Blackbird Leys Community Centre

24/06/2026

24/06/2026

Oxford City Council Oxfordshire Community Foundation Oxford Food Hub Blackbird Leys Community Centre

24/06/2026

Looking for ways to keep cool today, Oxford? ☀️

The UK Health Security Agency and Met Office have issued multiple Heat Health Alerts this week, which are in effect until 11pm Friday 26 June.

Temperatures could reach up to 40 degrees in Oxford today and tomorrow.

Spaces to stay cool are available across the city in the following locations:

- Oxford Ice Rink
- Barton Neighbourhood Centre
- Tumbling Bay Cafe (inside West Oxford Community Centre)
- North Oxford Association Community Centre
- East Oxford Community Centre
- Leys Pools & Leisure Centre
- Modern Art Oxford
- Cowley Library
- Headington Library
- Littlemore Library
- Old Marston Library
- Summertown Library
- Wheatley Library
- Barton Library
- Botley Library
- Blackbird Leys Library
- Oxford Westgate Library

There are plenty of ways to cool off this week in Oxford. Why not try:

💦 Hinksey Splash Park (free)
💦 Cutteslowe Splash Park (free)
🚲 Hinksey's mini wheels track (free)
🏊 Hinksey Outdoor Pool (£)
🏊 Swimming pools across Oxford (including free swimming sessions for under-17s at Barton, Ferry and Leys Leisure Centres at selected times)

Parks

Rules apply around using BBQs in: Port Meadow, Burgess Field, Wolvercote Common, Rivermead Nature Reserve, Angel and Greyhound Meadow and South Park. All these open spaces have been damaged by fires in the past. The fires have burnt the grass and scorched the ground, which can take years to recover.

Waterways

Rivers and open waterways can be dangerous, with hidden currents, underwater hazards and rapidly changing conditions.

Staying cool at home

- If possible, shade or cover windows
- Open windows (when safe) when the air feels cooler outside (e.g. at night), and try to get airflow through the home
- Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration
- Check that your heating is turned off
- Reduce heat generated in the home by turning off lights and unused electrical equipment, consider cooking at cooler times of the day
- Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping
- Consider visiting cooler public places (see above) if safe to travel

Read more at: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/severeweather

24/06/2026

The UK Health Security Agency and Met Office's Red Heat Health Warning has now been extended to 11.50pm on Thursday and Amber Warnings are now in place for Friday and Saturday for parts of Oxfordshire.

An exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely.

What to expect:

- Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life
substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required

- High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, with the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services

- Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents

- Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.

Keep up to date at our Severe Weather updates page: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/severeweather

Follow weather updates at the Met Office's page.

24/06/2026

24/06/2026

30/04/2026

Explore Oxford for just £5!


Bring the little ones down for a fun-filled day at our unique Oxford-themed soft play, where they can climb, slide and crawl their way past iconic mini landmarks including the Bridge of Sighs, the Oxford United Football Club area, the Oxford Ice Rink zone, and even a splash into our outdoor pool section.


It’s a brilliant, affordable family day out, with children’s entry at just £5 and adults/carers going free.

Come and enjoy the best indoor fun Oxford has to offer without breaking the bank! 👉 https://www.oxfordcityleisure.com/leys-pools-leisure-centre/facilities/kids-activity-zone/

30/04/2026

Welcome back! We hope you all had a lovely break.

As of this week, all programmes are back up and running, and we can’t wait to see you all again soon! 💚