A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Westhall Hill

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Westhall Hill, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Westhall Hill

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Rosie Holt and Anna Leong Brophy: Edinburgh Comedy Preview5

Rosie Holt and Anna Leong Brophy: Edinburgh Comedy Preview

at The Theatre Chipping Norton

Don’t miss this opportunity to see political satirist Rosie Holt and newcomer Anna Leong Brophy as they preview their shows for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe! Rosie Holt: The Illegal Aliens Have Landed! Rosie and her MP alter-ego are back, fighting their biggest foe yet. Labour are trying to continue the Conservatives’ work of stopping the boats while also still appearing “left wing," but they have an even bigger problem when UFOs arrive. Will the government stand strong? Or insist they are “just waiting for the facts” as aliens start to abduct and eat the British public? A sci-fi streaked satire. Anna Leong Brophy: Born Sexy Yesterday Sure, Anna was born the old-fashioned way – a supreme being spontaneously deposited in a perfect female human body who immediately falls in love with the first man she sees. But what’s next for a sci-fi hottie once she’s saved the world, done the laundry and the years have rolled on by? It’s hard not to start asking the tough questions, like - what actually *is* the purpose of a woman who is not 22? Why are the only women in IMDB’s No. 1 movie sexy posters? And if she says “woman” too many times in this blurb, will any men come and see her show.

9.7 milesSat 11 Jul20:30
CuratedSee the details→
Comedy
Witney Carnival6Free! (worth double-checking)

Witney Carnival

at The Witney & District Museum

We’re excited to be back at Witney Cranival this July to bring a little bit of the museum to you. We’ll have: Handling objects for you to discover Badge making for you to have a go at Information on the museum and how to get involved in the museum If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off in the heat of the day the museum is open 10am-4pm and you’re welcome to pop in and uncover some of Witney’s past for yourself. It’s free to enter although donations are always welcome.

6.8 milesSat 11 Jul
CuratedSee the details→
Festivals & Events
Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course7

Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course

at Wheelwright's Bookshop

A two day course, covering all elements of lime pointing, ideal for anyone looking to learn about the use of lime; whether you’re a listed building owner, an architect, surveyor, or a builder who has not worked with lime previously. Course information: · You’ll learn the history and tradition of this craft, balancing theory and practical examples with demonstrations. · Uncover an in-depth knowledge of the lime cycle; from calcining to matured lime putty, manufacturing, conservation ethics and principles – plus on site practical examples. · We’ll address all aspects of proper lime pointing/repointing practice, from correct raking out & preparation, mortar choices and applications, to after care and finishing techniques. · You’ll also get the chance to do conservation repointing on a listed structure/building. On the second day of the course, we’ll produce a “Hot Lime” mortar used on site. Other useful information: · Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge · Lunch will pm. · An option to purchase tool bundle will be offered booking *The tool bundle is not compulsory you’re welcome to bring your own tools and PPE .However, you will need these items to effectively participate in this course. Tool bundle includes: · A stone pick (for raking out) · A plastic hawk and selection of pointing tools · Waterproof site gloves · Safety glasses · Sturdy site bucket · Sponge · Simple spray bottle · All other materials are included in course price

12.1 milesSat 11 Jul10:00
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
This is Floyd8

This is Floyd

at Cidermill Theatre

With 5 Star reviews, thousands of fans across the UK and a new theatre show for 2026, This Is Floyd celebrates the best of Pink Floyd’s music on their Through The Years tour. The band will continue a well-established tradition of attracting large audiences, young and old, highlighting the definitive versions of the iconic band’s classic and best loved songs. Join them on a captivating journey through the timeless classics that defined an era. From the ethereal “Echoes” to the haunting beauty of “High Hopes”, the performances are meticulously crafted to honour Pink Floyd’s legacy. The show includes custom designed thematic light shows, spectacular laser effects and the iconic circular video screen. Sit back and enjoy a moving experience, which will be truly unforgettable, as they pay homage to one of the greatest bands in history.

17.6 milesSat 11 Jul20:30
Local gemSee the details→
Community
RPA - Golden Ticket9

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Wyvern Theatre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

18.7 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
RPA - Golden Ticket10

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Swindon Arts Centre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

19.2 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.