Shopping and Festive Season is Here

Hello Bicester,

Hope you’ve had a great end to November. We’ve got some exciting community happenings to share with you this week – from festive shopping to amazing library programs and big plans for Bicester’s future.

Our Big Celebration

Bicester Round Table just wrapped up an unforgettable moment in our town’s history. The crew celebrated 50 years of putting on the community’s favourite fireworks display, and this year was their biggest show yet.

The display happened on November 1st at Pingle Field, with gates opening at 4 pm and fireworks lighting up the sky at 7:30 pm. All the money raised goes right back into helping local charities and community groups. What a way to mark half a century of Bicester tradition.

Market Square Getting a Makeover

The town center is heading for an exciting transformation. Cherwell District Council approved the designs for our £5.1 million Market Square regeneration project back in September. The new square will have outdoor dining areas, lots of green space, and spots for community art. Traffic will change from a one-way loop to two-way, and the pavements will get wider so cafes can set up outdoor seating with that cozy European feel. Work is set to begin next summer, with everything finished by summer 2027. This is going to be a fantastic hub for everyone in Bicester.

Upcoming Events Next Month

This Week Bicester Events

• Bicester Christmas Market – Saturday, November 29, 10am–7pm, Market Square. Over 100 stalls with unique gifts, street performers, and live entertainment
• Bicester Library Zine Making – Tuesday, December 2, 3:30–5:00pm, Bicester Library. Free zine-making for teenagers aged 11-16
• Henry Porter Book Event – Thursday, December 5, Bicester Library. Author Henry Porter discusses his new book The Enigma Girl

Next Week and Beyond Bicester Events

• Bicester Library Storytimes – Multiple sessions throughout December for young children
• Bicester Library Chess Club – Thursdays 5:00–6:30pm, ongoing chess sessions for adults
• Christmas by Candlelight Concert – Saturday, December 20, 6:00–7:00pm and 8:00–9:00pm, St Edburg’s Church. String quartet performing movie Christmas favorites like Home Alone and Love Actually

Library Love

Bicester Library keeps the fun going with something for everyone. There are rhyme times for little ones, knit and natter sessions for adults, digital drop-ins to help you with technology, board games on Saturdays, and even a language café. Check the library schedule – there’s bound to be something that fits your week.

Market Square Coming Alive

Bicester’s town square is about to get a brand new look. The exciting £5.1 million project will create more space for community gathering, with outdoor dining areas and green spaces. Construction starts summer 2026.

Getting Around on Two Wheels

Good news for cyclists—the trial allowing two-way cycling on Sheep Street started back in March 2025 and is still going strong. This makes it easier for people on bikes to move around our town safely.

Come Together, Bicester

Whether you’re hunting for unique Christmas gifts at the market on the 29th, catching carols at St Edburg’s, or joining a community activity at the library, there’s so much happening right now. These events are what make Bicester special chances to connect with neighbours, support local businesses, and feel part of something bigger. Make sure to head down to the Market Square on Saturday and soak up that festive feeling. See you there!