THE curtain will be raised on a long-awaited annual arts festival this weekend that will return in a brand new format.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Bicester Festival organisers worked hard to ensure the ‘show must go on’, with live and pre-recorded content scheduled from Friday to Sunday.

Among the headliners are a cappella trio The Sceptics and the ever-popular Steve Winch and The Inception, bringing a 'high-octane vibe' inspired by The Jam, The Stranglers and Elvis Costello.

The Bicester Festival, which will return for an online edition with the theme ‘fire – keeping the flame alive’, is organised by a team of volunteers and supported by Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council.

Emma Doupé, who runs the Evolve Vocal Studio in Bicester, has been working with the Bicester Festival Organising Committee to arrange this year’s event.

ALSO READ: Emma Watson's school in Oxford changes name from 'racial slur'

Explaining what people should expect this weekend, she said: “Programming this year’s virtual Bicester Festival has been a fun and creative challenge.

“We are teaming up with many amazing creatives in our community to provide an inclusive, interactive, safe, yet intriguing and stimulating festival.

“Many locals have come together to showcase and highlight the impressive work that has come out of this challenging time.

“We are very excited to share how we, as a community, are keeping the flame alive.”

The popular event will begin at 6pm on Friday with a mix of live and pre-recorded music to kick-start the weekend.

An eclectic mix of performances will also take place on Saturday.

ALSO READ: Nurseries refusing to refund parents tell Oxford Mail to 'stop calling'

These will include an interactive virtual flash dance led by Dance Creative, the vocal talents of local singer Yasmin Saint as well as a DJ set to entertain the audience as the sun goes down.

Sunday’s line-up is set to begin with some morning yoga, followed by an interactive play for little ones called Swish.

Produced by Moulded Theatre – described as 'experts in creating innovative and accessible children’s shows' – Swish follows the adventures of Olive, the tiny turtle, as she tries to pick up all the plastic pollution from the sea.

Speaking about the difficulties around organising an event during the pandemic councillor Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing, commented: “Covid-19 has proved a difficult time for artists, performers and audiences alike, with many traditional venues staying closed throughout the pandemic.

“This year’s online Bicester Festival provides a safe and accessible stage to celebrate the arts, enabling those taking part to showcase their talent whilst providing some great entertainment for the people watching at home.”

After this weekend’s celebrations, the Bicester Festival webpage will become the home of Bicester arts and creativity, showcasing the best of the talents in the town all year round.

To find our more information about the festival and the schedule for all performances visit the new website bicesterfestival.org