AN OXFORDSHIRE art society will celebrate a golden anniversary with a lecture and drinks reception.

The Arts Society, an international education charity, is turning 50 this year and its Abingdon branch, one of 385 local groups, will host a talk called ‘Who Says? Can we trust the experts on good and bad art?’ from artist David Phillips.

The lecture, held on July 18 from 6.30pm at Abingdon School's Amey Theatre, will follow will a reception in the Jekyll Garden with drinks and canapés. A concert by harpist Pervin Shahin featuring everything from Baroque to Jazz will also be performed during the reception. Tickets are £12.50 available from info@theartssocietyabingdon.org.uk