🎉 Opera Anywhere’s Summer of Celebration!

2025 is a year of milestones for Opera Anywhere—not only are founders Mike and Vanessa Woodward celebrating 25 years of Opera Anywhere, but also a quarter-century since launching the original Sunningwell Music and Arts Festival, famously staged on the village pond!

This year also marks 25 years of SeeSaw, a remarkable Oxfordshire charity supporting bereaved children and families. In celebration, Opera Anywhere is proud to announce SeeSaw as its charity partner for the 2025 festival. Any surplus from the event will be donated to SeeSaw—making your attendance even more meaningful.

Mike and Vanessa are going one step further: Mike will run the Oxford Half Marathon, and Vanessa the Abingdon Marathon this autumn to raise additional funds. (Links to their JustGiving pages below!)

🌞 Sunningwell Festival 2025: A Celebration of Music, Art & Community

Get ready, Oxfordshire—the Sunningwell Festival is back and bigger than ever! This much-loved event returns in July and August 2025, filling the village with music, art, and unforgettable community spirit.

🌿 What Makes It Special?

Since its quirky beginnings in 2000, the festival has captured hearts with its unusual venues (yes, the floating stage really happened!) and friendly vibe. This year’s main performances will be held at The Quarry, a natural amphitheatre offering stunning acoustics and a magical setting.

Whether you’re a music fan, an art lover, or just looking for a great day out, the Sunningwell Festival 2025 has something for everyone.

🎨 Kickoff Week: Art at the Heart

Starting in the last week of July, the festival opens with visual arts masterclasses at the historic Sunningwell School of Art—once painted by J.M.W. Turner himself! These hands-on workshops are ideal for all skill levels.

🎻 Folk, Opera, and a Quiz Night Like No Other

On Friday 1st August, the music begins in style with a Folk Night featuring the extraordinary Jon Boden (of Bellowhead fame), supported by the brilliant local vocal group Indigo Road.

Opera lovers, rejoice! Opera Anywhere presents two of Mozart’s finest works—The Marriage of Figaro and Così fan tutte—performed open-air in the heart of the village.

And for a fun twist, don’t miss our Musical Quiz Night, where music trivia meets live performance for an evening of surprises and laughs.

🎭 A Grand Finale to Remember

The festival culminates in a spectacular finale celebrating the best of opera and musical theatre. Whether you’re an aficionado or a first-timer, this uplifting close is not to be missed.

And of course, we’ll keep you well fed and watered—with The Barn @ Church Farm serving up delicious eats, and a horsebox bar offering your favourite summer sips.

📅 Festival Essentials

• Dates: July 15 – August 1, 2025
• Venues: Sunningwell School of Art (OX13 6RD) & The Quarry (OX13 6RA)
• Info & Tickets: www.sunningwell.com
• Follow us: Facebook & X @OperaAnywhere

Whether you’re local or visiting, Sunningwell Festival 2025 is your chance to enjoy the very best of Oxfordshire’s creative energy in one unforgettable week. Mark your calendars—and come celebrate in the sun!

🏃 Support Mike & Vanessa

Help us raise even more for SeeSaw!

• Sponsor Mike – Oxford Half Marathon: Click here
• Sponsor Vanessa – Abingdon Marathon: Click here