On 14th December 2025, In A Different Place returned to the Bullingdon for its 3rd year, showcasing Oxfordshire’s finest local artists, with 16 acts on the lineup.

Photo by by Rose Newmark

Words by Rose Newmark

The day started off strong with Antonia in the Bullingdon’s new, cosy bar venue, the “Bijou Bully”. Antonia’s delicate acoustic songs really brought out her mesmerising voice. After her set, we moved into the Bully’s main room for the iiis, who, despite missing their third member, performed great harmonies in a mix of genres, from indie shoegaze to rock. I loved the contrast between heaviness and calmness in their songs.

I also had the pleasure of witnessing the masterful guitarwork of Pea Sea, and the calming rhythms of promising indie pop singer The Bobo. I discovered a new genre through Silent Weapon’s experimental, industrial soundscapes, which really brought energy to the gig. Another highlight was seeing one of my favourite bands, Girl Like That, an up-and-coming indie rock group. They always have great chemistry and a super sassy stage presence, which I love, and I could see some dedicated fans joining in. My personal favourite of the day was Octavia Freud, whose witty lyrics and upbeat tunes, which blend electronic dance and synth pop with rap, thoroughly engaged the audience.

The event got progressively wilder as the day went on, especially into the evening, when it ended on a high with gypsy-fold 6-piece band The Balkan Wanderers. Their jaunty mix of Balkan-Gypsy and traditional Eastern European folk got the whole crowd joyfully dancing, and even singing along to the well-loved Italian folk song “Bella Ciao”.

I loved getting to see such a varied display of local music acts in different genres, even ones I didn’t know existed! I can’t wait to see who’s on the lineup next year.

Photos by Rose Newmark