£2,000 prize up for grabs as Evolve Film Festival calls for young filmmakers

Zoe Gater

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Young creatives are being encouraged to get behind the camera and submit their short films to the Evolve Film Festival, with the chance to win an exclusive £2,000 professional studio experience – thanks to a new partnership with Pip Studios.

Young creatives across the UK are being urged to get their cameras rolling and submit short films to the Evolve Film Festival 2026.

A new partnership with Pip Studios promises not just prizes, but a rare behind-the-scenes look at professional film sound production.

Three lucky winners will each win a full day inside a Pip Studios Dolby Atmos mixing suite, working alongside experienced sound engineers to refine the audio of their films.

From dialogue clean-up to using the studio’s vast sound effects library, participants will get hands-on experience that’s usually reserved for industry professionals – which each session valued at over £2,000.

The festival isn’t just about the headline prizes, with multiple £250 cash and voucher prizes up for grabs, as well as additional kit, course, and creative rewards.

Whether you’re just starting out or already crafting your first short, there’s plenty of opportunity to walk away with something special.

Ally Curran, co-founder and director of operations at Pip Studios – part of the Molinare Creative Group – said: “Sound is such a powerful part of filmmaking, yet young creators rarely get the chance to explore it professionally.

Partnering with Evolve Film Festival lets us open our doors, share our expertise, and inspire filmmakers to think bigger and bolder about how sound shapes their stories.”

Festival founder Gary McDonagh added: “Experiencing world-class facilities helps young filmmakers understand how professional sound transforms a film. Opportunities like this can genuinely change how young creators approach their craft.”

To give participants extra time to perfect their projects, the submission deadline has been extended to Friday 10 April 2026.

The festival will culminate in an awards ceremony on Sunday 21 June 2026 at the Reading Biscuit Factory, celebrating the creativity of filmmakers under 20.

Whether it’s a first film or a polished short, the festival offers a chance to learn, create, and experience professional filmmaking firsthand – making this Easter holiday the perfect time for young filmmakers to bring their ideas to life.

For more information, visit filmfreeway.com/EvolveFilmFestival.

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New Oxford Parkway exhibition explores public transport through disabled artists’ eyes

Zoe Gater

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Artwork inspired by the real journeys of disabled and neurodiverse passengers is now on display at Oxford Parkway station, highlighting both the freedoms and barriers experienced when travelling by public transport.

An exhibition created by disabled and neurodiverse artists exploring the realities of using public transport has opened at Oxford Parkway railway station, bringing lived experience direcrly into the everyday journeys of rail passengers.

All aboard: Journeys across access, freedom and belonging is a collaboration between Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership and Shadowlight Artists. The project has been funded by CrossCountry through its community engagement fund.

The exhibition is housed in the station’s community gallery space, placing artwork directly within the passenger environment and encouraging people to encounter the artists’ perspectives as part of their journey.

Created through a series of collaborative workshops, the pieces reflect the artists’ personal experiences of travelling by bus and rail.

The works capture both the sense of independence and freedom that public transport can offer, alongside the structural barriers and everyday challenges that disabled and neurodiverse passengers still face.

Spanning a range of media, the artworks bring forward perspectives that are often underrepresented in tranposrt planning and policy discussions.

Through painting, mixed media and visual storytelling, the artists share moments of frustration, humour, resilience and empowerment drawn from their own journeys.

Bee Clark, Access and Inclusion Programme Lead at the partnership, said the exhibition creates a platform for voices that are often missing from accessibility conversations.

“This exhibition gives disabled and neurodiverse people a platform to share their experiences of public transport in their own way, through art,” she said.

“Too often, conversations about accessibility happen without the voices of the people most affected. All Aboard changes that, and we’re proud to be placing those voices directly within the rail environment.”

The exhibition launched on Friday 13 March 2026 and will remain on display indefinitely.

It is free to view for all passengers and visitors at Oxford Parkway station.

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Explore myth and mystery at Wycombe Museum’s new year-long exhibition

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Fractured Land Collective return to Wycombe Museum with Truth or Folly, a year-long exhibition blending local folklore, hidden histories and imagined narratives through newly commissioned artworks inspired by the mysteries of Castle Hill House and its surrounding landscape.

Following the success of their award-winning 2024 exhibition, Fractured Land Collective present their second major show, Truth or Folly, at Wycombe Museum.

Supported by Arts Council England through a National Lottery Project Grant and Buckinghamshire Council’s Opportunity Bucks programme, Truth or Folly runs from Tuesday 17 March 2026 to Sunday 28 February 2027.

Set within the historic grounds of Castle Hill House, the exhibition explores mysterious, half-known and often overlooked stories rooted in the site and its surrounding landscape.

Drawing on local social histories, folklore and imagined narratives, the artists reveal hidden stories that blur the boundaries between fact and fiction, creating alternative timelines and speculative myths.

The exhibition features newly commissioned work by collective members Lian Chan, Ellie Laycock, Jane Peacock, Ellie Reid and Caroline Thomson, spanning painting, sculpture, print, photography and sonic art.

Their inspiration ranges from nearby Saxon burial grounds and the legendary Hellfire Caves to ancient woodlands and the eccentric architectural history of Castle Hill House, alongside tales of giants, ghosts and imagined UFO landings.

Through these works, Truth or Folly encourages visitors to see familiar places in new ways—as landscapes alive with memory, mystery and untold stories.

Alongside the exhibition, a curated programme of workshops, talks and film screenings will run throughout the year, with visitor-created contributions gradually becoming part of the evolving display.

Museum Director Roz Currie said: “The museum’s home is shrouded in mystery. We’re thrilled to host Fractured Land Collective and to see how their art interprets the fascinating stories of Castle Hill House.

“The Truth or Folly exhibition and its fantastic programme of events will make a wonderful addition to Wycombe Museum’s programme for 2026.”

Entry to the exhibition and the rest of the museum is free.

For more information and the full programme, visit the Wycombe Museum website.

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11 independent cafes and bakeries to discover in Buckinghamshire

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Looking for the best cafes and bakeries in Buckinghamshire? From artisan sourdough bakeries and speciality coffee spots to cosy brunch cafes serving stacked pancakes and homemade cakes, these independent favourites are well worth bookmarking.

Whether you’re craving a flaky croissant fresh from the oven, a perfectly brewed flat white or a leisurely weekend brunch, Buckinghamshire has no shortage of brilliant independent cafes and bakeries to discover.

With passionate bakers and baristas serving everything from artisan sourdough and indulgent pastries to vibrant brunch plates, here are some of the best cafes and bakeries in Buckinghamshire to add to your must-visit list.

Nena Craft Bakery, Amersham

A must-visit for pastry lovers, Nena Craft Bakery serves beautifully laminated croissants, crusty sourdough loaves and seasonal sweet bakes.

Cinnamon rolls, filled brioche and pastel de nata are standout treats, all baked fresh on site. The cosy, light-filled bakery makes it impossible to leave without a coffee and a pastry.

Roots, Chesham

A firm favourite for brunch in Buckinghamshire, Roots pairs expertly brewed coffee with seasonal plates.

Tuck into loaf cakes, seasonal salad bowls, or fluffy pancake stacks, ideal for a relaxed morning or catching up with friends.

Seasons Café, Amersham

Set in Old Amersham’s Market Square, Seasons Café is a local favourite for breakfast, brunch and light lunches.

Poached eggs on toast, American-style pancakes, huevos rancheros and hearty sandwiches sit alongside homemade cakes, all perfect with freshly brewed coffee in the light-filled dining room or on a sunny outdoor table.

Moc & More, High Wycombe

This cosy café is a local gem for coffee, brunch and sweet treats. Standout dishes include Shakshuka, smashed avocado on sourdough, and seasonal sandwiches, all paired with expertly crafted espresso.

With a friendly, relaxed vibe and plenty of homemade cakes, it’s a perfect spot to linger or grab a mid-morning pick-me-up.

Bread & Brew, Aylesbury

A friendly independent café-bakery, Bread & Brew serves quality coffee alongside freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches made with local ingredients.

With the option to sit in or grab and go, it’s a reliable pitstop while wandering around Wendover.

A Little Street Kitchen, Amersham

A Little Street Kitchen (ALSK) in Amersham is a must for lovers of hearty, personalised breakfasts.

The café offers bacon and country sausage to nourishing options like porridge with almond butter or protein-packed granola bowls. Plus, speciality coffee or fresh juice.

Fego, Marlow

A bright, buzzy café perfect for colourful brunch plates, Fego serves favourites like breakfast burritos, steak and eggs and indulgent pancake stacks.

Fresh juices and speciality coffee complement the menu, making it ideal for a lazy weekend brunch. Its playful interiors and beautifully plated dishes make it popular for photos as well as food.

Pantry, Hazlemere

A charming neighbourhood café tucked in Hazlemere’s Park Parade Centre, Pantry serves inventive brunch plates like the Meatless Wonder with avocado, grilled halloumi and mushrooms on sourdough, alongside vibrant open sandwiches and seasonal tartines.

Don’t miss homemade treats like sticky figgy Anzac and pear and almond cake, all enjoyed in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Eleven, Amersham

A lively neighbourhood café and bistro near the station, Eleven serves breakfast, brunch and light lunches.

Dishes include halloumi wraps, smoked salmon bagels, and homemade cakes, all paired with expertly brewed coffee. With outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe, it’s ideal for a relaxed stop in Amersham.

Norsk, Aylesbury

Norsk is a Scandinavian-inspired café in Buckinghamshire, serving Nordic open sandwiches, cinnamon buns, porridge, and great coffee.

Its light, cosy interior makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-morning treat. A little taste of Norway in Buckinghamshire!

The Village Retreat Cafe, Aylesbury

A bright, family-friendly café beside Jubilee Park, The Village Retreat serves hearty breakfasts, sourdough toasties, American pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee.

With indoor and outdoor seating and a selection of homemade cakes, it’s perfect for a relaxed brunch or mid-morning stop.

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Newbury & Thatcham Repair Café: Fix it, don’t throw it away

Zoe Gater

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“Don’t throw it away – get it fixed,” says Rebecca Foster from the Newbury and Thatcham Repair Café.

From replacing umbrella handles to fitting a new drive belt on an 1896 phonograph, the café’s skilled volunteers have tackled an extraordinary range of repairs.

Launched in February 2024, Newbury and Thatcham Repair Café is part of a global network of more than 3,800 repair cafés. The movement began in Amsterdam in 2009 and has grown rapidly as people increasingly see throwing things away as a last resort.

Repairing isn’t just about protecting the environment. It saves money, strengthens community spirit, and helps pass on practical skills that risk being lost.

In just two years, the café has built a team of 55 volunteers of all ages and assessed nearly 1,600 items. More than 1,300 of those – around 3,000 kilos – have been saved from landfill, an impressive success rate of 85%.

Electrical and electronic repairs are especially in demand, with vacuum cleaners, toasters, coffee machines, sewing machines and hi-fi systems among the most common items brought in.

But the volunteers’ talents extend much further. They also tackle toys, clothing and textiles, jewellery and ceramics. IT advice and blade sharpening are popular too, and there is particular satisfaction in restoring treasured possessions to working order – especially sentimental items such as vintage teddy bears.

Repairers relish the challenge as well. Volunteer Geoff says: “Every month brings a new set of puzzles and the chance to learn something new.”

Fellow volunteer Tim adds: “We never know what will come through the door or the story behind it. Some repairs are straightforward, while others make us think creatively and ask each other for help. It’s a real team effort – and great fun.”

Visitors value the time and advice they receive, even when a repair proves impossible, and many feel proud to be supporting a greener way of living.

One grateful visitor reflected: “It reminded me how my grandparents in Italy used to fix things. Thinking about that helped me rediscover a more sustainable way of living.”

The café’s volunteers also keep the event running smoothly by helping with organisation and refreshments, offering tea, coffee and biscuits while visitors wait. Many people return month after month, enjoying the chance to chat with volunteers and neighbours.

Repairs are free, but donations help cover costs such as hall hire, equipment, supplies, PAT testing devices and first aid training for volunteers.

So when you’re spring cleaning, don’t throw broken items away. Gather up faulty appliances, ripped jumpers and blunt secateurs and bring them along.

Events alternate between Newbury’s Methodist Church Hall and Thatcham’s Frank Hutchings Community Hall, usually on the last Sunday of the month from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Visit tinyurl.com/NTRepairCafe or find the group on Facebook.

Repair cafés also operate in Andover, Baughurst, Bucklebury, Hungerford and Purley.

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Go on a reading quest this month and enter an enchanted world with Felicity Fire

Zoe Gater

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It’s World Book Day this month, and children are being encouraged to put down their phones and pick up a book instead.

Felicity Fire is hiding from school bullies in an old antique shop when she finds a mysterious key and is swept through an unusual door into an enchanted world.

The world shimmers with impossible magic and breathtaking wonder. Stranded, with danger lurking around every corner, she is soon joined by mischievous, lovable and brave new friends who accompany her on an unforgettable quest to find a way back home – and save the Land of Forever.

Felicity Fire and the Forever Key is the new sci-fi adventure novel by award-winning director-turned-author Leon Mitchell. In it, readers are introduced to “a sharp-witted kid who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time… or does she?”

Leon, from Newbury, is a strong advocate for children learning to read before they learn to scroll.

He said: “Storytelling is my passion, whether it’s through a lens or through the written word.

“With Felicity Fire, I wanted to create a hero that young readers could root for – someone who feels ordinary but discovers she has the courage to face extraordinary challenges.

“Felicity Fire and the Forever Key is a thrilling, unmissable adventure that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment.”

Leon is offering two copies of Felicity Fire and the Forever Key, plus 20 copies of two of his audiobooks: Spidersaurus and The Tale of the Fox.

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Liberating stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption thrills at Wycombe Swan

Zoe Gater

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Liz Nicholls reviews the liberating stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption, starring Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe and Bill Ward, at Wycombe Swan until Saturday 14 March 2026.

As a kid, I devoured anything by Stephen King. The man is unstoppable. From haunted hotels to killer clowns, his stories have terrified generations – yet one of his most beloved tales, the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, contains no supernatural horrors at all.

Instead, The Shawshank Redemption is about endurance, friendship and the stubborn power of hope. The 1994 film is often named in film fans’ top three. So how to bring this beloved yet dark story to the stage and keep fans locked in?

After wowing critics around the UK, now Owen O’Neill & Dave Johns’ adaptation has arrived at Wycombe Swan Theatre. And it’s gripping from the start. Despite the bleak and brutal US prison setting, this production manages the tricky balance of darkness and warmth.

Performances are excellent across the board, with Joe McFadden delivering a wonderfully quiet and compelling Andy Dufresne, while Ben Onwukwe brings gravitas and dry humour to Red (Morgan Freeman’s character), the inmate who becomes Andy’s closest friend.

Bill Ward is suitably menacing as the bullying warden. Among the inmates, the deranged, echoing laugh from Rooster (Ashley D Gayle) becomes an oddly memorable moment – the kind that ripples through the audience and lingers in the air.

The prison set is stark and striking, with clanking metal that makes the audience feel almost incarcerated alongside the characters. Yet moments of humour are cleverly woven throughout.

With heavy themes including gang rape, injustice and despair, it’s never going to be a hoot but there are great funny moments, proper belly laughs. Small touches stand out too: fleeting snippets of music that feel like tiny sips of freedom in an otherwise oppressive world.

Like the beloved 1994 film starring Tim Robbins, this stage version reminds us why the story has endured for decades. It’s thrilling, moving and unexpectedly uplifting. For a tale set almost entirely behind bars, it proves remarkably exhilarating theatre.

Make sure to book in and catch the show during its stretch in Wycombe, and you will come out feeling unburdened.

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Young entrepreneurs wanted for Newbury Young Traders Market

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Aspiring entrepreneurs can test their business ideas, trade face-to-face with customers, and promote their products to a wider audience for free at the special Young Traders Market this May.

Newbury Town Council is inviting young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 who run a small business, side hustle, or creative venture to join the Young Traders Market for free this summer.

The event will take place on Saturday 30 May 2026 and runs in partnership with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF). It forms part of the nationwide Young Traders Market competition, which celebrates and supports the next generation of market traders across the UK.

Councillor Vaughan Miller, Chair of the Council’s Market Working Group, said: “We are excited to host a Young Traders Market in Newbury and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Markets have long served as a starting point for many successful businesses, and this event gives young people a fantastic opportunity to showcase their ideas and talents.”

The Young Traders Market initiative encourages more young people to try market trading and grow their businesses. Participants compete locally for the chance to advance through regional rounds and ultimately reach the national final later in the year.

For more information or to apply, email caroline.edmunds@newbury.gov.uk or call 07399 122946.

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Experience the 2026 Spring Festival at Petworth House and Park

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Enjoy a vibrant makers market, creative workshops, garden tours, family trails, and talks from leading horticultural experts in a scenic 700-acre deer park when Petworth House and Park’s Spring Festival returns.

Nestled in a 700-acre deer park, don’t miss Petworth House and Park’s annual Spring Festival, returning over Easter and running through mid-April.

Taking place from Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April 2026, expect an inspiring, jam-packed programme of talks, demonstrations, workshops, family activities, garden tours, and more throughout.

Kicking off the festival, visit a bustling Makers Market – hosted in partnership with Petworth Pop-Up – where you can browse stalls and purchase high-quality artisan gifts, including handmade jewellery, homewares, textiles, and artwork from talented makers.

For families and young explorers, venture around the buggy-friendly Pleasure Garden, pick up a complimentary Tilly Plants a Tree trail map, and take part in engaging games and activities along the way.

Other child-friendly drop-in activities include make-your-own newspaper pots and seed planting at Petworth’s Garden Theatre marquee.

Gardening enthusiasts can look forward to a series of free talks from horticultural experts in the Garden Theatre marquee – with speakers such as best-selling author Arthur Parkinson, Professor of Biology Dave Goulson, National Trust Senior Gardener Robyn Booth, and many more.

Brand-new for 2026, green-thumbed visitors can join live 20-minute gardening demonstrations covering practical topics, including creating a wormery, beekeeping, composting, and plant staking.

Other activities across the festival include hands-on creative workshops such as glass-making, botanical drawing, foraging basket making, and willow birdhouse crafting; free guided tours of the Pleasure Garden; and a striking handcrafted floral display in the marquee, created by members of the local community and dedicated volunteers.

For full event details and timings, visit the Petworth House and Park website.

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Eden Shopping Centre marks 18 years with ‘Faces of Eden’ community exhibition

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

To mark its 18th anniversary, Eden Shopping Centre presents Faces of Eden, celebrating 18 local people whose contributions shape the character and community spirit of High Wycombe.

Situated in the centre of High Wycombe, Eden Shopping Centre marks its 18th anniversary in 2026 with its special Faces of Eden exhibition celebrating the people who bring the centre and community to life.

Running from Saturday 28 March until Sunday 5 April 2026, the project shines a light on the diverse faces that live, work and visit the town centre – from students and families to local business owners, creatives and long-time residents.

Displayed throughout the centre, stretching from Skechers to Hotel Chocolat, the curated showcase features 18 portraits capturing the people behind the campaign. Each portrait highlights the personality, stories, and everyday moments that make Eden more than just a shopping destination. 

Alongside each image, visitors will be able to discover the personal stories and connections that link these individuals to the centre and the town.

Visitors are invited to explore the installation as they move through the centre, discovering the faces and stories that represent the community Eden has been proud to serve for nearly two decades. 

Rebecca Gomme, Marketing Manager at Eden Shopping Centre, said: “Faces of Eden is about celebrating the people and moments that make Eden the place it is.

“This exhibition brings those stories to life and gives visitors the chance to see and connect with the individuals who make our community so special.” 

For more information, visit edenshopping.co.uk.

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