Looking for a great family day out in Oxfordshire this summer? The Wantage & Grove Extravaganza 2026 is one of the biggest free community events in South Oxfordshire -- a full day and evening of live entertainment, activities, food and fun at Grove RFC's Recreation Ground in Grove, near Wantage.

The event raises funds for the Ray Collins Charitable Trust, which supports vulnerable individuals and families across OX12 with emergency food, household essentials, mobility equipment, and wellbeing support.

Whether you're a family with young children, a dog owner, a live music fan, or just looking for something great to do near Wantage this June -- this is the event for you.

Schedule - Subject to Change

11.00am	Gates open -- funfair, stalls, clubhouse
11.50am	Official opening -- Major Jim Sibbald, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire
12.00pm	Wantage Glee Choir
12.40pm	Larkmead Vets Dog Show begins
1.00pm	Free children's picnic meals available (first come, no booking needed)
1.00pm	Line dancing
2.00pm	American Dance School
3.00pm	Whitney Cooper and her students
3.20pm	Dog Show -- Best in Show
4.00pm	Molehand
5.00pm	Raffle draw -- over £2,000 in prizes
5.15pm	Selver Band
6.30pm	Oliver Green
7.45pm	Growler
9.15pm	Rock of Ages
10.30pm	Close

What's On

Live Music -- Midday to 10.30pm
Live bands, soloists and choirs perform throughout the afternoon, with a full evening session running from 5pm. One of the best free outdoor live music events in Oxfordshire this summer.

Larkmead Vets Dog Show
Bring your dog along -- the Extravaganza dog show is sponsored by Larkmead Vets and runs from 12.40pm with nine classes including Happiest Hound, Golden Oldie (7+ years), Perfect Puppy (under 1 year), Radiant Rescue, Fabulous Fella, Lovely Lady, Most Tremendous Trick, and Most Impressive Junior Handler (11 and under). Best in Show is announced at 3.20pm. Entry is £3 per dog per class. 1st to 3rd place rosettes in every class. All class winners and runners-up are automatically entered for Best in Show.

Giant Funfair
A massive funfair with rides, inflatables, bungee trampolines, games stalls, hook-a-duck, candy floss and more -- open from 11am all day.

Falconry Display
Watch stunning birds of prey in action with live falconry displays from Hawkwalk. Up close and completely free to watch.

Rugby Demonstrations -- Grove RFC
Grove RFC showcases rugby for all ages, from Under 6s tag rugby through to Colts full contact. Three live segments with commentary, plus information tents for anyone interested in joining the club or getting children into rugby in Wantage or Grove.

Free Circus Skills Workshop
Juggling, plate spinning and more in a free circus skills workshop open to all ages. No experience needed. Assisted by Grove Scouts on the day.

Slackline Display
Watch professional slackliners in action -- free to watch throughout the day.

Free Children's Picnic
At 1pm, up to 250 free packed lunches are available for children on the day. No booking needed -- first come, first served.

BBQ and Food Stalls
Hot BBQ food from Grove Scouts, plus crepes, ice cream, coffee and much more. Over 50 stalls across the site including local businesses, charities, gift stalls and community stands.

Prize Raffle
Over £2,000 in prizes including a 55-inch Samsung TV, Ninja espresso coffee maker, Shark cordless vacuum, wheelbarrow of booze, and the headline prize -- two VIP tickets to a USA Race Day at the Williams Experience Centre, worth £500, donated by Williams Racing. Tickets are £1 each or £5 a book. Buy raffle tickets online here or purchase on the day. Draw at 5pm.

Parking and Getting Here

Address: Grove RFC, Recreation Lane, Grove, Oxfordshire, OX12 0BJ

Free car parking is available at Wasborough Field on the day. Please follow the directional signs -- do not rely on satnav, which may direct you incorrectly. Car parking is managed by Grove RFC volunteers.

The ground is within easy walking distance of Grove village centre. Wantage and Grove are well served by bus from Abingdon, Didcot and Oxford.

Entry and Tickets

Free entry -- no tickets needed, just turn up
Free car parking at Wasborough Field
Gates open 11am, close 10.30pm
Suitable for all ages

About the Event

The Wantage & Grove Extravaganza is a joint community event organised by Grove RFC, the Ray Collins Charitable Trust, and Grove Scouts. All proceeds beyond costs support the Ray Collins Charitable Trust and its work helping local families in need across OX12.

Ray Collins Charitable Trust -- Registered Charity No. 1173358

Back to the main event page