ONE WORLD FAMILY FESTIVAL 2026

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Feb 2026
11am–4pm

Bringing together communities and faiths of Oxfordshire

Circular icon with illustrations of different activities and actions on a green background - for our One World Family Festival 2026

Join us as we celebrate the many communities and faiths of Oxfordshire with a dazzling array of activities, performances, talks, and crafts for all ages, taking place throughout the Museum.

This year’s theme for our annual One World Family Festival is Nature. From traditional Chinese and Nepalese dance to eco-pilgrimage lantern-making and Moroccan moon stories, there’s something for everyone at this fantastic weekend festival.

As the festival is free, we welcome families and visitors to consider a suggested donation of £6 to help support the event.

Access information
•    A quiet prayer room will be available from 10am–4:30pm on both days for rest, prayer, personal reflection or meditation.
•    The Museum offers level access throughout, with ramps at the entrance and lifts to all floors. Wheelchairs are available, and our Visitor Experience Assistants will be happy to help if you need any support during your visit.
•    Photographs will be taken at the event.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Saturday 14 February 2026

Saturday opens the festival with an introductory welcome from Gina Koutsika, Director of Audiences & Content at the Ashmolean, followed by a full day of performances, discussions, and hands-on activities exploring how nature shapes belief, creativity, and community life.

Across the Museum, visitors can experience traditional Chinese and Hindu music and dance, storytelling, and talks reflecting on humanity’s relationship with the natural world, alongside moments of reflection such as the Islamic call to prayer and a multi-faith panel discussion on nature and faith.

All day, families and visitors of all ages are invited to take part in creative workshops and participatory activities throughout the galleries, including embossed printmaking, weaving, river-themed collage, storytelling, and an imaginative eco-pilgrimage with lantern-making. The programme also includes an interactive exploration of North African astronomy through stories of the moon and night sky.

With contributions from

  • Asma Hashmi
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Muzim–Art4Connect
  • Natty Mark (African School).
  • OVADA
  • Oxford Chinese Dance Club
  • Oxford Council of Faiths
  • Oxford Hindu Temple
  • Oxford Polish Association
  • Weave Yard

Sunday 15 February 2026

Sunday continues the celebration with a varied programme of music, dance, storytelling, and reflective activities inspired by nature and the seasons. Performances and gatherings draw on Jewish, Nepalese, Bengali, African, Christian, Quaker, and other traditions, alongside bilingual musical storytelling and opportunities for quiet reflection.

Throughout the day, visitors can join creative workshops and demonstrations across the Museum, including eco-art using recycled materials, Arabic and Chinese calligraphy, Islamic calligraphy demonstrations, and nature-inspired making for all ages.

The festival concludes with a closing thank-you from Ashmolean Director Xa Sturgis, followed by a joyful, interactive movement session bringing the weekend to a celebratory close.

With contributions from:

  • Achi Afro-Fitness.
  • Ayo-Dele
  • Chinese Learning Group
  • Hanan Zein Eddin
  • Oxford Jewish Congregation
  • Oxford Nepalese Community
  • Religious Society of Friends
  • Tugay Yalcin, Dialogue Society Oxford
  • Udayan, Oxfordshire Bengali Cultural Society
  • Vanessa Alanís (Canta y No Llores)

A full programme will be available to download shortly