St Mary’s plays a central part in several of Witney’s best-loved annual festivals. Through our Ministry of Festivals, we open our doors, host events, and take an active, welcoming role in the town’s celebrations throughout the year.
Witney Beer Festival
Each year St Mary’s hosts the Witney Beer Festival, organised by Witney Round Table. Thousands of people come together for a day of beer, live music and good company, while raising money for local charities and community projects. The festival is held inside St Mary’s own nave, giving it a striking and memorable setting.
The festival is an important part of our Ministry of Festivals. St Mary’s volunteers help staff the event and our chaplains mingle with visitors throughout the day. It is hospitality in action: opening our doors, welcoming the wider community and being present at the heart of one of Witney’s major annual events.
Next festival: Saturday 1 May 2027, 12 noon to 9.00 pm, St Mary the Virgin, Witney.
Witney Festival of Food and Drink
The Witney Festival of Food and Drink (WFOFAD) is organised by the Parish of Witney and brings thousands of people to St Mary’s and Church Green each year, with over 60 local food and drink producers, live music and family activities, plus a festival bar and café for visitors to enjoy throughout the day.
WFOFAD is a major part of our Ministry of Festivals, staffed largely by volunteers with St Mary’s at its heart. It’s also an important fundraiser, helping preserve Witney’s ancient House of Prayer for future generations.
Next festival: Saturday 15 May 2027, 10.00 am to 4.30 pm, St Mary the Virgin and Church Green, Witney.
Concerts at St Mary’s
St Mary’s regularly hosts concerts and performances, welcoming choirs, orchestras, musicians and theatre groups from Witney and the surrounding area. Our historic nave offers a distinctive setting and excellent acoustics for everything from choral and classical music to more popular programmes.
We work with local promoters, choirs and music societies to bring a varied programme of performances to the church. Upcoming events are publicised in the Benefice Bulletin, with recent and forthcoming performances including Burford Orchestra, Lower Windrush Choral Society and Fauré’s Requiem.
Next concert: Saturday 26 September, The Sound of Musicals by Candlelabra Concerts.