Click here to find a fantastic write up and selection of photos from this year.

Thanks to generous support and a fantastic turnout, even though the cost to stage the Feast continues to rise, we are delighted to say that the 2025 Feast was once again successful in raising funds available for distribution.

Harwell organisations and others whose activities substantially benefit the residents of Harwell are invited to submit an application for funding.

Please either complete this form (preferred method for application), send us an email or write to us at 8 Fidler’s Orchard, Harwell, OX11 0FR.

The information needed to enable an informed decision is:

• Name of organisation
• Amount applied for
• Description of item
• Weblinks / quotes to support the cost
• Explanation of how the item will benefit Harwell residents
• Timescales of spending the grant
• Your involvement in the 2025 Feast

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2025. We will consider all applications at our meeting scheduled in September 2025 and aim to respond to all applicants within a week. It is expected that the grants will be issued by mid to late October 2025.

In case you misplace your programme during the day here is the timetable of events and ground plan:

Q – Is there a free car park?

Yes, it is accessed off Reading Road from the direction of Rowstock. It is a strictly left turn only entry to avoid traffic build up on the Reading Road. Rowstock roundabout is just a short distance away if you need to turn around.

Q – Is there blue badge parking?

Yes, there is a small amount of blue badge in the main car park near to the pedestrian entrance. There are no parking facilities in the recreation ground car park due to heavy pedestrian footfall.

Q – Do you take electronic payments?

Yes, electronc payments can be taken on the entrance gates and at most of the attractions and stalls. However, it is advised to bring a small amount of cash as a ‘just in case’. The nearest cash point machine can be found at Asda on Great Western Park accessed via Didcot Road.

Q – Can I leave the Feast and return later in the day?

Yes, your programme will allow you to gain entry to the Feast at any time in the day, be ready to show it at the entrance gate.

Q – Can i bring my dog to the Feast?

Yes, but they must be kept on a short lead at all times unless taking part in the dog show. Water is available at the pavilion and at the information point during the dog show. You must clear up after your dog.

There is a large free car park accessed by turning left from Reading Road as approached from Rowstock roundabout:

Please do not attempt to turn right into the car park from Reading Road as this will create significant traffic jams at the busiest times of day.

Look out for the large overhead sign marking the pedestrian access point at the side of the field:

The Reading Road vehicle access point is ‘Entrance Only’. Upon exiting the car park you will be directed through the gap in the treeline, through the recreation ground and towards Wantage Road.

Please park and drive safely with consideration to pedestrians and other vehicles, following instructions from our volunteer parking marshalls from Didcot Rugby Club. If the car park is full you may be able to find a parking space elsewhere in the village but please be respectful to local residents and do not block access or driveways.

With such a small team of volunteers we value the support given by other local volunteer teams. We would like to recognise the significant contributions made by:

Didcot Rugby Club – car park marshalling

Harwell Bowls Club & Oxford Sea Cadets – manning the entrance gates

Click on the thumbnails below for more information:

Why should the dogs have all the fun? This year we are inviting you to take part in some fun games in the arena. Register your interest by using this online form, confirm your entry with payment at the Information Point on the day, £2 per entry.

Egg catching – carefully throw an egg to your partner. As the distance increases, which team is going to catch their egg before it smashes?

Sausage racing – bounce along the arena on a giant inflatable sausage. The winning team will cross the line first with all team members still firmly attached.

Human table football – take part in a life size game of table football. Tethered to your positions by bungee cord you will need to work as a team to score.

Adrian Graham will be bringing his Giant Aldabra Tortoises to the Feast this year. You will have the opportunity to interact with the tortoises and to learn more about them. Under environmental threat and difficult to breed in captivity, their future is uncertain. Adrian is keen to raise awareness and share his passion for these Giants with you.

You will find the tortoises next to the Scouts Cream Teas.

Miss Poppy Gymnastics group are joining us for the first time this year, their stall is near to the car park pedestrian entrance. Pop along to find out more about the local classes and teams that your child could join.

They will be putting on a fantastic gymnastics display near to their stall at 12 noon.

Harwell & Abingdon Scottish Country Dancing group are also joining us for the first time this year and also have a stall near to the car park pedestrian entrance. Pop along to the stall to find out more about how to join the adult classes, the Harwell group meet in Chilton village hall on Tuesday evenings, the Abingdon group meet at the Northcourt Centre on Monday evenings.

They will be putting on a brilliant scottish dancing display near to their stall at 1pm.

We are excited to confirm that Millets Falconry will be in attendance again this year with a stand near to the main arena. They will be delighted to answer any questions that you have so do make sure you make the time to visit.

In addition they will be holding two flying displays in the main arena, find a straw bale to sit on and prepare to be amazed:

12.15pm

2.30pm

Bagg’s Tree Buskers, our local village jazz band have been added to the line up, playing from 12.55 to 1.25pm. The band were originally formed to lead the Feast parade in 1997 and have done so most years ever since, click here to find out more.