Cookery and culture pop-ups at Cornerstone!
Published 30 July 2026
A range of free workshops bringing a flavour of African Caribbean culture to Didcot and celebrating creativity and community is coming to Cornerstone Arts Centre this summer.
Following on from the success of the first Didcot Festival of Cultures earlier this month, from Tuesday 4 August to Saturday 29 August residents can sign up to the “Cultural Connection and Creativity pop-up workshops” which take place on Saturdays throughout the month (which are open to everyone), and other weekday activities including Junior Creator sessions for children aged 8-12 and cookery classes for adults.
Working in partnership with South Oxfordshire District Council’s Be Together programme* and hosts Cornerstone Art Cente, is the Abingdon based ACAFSG (African Caribbean Autism Family Support Group). ACAFSG’s work focuses on wellbeing, creativity, and community connection through structured activities for both adults and young people.
Cllr Geogina Heritage, Cabinet member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The Didcot Festival of Cultures was a fantastic event. It was great to see so many people come along and find out about different cultures, the food, the dances and the textiles.
“These workshops in August are another way of exploring the world around us and connecting with people. I’m pleased that we are able to open up these sessions to some areas of our wider community – including SEND children and families.”
Cllr Anne-Marie Simpson, Cabinet member for Planning Policy, which includes the Garden Communities, at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Our Be Together programme is an integral part of our wider vision for communities across our district. Our towns and villages are known to be welcoming and embracing places with people from all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. We would like to warmly offer opportunities for deeper connection, shared learning and understanding.
“The festival in Didcot on the 11 July was wonderful and anyone that enjoyed it as much as I did, and anyone who wants a first-time experience, can sign up to these free workshops over August and have a go at Afro-Dance, sewing, Afro hairstyling and more!”
There are more details about these events, including the dates and times on the Cornerstone Arts Centre website. Some sessions do require registration as places are limited, so anyone interested is encouraged to sign up soon!
Additional information
*The Didcot Festival of Cultures and The Cultural Connection and Creativity pop-up workshops have been funded by the Be Together programme (jointly funded by South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council) through 3 different resettlement schemes – Homes for Ukraine, Afghan Resettlement Programme and Dispersal Accommodation (Asylum).
These events follow on from South Oxfordshire District Council’s Fair Treatment for all residents motion, that was approved in 2025. The motion wanted to see the council create “a place for everyone”, bringing communities together to promote inclusivity, equality and celebrating different cultures and beliefs (Vale of White Horse District Council also approved their Sanctuary and Fair Treatment for all motion last year).
The Didcot Festival of Cultures, hosted by Cornerstone Arts Centre, took place on Saturday 11 July 2026 had over 800 visitors through the day. Picture is of one of the activities that took place during the day.
