. £6.99 from British Heart Foundation, High Street.

Robyn Raffia Fan Earrings. £12 from Monsoon, Castle Quay.

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7.) Bamboo Toothbrush Family Pack. £12.49. 8.) Aroma Wear Beautiful Necklace. £14.99 9.) Natural Health Travel Pack. £10.99 all from Natural Health Store, George Street.

10.) Origami Kits and Papers from The Artery Artshop, Parsons Street.

11.) Rounders Set. £15 from Debenhams, Castle Quay. 12.) Gul Snorkel. £6 .99 from Sports Direct, Castle Quay.

13.) Splash Shoes. £6 or 2 for £9 from Sports Direct, Castle Quay. 14.) Bioplastic Playset. £10.00 from Flying Tiger, Castle Quay.

15.) ‘A Little Bag of Sunshine’ Eco Tote Bag. £4. See page 5 for more stockist information.

16) Crossword Books £1 each. The Works, High Street. 17) Extendable Fishing Nets £2 each. The Works, High Street.

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LOVE SUMMER IN BANBURY

shopping IDEAs for a:

Holiday Abroad

There is a huge range of summer essentials to choose from at our independent and national retailers.

Here are just a few examples perfect for a holiday abroad this summer.

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BOSS Polo Shirt. £69 from Union Menswear, Parsons Street.

Bluetooth Travel Speaker £9.99 from HMV, Castle Quay.

Ibiza and Formentera Rough Guide Book. £8.99 from Waterstones, Castle Quay.

Travel Sized Toiletries. 3 for 2 from Boots, Castle Quay.

Optimum Street Rugby Ball. £19.99 from Essential Sports, Parsons Street.

Banbury Gingham Chino Short. £45 from White Stuff, High Street.

LOVE SUMMER IN BANBURY

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7.) BOSS Cap. £45 from Union Menswear, Parsons Street. 8.) BOSS Sliders. £45 from Union Menswear, Parsons Street.

9.) Travel Suit Case. £19.99 from Love Fashion, Castle Quay. 10.) BOSS Shirt. £79 from Union Menswear, Parsons Street.

11.) Tissot V8 Alpine Chronograph Quartz Watch, £365 from Michael Jones Jeweller, High Street.

12.) Zoggs Dot Floral Swimming Shorts. £28.00. Spiceball Leisure Centre.

13.) Nintendo 2D Games Console with Mario Kart 7. £79.99 from Game, Castle Quay.

14.) Tissot T-Race Moto GP 2019 Chronograph Watch. £595 from Michael Jones Jeweller, High Street.

15) Batman White Knight Book £25.00. Comic Connections 16) Umbrella Academy Book £16.00. Comic Connections.

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top

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tips on booking

holidays

from Banbury’s Travel Agents As lovely as Banbury is in the summer, a lot of us earmark this time of year as the perfect opportunity to grab that relaxing beach holiday or weekend city break abroad. We spoke to a number of our travel experts based in Banbury town centre for their top tips on booking holidays to help you on your travels.

Firstly, we found if you’re looking for a holiday that is at least a week long you should consider a package deal. More often than not package deals are a great value option when booking several elements of a trip i.e. booking your flights, transfers and hotels altogether. Another perk to a package holiday is that they are usually accompanied with good consumer protection provided by ATOL and ABTA. While leaving it until the last minute to book a holiday might mean you can nab yourself a great summer getaway deal, keep in mind it is unlikely you will be able to secure a specific hotel or location. If you have a dream resort in mind or require special facilities then it is recommended you book in advance. However, if you are flexible on your holiday destination, like the thrill of not knowing where you will be travelling until the last minute or are on a strict budget, then booking last minute could net you a great summer saving.

The travel agents in town are incredibly knowledgeable and keen to help you get the perfect summer holiday. Visit one of the businesses listed below and let them help with the hassle of booking a summer holiday or trip for you, so you can relax and get on with your packing!

Star UK Travel

TUI Holiday Store

55a Broad St, Banbury OX16 5BL www.staruktravel.co.uk Tel: 01295 271 637

6 High St, Banbury OX16 5DZ www.tui.co.uk Tel: 01295 277 014

First Choice

Thomas Cook Travel Store

6 High St, Banbury OX16 5DZ www.firstchoice.co.uk Tel: 0870 280 5780

88 High St, Banbury OX16 5JE www.thomascook.com Tel: 01295 983 341

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Summer Reading We asked Banbury’s bookshops for the best new books to read this summer, for reading under a parasol, by the beach or in your back yard.

All Among the Barley by Melissa Harrison

Dragon Daughter by Liz Flanagan

RRP £8.99 Books & Ink Price £7.64

RRP £10.99 Hardback

Set on a Suffolk farm in 1934, a glamorous young writer arrives from London to write about the old country ways and, as she infiltrates the community, she tries to persuade the locals to modernise their ways and take on dangerous political opinions.

Recommended by: Samantha Barnes, Books & Ink Bookshop.

Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree RRP £7.99 paperback An inspirational portrait of a farm where the intensive industrial techniques of 21st-century farming have been abandoned in favour of allowing nature to run wild and free, resulting in the return of some of our most iconic but gravely endangered wildlife. Wilding is a rich and evocative book that will appeal to anyone interested in the state and future of our natural world.

On the island of Arcosi, where citizens are strictly regulated with curfews and outsiders barely tolerated, young servant girl Milla witnesses a shocking murder and finds herself sole carer of four precious dragons eggs – the last four. Can she keep her secret?

Can she keep them safe?

Recommended by: Samantha Barnes, Books & Ink Bookshop.

Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Bramachari RRP £4.99 paperback This is a bold and breathtaking adventure that holds a powerful message on climate change, which is a subject that children are more engaged with today than ever before.

A dystopian tale set in the future where two children must fight for survival, but despite this stark reality the book brims with hope and love.

Recommended by: Laura Brown, Waterstones.

Recommended by: Steve Cunningham, Waterstones.

Books & Ink Bookshop

Waterstones

4 White Lion Shopping Walk, Banbury OX16 5UD www.booksandinkbookshop.com Tel: 01295 709 769

32/33 Castle Quay Centre, Banbury, OX16 5UN www.waterstones.com/bookshops/banbury Tel: 01295 270 498

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Summer

Scents

Hotter weather calls for a lighter and fresher take on fragrance, so here are our top picks that best embrace the spirit of the season.

Miu Miu - ‘Twist’ Eau de Parfum A fruity and fresh floral but not in an overly sweet kind of way.

The bergamot, pink amber, and tonka bean notes are present from the first spritz - a sensual and surprising scent which captures the spirit of the Miu Miu girl.

Available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml, prices starting at £44.10 from Debenhams.

Viktor & Rolf - Flowerbomb Midnight Debenhams Castle Quay Shopping Centre www.debenhams.com Tel: 0344 800 8877

An explosive floral bouquet designed for after the sun sets, reminding us that anything is possible at midnight.

The blackcurrant, night blooming jasmine, and musk notes are unabashedly sweet and sexy - perfect for a summer date night.

Available in 30ml, 50ml or 100ml, prices starting at £50.50 from The Fragrance Shop.

The Fragrance Shop

Indian Night Jasmine Eau de Toilette

Castle Quay Shopping Centre www.thefragranceshop.co.uk Tel: 01295 701 747

This warm and floral eau de toilette is made with jasmine blossoms that are hand-picked just before sunrise when they exude the most potent scent and then blended with fragrant violet leaf and rich sandalwood.

The Body Shop

Available in 50ml for £15 from The Body Shop.

Castle Quay Shopping Centre www.thebodyshop.com Tel: 01295 258 563

And for him:

Superdrug

Diesel - Spirit of the Brave Eau de Toilette

Castle Quay Shopping Centre www.superdrug.com Tel: 01295 275 149

Completely captivating, this Eau de Parfum is the fragrance of audacious and sophisticated masculinity. Top Notes of Bergamot, Galbanum, Artemisia.

Available in 125ml for £63.00 from Superdrug.

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Summer Get Ready We asked Banbury’s beauty salons for their tips to get you ready for summer from top to toe.

LASH OUT! “Summer is a great time to try out lash enhancement services. We often feel good with our eyes looking wide open and lashes make that happen! You can choose from individual lashes for a neat mascara look, or something to add a little more drama - or lots if the Ibiza party scene is your thing, but do check that your lash artist is qualified, insured and able to give you something that suits your exact needs.”

Carly Stanley, R3balance Beauty, 18A South Bar Street, Banbury.

TRY: A full set of Pixie Flicks! extensions starting from £35.

NAILED IT! “Summer is a great time to go bold with your nail colours! Short, well-manicured nails look great and you can wear any colour that takes your fancy. We love CND shellac for a 2-week manicure that looks great, lasts well and has a high shine. Use CND solar oil every day to keep your nails looking great and your cuticles well oiled.”

Danielle Edgington-Gibson, So…Hair, Nails & Beauty, 7 Parsons Street, Banbury.

TRY: CND shellac from £25 and solar oil from just £3.95.

Brush up!

“Getting summer ready after a cold winter requires only a few small steps. Exfoliate!

This buffs away dead tired skin leaving the skin feeling soft and renewed, a body brush is a great addition if you suffer with cellulite. Keep skin moisturised and always use SPF!” Laura Chapman, Modo Bella, 8 Church Walk, Banbury.

TRY: ELEMIS Body Therapy – an intensely cleansing 30-minute salt scrub treatment from £25.

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THINGS TO Do in Banbury this

We’ve put together a list of our favourite must-see attractions and activities to help you experience the best Banbury has to offer this summer. Whether you’re a culture vulture, fancy a picnic, looking to try something new or looking to take a summer selfie, our town has it all.

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DANCE LIKE YOU MEAN IT Join The Mill Arts Centre for Dance Banbury (20-21st July) a weekend of dance performances combining non-traditional dance elements; from augmented reality to parkour, whilst also blurring the lines between watching, and becoming part of the show! For more information, visit: www.themillartscentre.co.uk/dancebanbury TAKE A SUMMER SELFIE Our historic market town has many picturesque places for keen photographers to explore. While the famous ‘Fine Lady’ on Banbury Cross is always popular, Church Lane offers some more unusual spots for a quirky summer selfie – take a #SelfieWithCharlie on the wall of Church Lane Gallery or strike a pose in our #PocketfulOfSunshine near the Hive Gaming store.

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RUN AWAY TO THE CIRCUS Roll up, roll up the Mechanical Circus is in town!

Banbury Museum’s summer exhibition promises lots of magical buttons to press and optical illusions to explore, making it perfect for kids aged 1-100!

The exhibition is running until the 7th of September. For more information, visit: www.banburymuseum.org

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TAKE A DIP Looking for an oasis of calm to escape the summer heat? Take a dip in Banbury’s 50m outdoor swimming pool with an aqua splash area and slide.

Whether you’re a serious swimmer or a family looking for an afternoon’s outdoor fun, Banbury Outdoor Swimming Pool has something for everyone.

For more information, visit: www.leisurecentre.com/woodgreen-leisure-centre

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BE A CULTURE VULTURE Banbury is the perfect place for those interested in the arts to visit. Set alongside Banbury Canal you will find The Mill Arts Centre, offering live events and film screenings, including theatre, dance, music and comedy, as well as participatory workshops and visual art exhibitions.

To see what’s on this summer, visit: www.themillartscentre.co.uk A PICNIC IN THE PARK Banbury is perfect for walking enthusiasts and families looking for open space for the kids to explore. Spiceball Country Park and People’s Park are great for summer picnics and are just a short walk from the town centre. See our feature on our parks on page 26.

BARGE RIGHT IN! Banbury is home to Tooley’s Boatyard - the oldest continuously working dry-dock on the inland waterways and a 200-year-old forge. The Yard offers courses on inland-waterway boat handling, but if you prefer a more leisurely pace, the ‘Dancing Duck’ narrowboat is available for either self-drive hire or skippered trips.

For more information, visit: www.tooleysboatyard.co.uk

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MORE THAN RETAIL If you prefer ‘to do’ rather than shop, then you’ve come to the right place! Head to Parsons Street in Banbury Old Town for a variety of workshops offered by The Artery Art Shop, Banbury Sewing Centre and Doodledash Interiors to help you paint or sew like a pro.

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SHOP TILL YOU DROP Our town centre has something for every age group, style and budget. The atmospheric lanes and streets of Banbury Old Town are perfect for one-off finds, while Castle Quay shopping centre and the High Street offer a great mix of well-known brand stores.

ALL ABOUT TOWN There’s always something going on in Banbury. From food festivals and live music events to local and national celebratory events. If you’re visiting this summer be sure to check out Banbury Music Mix (26th July) and Banbury Food & Drink Festival (18th August). For more information and events, visit: www.banbury.gov.uk

BANBURY SKATE LIFE Earlier this year Banbury’s skatepark located in Spiceball Country Park was totally revamped and now consists of a purpose-built skatepark for skating enthusiasts and can also be used by inline skaters and freestyle BMX riders.

IN THE COUNTRY Not far from Banbury is Sulgrave Manor, a Tudor and Georgian house built by direct ancestors of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Discover how Civil War, financial ruin, and a shipwreck led to Washington’s great-grandfather seeking a fresh start in the New World.

For more information, visit: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

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FEATURE:

SPICEBALL LEISURE CENTRE

As with culture and art, recreation, leisure and sports activities play an important role in communities, so we caught up with Spiceball Leisure Centre Manager Graham Bleach, to find out how you can spice up your leisure life this summer.

Why is exercise so important?

Who can use Spiceball?

Taking part in leisure and recreation activities can help you better manage stress and find balance in your life.

Physical exercise no matter your age or ability, is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies and it needn’t be vigorous – it can even be fun!

Our recreation, leisure and sports facilities serve individuals, small groups, teams and whole communities, but importantly we’re inclusive to people of all different ages, abilities and levels of skill - there really is something for everyone to enjoy at Spiceball.

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Tell us about your fitness offering.

Can youngsters use the gym?

Our gym has undergone a complete make-over and now boasts a great choice of state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The introduction of the Queenax rig means we can bring group fitness classes to the gym for high -intensity interval training workouts that are both challenging and fun. There’s always an instructor available to help you get the most out of your routine and programme. The gym also welcomes rehabilitation groups each week, making it a vital part of recovery and maintaining fitness for everyone in the community.

Absolutely! Children (aged 11 - 15) are welcome each day between 4 pm and 5 pm and from 9.30am-10.30am during the school holidays, to the Junior Gym session, where they can use specific equipment under the watchful eye of an instructor. We offer fitness classes for children from the age of 8 too.

Spiceball also has courts available for those looking to participate in Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Short Tennis and 5 Aside Football.

What about instructor-led classes?

We offer over 80 group fitness classes each week, from Yoga and Body Balance to Body Pump and Kettlercise and Group Cycling! Classes are an excellent way to stay motivated and meet new people.

Tell us about the pool area.

Finally, tell us about the café we are sat in!

Our swimming area is currently undergoing refurbishment and will reopen at the start of August, offering public and lane swimming each day of the week.

We have a comprehensive swimming lesson programme with classes running 6 days a week.

Café Vita is open 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm and is a great place to enjoy a healthy breakfast, lunch, smoothie, coffee or slice of well-earned cake after a workout, or to meet up with friends while out and about in town.

You also have creche and holiday camp facilities, tell us more!

The Creche welcomes children from the age of 6 weeks to 4 years, 11 months. The Creche is bright and colourful and has plenty of activities to keep children happy while parents exercise, enjoy a coffee or pop to the shops!

Our Camp Adventure Day Camp is held every school holiday and offers child-care for children from the age of 5 to 13.

Spiceball prides itself on being all inclusive for the community to enjoy fitness and leisure activities. There are options to pay as you go or various membership packages.

For more information pop in and speak to the team or visit: www.leisurecentre.com/spiceball-leisure-centre

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what’s on in Banbury this

There’s always something happening in Banbury and this Summer is no different, here are just a few of the highlights!

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THE ATIC:

4 Butchers Row.

10-11 Butchers Row.

17th and 31st July and 14th and 28th August Open Mic Night with The Rock Bottoms.

18th July and 22nd August Scriptstuff Banbury Poetry Evening Special Guests & Open Mic. www.rocktheatic.com

ALSO KNOWN AS: 54-56 Parsons Street.

19th July - Live Music: Lunafall (indie-pop) 20th July - Groove Therapy DJs 26th July - Patrick Crow single release gig 27th July - Rubix DJs - disco/funk 2nd August - Indie DJs 3rd August - Unlimited Pizza & Prosecco for 2 hours, £20pp. Must book in advance 17th August - 90s DJ set 23rd August - Pop Covers Band 30th August - Live Music: Chalk City (Indie-pop)

THE ARTERY ARTSHOP: 21 Parsons Street.

Workshops: 27th July - Goache for Beginners 3rd August - Free demonstration: coloured glass in pastel For a full programme of classes, workshops and demonstrations visit www.thearteryonline.co.uk

BANBURY CROSS: 7 Butcher’s Row.

21st July - 7t’s & Beyond Soul 29th July - Soul & Motown Night. www.banburycrosspub.co.uk

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BANBURY MUSEUM:

JT DAVIES PUB:

Castle Quay Shopping Centre.

5 Cornhill, Market Place.

Until 8th Sept - The Mechanical Circus 29th - 30th July - Circus Crafts Club 1st August - Block Printing 5th - 6th August - Circus Crafts Club 8th August - Bath Bombs 9th August - Brick Jam 12th - 13th August - Circus Crafts Club 15th August - Wonderful Wildlife 16th August - Brick Jam 19th - 20th August - Circus Crafts Club 22nd August - Bath Bombs 23rd August - Brick Jam www.banburymuseum.org

Karaoke: Every Thursday www.jtdaviesbanbury.com

See our feature on Banbury Museum on page 20-21

BANBURY TOWN COUNCIL: 26th July - Banbury Music Mix 18th August - Banbury Food Fair 18th August - Flower & Produce Show www.banbury.gov.uk

THE CROMWELL LODGE HOTEL: 9-11 North Bar Street.

25th July - Smartphone Speed Quiz

COMIC CONNECTIONS: 4a Parsons Street.

20th July - Signing event with Simon Furman and Geoff Senior (Transformers)

DOODLEDASH INTERIORS: 3 Parsons Street.

Workshops: 24th July - Decoupage & crackle glaze 1st August - Level 1 Beginners Chalk Paint Upcycling 7th August - Raised stencilling/coloured glazes workshop 24th August - Level 1 Beginners Chalk Paint Upcycling 28th August - Level 2 Techniques workshop 10-3.30pm For a full programme of workshops visit www.doodledash.co.uk

THE MILL ARTS CENTRE: Spiceball Park Road.

Ongoing films, shows, classes, see website for details Dance Banbury 20th - 21st July - Throughout Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk See our feature on The Mill Arts Centre on page 22-23

NEVA CULINARY AFFAIRS: Unit 4, White Lion Walk.

21st July - SCOOP zero-waste pop-up www.nevaculinary.co.uk

OXFORDSHIRE PLAY ASSOCIATION (OPA): 25th of July - Banbury Play Day 10th Year Celebration, People’s Park 11am - 3pm www.oxonplay.org.uk

SULGRAVE MANOR: Manor Rd, Sulgrave, Banbury OX17 2SD

25, 26, 28th July - Archaeology Week 15th, 16th, 18th August - Wild Art Week! www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

TEMPLE OF YOGA: Ground Floor, Coach Mews, London Yard.

28th July - Deep Release X with Samantha Bowers www.templeofyogastudio.co.uk

THE WHITE HORSE: 52 North Bar Street.

19th July Live Music from Theodore Lamb www.whitehorsebanbury.com

WILD LIME: 38 Bridge St, Banbury OX16 5PY

19th July - Throwback 80s 90s Party 27th July - Retro Party With DJ BUTIK www.wildlimebar.org.uk/banbury

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FEATURE:

Sulgrave manor

Sulgrave Manor is one of the gems that surround our town, and they have lots keep you and your family entertained this Summer.

Set in a picturesque village just 10 minutes from Banbury, Sulgrave Manor is an ideal family destination with inviting gardens, family area and Brewhouse offering tasty cakes and drinks.

Sulgrave Manor is a Tudor house built by the ancestors of George Washington, first President of the United States.

Explore Sulgrave Manor with hands on family activities available every day throughout the summer holidays.

Don’t miss out on: Archaeology Week - 25, 26, 28th July Wild Art Week! – 15th, 16th, 18th August Open every Thursday, Friday and Sunday 11am – 5pm until Sunday 29th September 2019

Sulgrave Manor Manor Rd, Sulgrave, Banbury OX17 2SD www.sulgravemanor.org.uk Tel: 01295 760

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FEATURE:

The Mill Arts Centre Dance Banbury

It doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there for Dance Banbury - a weekend of dance performance taking place across the town centre during the 20th and 21st of July being organised by The Mill Arts Centre and its troupe of dance partners.

Dance Banbury will celebrate cutting edge dance from leading professional companies to push the boundaries by combining non-traditional dance elements; from augmented reality to parkour whilst blurring the lines between watching and becoming part of the show!

Justice in Motion present On Edge, combing exciting choreography with parkour athletics to tell a stimulating, moving tale that asks – what does freedom really mean?

Atop a towering scaffolding erected in Banbury Market Place, a group of men ricochet around a building site.

Their routine may give a sense of purpose and security, yet behind the perimeter fencing all is not as it appears.

The stunning performance features an international cast including leading parkour athletes. Join them before the show to explore the sensational freedom of moving around the parkour site.

Meanwhile, everything is not as it seems at Banbury Museum. Allow us to introduce you to Mildred, Henrietta and Harriet, three eccentric tour-guides who will bring to life a series of museum artefacts through words and movement.

The Imagination Museum has been created by Katie Green in collaboration with Anna Selby, with original music by Max Perryment. It will awaken curiosity and desire to explore the nooks and crannies of the museum space.

For something truly different, Castle Quay Shopping Centre will be playing host to internationally acclaimed touring company AфE with Whist.

Inspired by Sigmund Freud, you are invited on a journey into the unconscious mind, through the dreams, fears and desires of a fictional family.

This one-hour experience merges physical theatre, interactive Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies with an art installation in an environment that blurs the boundaries between consciousness and unconsciousness, reality and fiction, the physical and the virtual.

Your instincts will guide you through the narrative of a surreal world, exploring the story from one of 76 possible perspectives. Age Guidance for Whist: 15+

 “an awesome virtual-reality dance experience”

All Dance Banbury events are free, however audiences are invited to ‘pay what you think’ as a donation after each experience.

Advance booking is required for The Imagination Museum due to limited capacity. There will also be performances from local community dance groups throughout the weekend.

For more information and individual performance times visit www.themillartscentre.co.uk/dancebanbury.

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I S C OM I NG T O T OW N !

2 5 M AY - 8 S e p t e m b e r

G A S P I N A M A Z E M E N T AT

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feature:

Banbury Museum Mechanical Circus Roll up, roll up! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time to take your seats, as the fabulous, the mesmerising, Mechanical Circus has come to town! Kicking off the summer season at Banbury Museum, The Mechanical Circus is the latest exhibition to open in the beautiful new PYE Gallery, and offers a host of hilarious interactives guaranteed to get the whole family laughing.

Join the team at the museum and go back in time to revisit those idyllic childhood days of magic and curiosity, where the marvels of the fairground and circus brought imaginations to life. Visitors can put their head in a lion’s mouth, lift the strongman[’s] weights or pose at the ‘beach’ – ideal for those family photo memories! With lots of magical buttons to press and optical illusions to explore, the exhibition is truly interactive and is perfect for kids aged 1-100!

The exhibition opened at the start of May and will run throughout the summer holidays offering families a unique opportunity to get hands on with an educational yet fun exhibition.

Sponsored by Norbar Torque Tools, the exhibition includes Banbury Museum’s first international loans and features 10 historic artefacts from the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in The Netherlands. With over 20 automata exhibits and wide range of hands-on activities that will delight all ages, all displayed in an immersive carnival atmosphere, the exhibition promises a truly memorable experience for all the family. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £4 concessions, £3 for children and family tickets are £15.

Jo Muskett, the museums’ Director of Audiences and Programmes said “The perfect way to part kids from their game consoles and get them out of the house, the exhibition is packed full of fun and silliness that will delight all ages. A fantastic talking point for parents, grandparents and kids, the exhibition is truly multi-generational and will remind visitors of childhood trips to circuses, carnivals and piers’.

Banbury Museum Spiceball Park Road, Banbury OX16 2PQ www.banburymuseum.org Tel: 01295 236 165

24. love summer in banbury

shopping IDEAs for:

Summer Dining

There is a huge range of summer essentials to choose from at our independent and national retailers.

Here are just a few examples perfect for dining at home or on days out this summer.

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2.

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KEY: 1.) Maitland Wicker Lantern. £48 from Doodledash, Parsons Street.

2.) Blue Drinks Flask and Pink Food Flask. £8.99 each from Abraxas Cookshop, Cornhill.

3.) Tote Picnic Bag. £12.00 from Matalan, Cherwell Street.

love SUMMER in banbury 25.

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4.)

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Multicoloured ‘Suzani’ Patterned Picnic Blanket. £44 from Debenhams, Castle Quay.

Epicurean Bumble Bee Food Cover from Robert Dyas, High Street.

Cambridge Bamboo Jug, Plates and Bowls from Robert Dyas, High Street.

Outback Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal BBQ from Robert Dyas, High Street.

7L Clear Glass Drink Dispenser. £6.00 from Wilko, Bridge Street.

26. love summer in banbury

Life s‘ a Picnic

in Banbury

Enjoy what nature gave Banbury this summer and pack a picnic to enjoy a slice of the good life in one of our beautiful town centre’s parks.

There’s just something about the summer weather that makes food taste even better. If you enjoy eating al fresco, then July is the month for you as its officially National Picnic Month! Whether you’re planning a picnic or need to grab a lite bite while on the go, here are our town centre suggestions for gathering the perfect ingredients or lunchtime indulgences.

People's Park

People’s Park was originally a private park but was later opened to the public in 1919. For 100 years the park has been a place of tranquility, beauty and adventure. Today People’s Park features a town’s war memorial, an aviary, bowling green, tennis courts, community and sensory gardens and a children’s play area.

Spiceball Park Spiceball Country Park dates back to the late nineteenth century.

The plot of land was donated by Thomas Hankinson, a town mayor and town councillor, to the people of Banbury as a place of recreational activity. Hankinson was a well-known name in the town due to the success of Hankinson’s Butchers on the High Street.

The name of the park pays homage to the Butcher’s famous hand-made faggots, affectionately known locally as ‘spice balls’.

Today the park is home to Banbury’s Park Run which takes place on Saturday mornings and features a newly opened skate park, cycle lanes, fitness area and children’s play area.

LOVE SUMMER IN BANBURY 27.

There are plenty of great shops in town to pick up what you’ll need to enjoy a picnic in our parks and really make the most of Summer, here’s just a selection for you.

Picnic Hamper & Cool Bag: Matalan, Cherwell Street.

Picnic Blanket: Debenhams, Castle Street.

BBQ: Robert Dyas, 2 High Street.

Quality Meat for the BBQ: Steve Betts Butchers, 2 Church Lane.

Fresh Fruit & Veg: Banbury Charter Market, Thursdays and Saturdays in the Market Place from 9am to 4:30pm.

Sandwiches: The Flying Baguette, 44 High Street

Pastries: Greggs, 17 High St, Banbury

Banbury Cakes: Sugar Rush, 17 Church Lane

Ice Cream: Delicious, Castle Quay Shopping Centre

Artisan Milkshakes: The Rustic Bean, 61 Parsons Street

Fresh Juices: Blend Coffee & Juice Bar, 36A Church Lane

28. love summer in banbury

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows

Life is all sunshine, lollipops and rainbows in Banbury - from sweet treats and party balloons, here the raindrops disappear.

From traditional sweets to retro American candy and big bouncy balloons in all shapes and sizes, you’ll be brighter than a lucky penny (sweet) and left feeling everything that’s wonderful when visiting our town centre this summer.

A family-run business, Sweet Celebrations has been helping people of Banbury and beyond party since 1996.

It stocks helium balloons, party decorations, cardboard cutouts and has been decorating parties, corporate events and weddings with balloons for well over 20 years!

A pick ‘n’ mix blend of old and new is what you’ll find in our town as Banbury continues to buck the high street closures trend. We have a generous serving of tough cookies on our block along with new ones sprinkled in-between, but its Banbury Old Town you should head to for tempting treats and everything you need to get a party started this summer.

So, if you fancy being a kid in a candy store or have a party to plan, Banbury has everything you need to help celebrate the arrival of summer. And, don’t forget to download our town centre app for all the sweetest deals! www.loyalfree.co.uk/download

Church Lane has been home to Sugar Rush since 2012, serving up 200 sweets in pick n mix jars and American imports as well as selling the famous Banbury Cakes.

As if that isn’t enough, the shop has a 16 flavour slushie bar, proclaims anything in the shop can be turned into a milkshake and even rents out its machines and sweet cart for parties and functions.

At the end of the road on Parsons Street is a new kid of the block Shelia’s Sweets, a traditional family-run sweet shop and the only place to sell Hampton’s sweet cakes in Banbury. The shop is named after Claire the owner’s mum Shelia, who always dreamed of having a sweet shop.

Sandwiched between these two tasty delights and up near our Pocketful of Sunshine, is Sweet Celebrations.

Don’t be fooled by the name, there is no candy in this store just a great selection of fancy dress and accessories and a renowned balloon decorating service.

Sheila’s Sweets 46 Parsons Street, Banbury Tel: 07578 421 405

Sweet Celebrations 19-20 Church Lane, Banbury www.sweetcelebrations.co.uk Tel: 01295 269 472

Sugar Rush 17 Church Lane, Banbury Tel: 01295 367692

PARTY TIP!

ton’s Use a Hamp from Sweet Cake ts as Shelia’s Swee ight! a balloon we

love summer in banbury 29.

Stay

Loyal

this summer While many are talking about Love Island, for us Banbury comes before anyone else, so we’re asking you to stay loyal and keep it local this summer.

We love our historic market town with its eclectic mix of independent shops and major stores, the only problem is not everyone knows just how much is on their doorstep.

When searching for a potential partner it’s become common to use an app, so why should finding new stores, great deals and exciting events be any different?

Luckily we’re happy to play matchmaker and have teamed up with the multi-award winning app, LoyalFree to unite you with things and places to love in Banbury this summer.

We think the partnership is a match made in heaven - helping our 539 levy-paying businesses and organisations to shout about their business offers while rewarding you for shopping local.

The app is totally free to download and you can start saving money straight away. Get everything from 20% off your food bill and 2-4-1 cocktails to discounts on luxury leather goods and free beauty treatments and more all within one app.

LoyalFree showcases local businesses with profiles displaying their offers, loyalty schemes, reviews, opening times and more, while the location-based ‘Local Guide’ feature provides information on key attractions, events and parking in Banbury.

The app even has a ‘Tours & Trails’ function to allow users experience places in an interactive way, for example, our Eco-Friendly Trail to highlight the best places to shop for the environmentally conscious or where to sip our exclusive Banbury Sun Cocktail.

A FREE APP FOR BANBURY! At the touch of the button, you’ll be able to find red hot deals, exciting events and fun town trails - what’s not to love? Start your summer love affair with Banbury today!

Download the LoyalFree app at: www.loyalfree.co.uk/download

30. love SUMMER in banbury

enjoy a drink outdoors

Summer

this

When the sun has got his hat on we’re all desperate to be outside, so we’ve shortlisted pubs and bars in Banbury with outdoor space to enjoy.

1

4 ALE & gin, 4 Butcher’s Row

Sup your pitchers of ale or jugs of gin in the bar’s sunny courtyard.

Feeling fruity? 4 Ale and Gin is the home of our special Banbury Cocktail (see page 32 for the recipe) so why not give it a try?

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The Cromwell Lodge, 9-11 North Bar Street

Bursting with all the charm you would expect from a traditional British pub, The Cromwell also has a gorgeous garden area ideal for a toast with something fizzy, a pickled cider or gin.

Dog & Gun, 6 North Bar Street

The friendly Cask Marque accredited pub with a large private beer garden.

As an official Sky and BT Sports pub, you can sup and enjoy all your favourite sport on the big screen.

4

JT Davies Pub, 25 Cornhill

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This town centre pub has a large beer garden to the front of the building, so you can sit back and watch the world go by while enjoying a nice cold beer and competitively priced food.

Pinto Lounge, 21 High Street

If the sun has got you craving a slice of the Mediterranean then head to The Pinto Lounge for tapas, great burgers and a crisp glass of wine or jugs of cocktails in its bijou courtyard.

love SUMMER in banbury 31.

6

The Banbury Cross Pub, 7 Butcher’s Row

A dog-friendly, traditional town centre pub hosting all main sporting events, a Saturday night Karaoke and live music events in its Gilkos Soul Room.

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The Old Auctioneer, 44 Parsons Street

Enjoy mouthwatering food comfort food and cocktails from the third oldest building in Banbury. Its impressive outdoor patio is perfect for catching up with friends on a summer evening.

The Wheatsheaf, 68 George Street

Early 18th-century stone built pub in the centre of Banbury and a reputation as a live music venue. Enjoy a range of lagers, ciders and smooth pour beers on tap from its courtyard.

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The Wine Vaults, 5-6 Parsons Street

A cracking bar with lots of outdoor space and heated garden lamps.

There are always great offers to take advantage of on its pub classic-style menu, prosecco and cocktails.

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The White Horse, 52 North Bar Street An award-winning real ale house serving homecooked-style comfort food and tasty bar snacks, plenty of live music in the evenings and a small but perfectly formed courtyard garden.

Wild Lime Banbury, 38 Bridge Street

Town centre sports bar with a large front terrace. The Wild Lime is a great place for food and drink - perfect for meeting up with friends, lounging with cocktails and a refreshing beer or two.

Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, 47 Parsons Street

Take a breather from shopping in Banbury’s most historic pub’s flower basket-lined courtyard. Enjoy well kept Hook Norton real ales, superb food, wines by the glass and bottled beers.

32. LOVE SUMMER IN BANBURY

recipe:

The Banbury Sun Cocktail Our friends at 4 Ale and Gin on Butcher’s Row have created a social cocktail for the town this summer, here’s how you make it at home.

Aptly named to celebrate our town’s longstanding

How to make the cocktail.

heritage with the sun - The Banbury Sun - this tall

What you will need.

• Ice. • A shaker.

• A tall cocktail glass.

glass of sunshine is the perfect refreshing drink to enjoy all summer long. Whether you choose to sip The Banbury Sun from your own garden or head into town, make sure you tag your photographs by using the hashtag #BanburySunCocktail.

4 Ale & Gin 4 Butchers Row, Banbury OX16 5JH Email: 4aleandgin@gmail.com Tel: 01295 256 550 @4aleandgin /4aleandgin

Ingredients: • 15ml of Grenadine.

• 40ml of Whitley Neil Blood Orange Gin. • 50ml of pure orange juice.

• Top with prosecco.

How to mix: • Chill your glass (the easiest way is to fill it with ice).

• Pour the grenadine over the ice.

• Mix together the gin and orange juice and shake.

• Pour in the glass.

• Top up with prosecco.

LOVE SUMMER IN BANBURY 33.

where to buy:

great cocktails

in Banbury

Feeling thirsty? If the summer sun has got you parched don’t worry Banbury town centre has many wonderful pubs and bars, at least 67 according to Trip Advisor.

4 ALE & gin

JT Davies Pub

ALSO KNOWN AS

the old auctioneer

the atic

pinto lounge

The Exchange

THE v lounge

The Cherwell

THE WINE VAULTS

Church House

wild lime banbury

4 Butcher’s Row 54-56 Parsons Street 10-11 Butcher’s Row 49-50 High Street 63-67 Broad Street 2 North Bar Street

Cromwell lodge hotel 9-11 North Bar Street

25 Cornhill, Market Place 44 Parsons Street 21 High Street

22 South Bar Street 5-6 Parsons Street 38 Bridge Street

34. love SUMMER in banbury

win

Tea for two

at the Banbury Whately hall hotel

Fancy enjoying a quintessentially English afternoon tea?

Enter our prize draw and you could have your cake and eat it (too).

Afternoon tea is a treat that everyone loves - it’s the perfect excuse for catching up with somebody special, so if you’re a fan of finger sandwiches and sweet treats, then, boy, do we have the prize draw for you!

The Hotel’s quintessentially English afternoon tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, a selection of cakes and sweet treats and a choice of tea or coffee.

It’s all thanks to our friends at Banbury Whately Hall Hotel, a characterful 17th-century 3-star hotel with beautifully manicured gardens to the rear and original features throughout, and less than a 5-minute walk from town.

Treat yourself and someone special this summer by entering our afternoon tea giveaway by visiting banburybid.com/giveaway/whately.

The closing date for entries is midnight on the 30th of August 2019. What are you waiting for?

The Prize must be redeemed by August 2020.

This stunning hotel is open all day to everyone from breakfast through to dinner whether you want to enjoy just a cup of coffee, relax with a drink in the Horton Bar or eat in the gorgeous oak-panelled Swift restaurant.

Full of history and charm, Banbury Whately Hall Hotel is ideal for business and leisure, with rooms capable of accommodating up to 120 guests for events, parties, weddings and other celebrations.

Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel 17-19 Horse Fair, Banbury OX16 0AN www.accorhotels.com Tel: 01295 253 261

This free guide is a Banbury BID initiative funded by 500+ businesses and organisations to highlight the strengths of our town centre in Summer time.

For more information please visit: www.banburybid.com or email Jo Holland - joholland@banburybid.com /BanburyBID @BanburyBID @BanburyBID