Oxford’s musical legacy takes centre stage at the Museum of Oxford through an extensive initiative combining live entertainment, scholarly discussions, and community activities.
The Sounds of the City: LIVE series operates throughout October, November, and December, complementing the existing Sounds of the City display that welcomed visitors in July.
The permanent exhibition showcases Oxford’s significant contribution to music through collected items, personal accounts, and historical objects highlighting the bands, performance spaces, festivals, and record companies that defined the city’s unique sound.
Councillor Susan Brown, who serves as leader of Oxford City Council with responsibility for collaborative partnerships, sustainable economic development, and cultural affairs, highlighted the region’s multifaceted musical history.
The Sounds of the City programme pays tribute to the performers, venues, and neighbourhoods that have contributed to Oxford’s sonic identity across generations.
The live series presents visitors with fresh perspectives on this narrative through concerts, cinematic presentations, expert discussions, guided walks, and participatory creative sessions designed to engage attendees of varying ages.
Notable upcoming offerings include the Live & Local concert on October 2, showcasing Mick Quinn’s DB Band alongside Emma Hunter, and the Beats, Rhythms & Rhymes event on October 17 developed in partnership with Unlock the Chains Collective.
On October 24, a screening of Anyone Can Play Guitar precedes a discussion featuring Jon Spira and Dave Gilyeat.
Additional programming encompasses Sounds from the Basement on October 30 with Mount St.
Helen and Dolly Mavies, Afterhours Acoustics on November 6 presenting Premium Leisure and Robin Bennett with collaborators, and a December 4 performance by Mount St.
Helen at Modern Art Oxford’s Open Call Preview Party.
Beth Jones and guest curator Autumn Neagle developed the exhibition, which received financial support from Arts Council England.
The display incorporates material provided by individuals including Paul Bonham, Marc West, and Jon Spira, together with numerous musical acts and management organisations who contributed artefacts and narratives for presentation.
Sounds of the City continues at the Museum of Oxford within the Town Hall building until March 13, 2027.
As the sole institution devoted to chronicling Oxford and its inhabitants, the museum houses two galleries of social history artefacts complemented by interactive installations and rotating exhibitions examining topics ranging from sporting culture and fairgrounds to local culinary traditions and the automotive industry.
Full programme details and booking information are available through museumofoxford.org.