Welcome to Olney.
Thanks you for visiting our website to find out all about Olney, our beautiful market town in Buckinghamshire; with historic buildings, lots of shops, entertainment, events, clubs, societies and a lively local market we are sure you will enjoy your visit
Local Events in Olney
Armed Forces Day Afternoon Tea
Supporting Veterans and Families, hosted by the Mayor Debbie Whitworth
Saturday, 25th July, Carlton House Club, Olney
The Mayor of Olney is hosting a special Armed Forces Afternoon Tea on Saturday 25th July, with all proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion and its work with veterans and their families.
Mayor Debbie said: ‘I would like to thank everyone who bought tickets and is coming along in support of this event, and what a fantastic afternoon it is going to be.
"It will be lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and having fun. We are going to be entertained by the very talented Bailey Devon (Olney’s very own ‘Ol Blue Eyes Sinatra’ ) whose voice I just have to say is pure gold... I thank you Bailey for supporting us and I'm sure you will give us an amazing performance.
"Thanks to Mark Luckin who is giving his time to sort out all the sound tech me, very much appreciated. Thanks to the Phonebox and Orchard Press for their support with poster design, printing and tickets – a recognised local business with over 30 years of supporting our community.
"Without the support of local businesses there would be no grand raffle at events such as this, so I’m sure you will all want to join me in thanking these local businesses below who kindly donated some superb raffle prizes. Their support and generosity means a great deal and on behalf of the Veterans I say a big thank you to:
• Toad Hall
• Woosters
• The Phonebox
• Orchard Press
• Courtyard Brasserie
• The Bull Hotel
• The Cherry Tree
• Olneys Kitchen
• Donzella Wines
• Locanda Gabriella
• The Swan Inn & Bistro
• Pancake Parlour
• Wilson’s
• Ailsa’s Aim
• JJs at Eleven
• One stop
• Everything We Wear
• The Olney Flower Shop
• Sunny Bilal
• Allens of Olney
One more shout out to a local business: Lee of KyeLee Flowers, Weston Road who made all the beautiful table decorations free of charge – they are stunning, and will be sold off at the end to raise even more money for the cause. Thanks of course to the lovely ladies who will be helping on the day - Debbie Wiggins, Frances Ferris and Wendy Cox and to Stephen Clarke who volunteered to help and put together a great little quiz for us.
Last but not least, I want to thank the lovely Jo Killick and her team at the Carlton House Club for the amazing venue, for providing a fantastic buffet and for looking after everyone so well."
Debbie will send us an update when all final donations are in and counted. So keep your eyes on this site for the latest news.
BOFF
Held on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th of September 2026
See the Boff programme and some pictures here
Shops
There are some great shops in Olney, with a lot to offer. Find out more by clicking the link above. See the latest edition of the Phonebox Magazine for any offers they may have.
Restaurants
There are a great choice of Restaurants and Eateries in Olney and the surrounding area which can be found here. Look to our local magazine for offers and choices.
Pubs
Olney has some very nice local pubs, The Swan Inn, The Two Brewers, The Bull and The Cherry Tree; and a lot more just outside the town.
History
Some of the History of Olney can be found here with links to other sites with even more information.
Countryside
This picture shows the beautiful countryside surrounding the town of Olney.
Useful Numbers, Clubs and Societies
We have a list of Useful Numbers, Clubs & Societies Churches and Medical Facilities in Olney by clicking on the link above that visitors to the town will find most useful.
IndieGo Music Nights at The Two Brewers
The Two Brewers Pub hosts IndieGo Music Nights on the second Thursday of the month. Sponsored by Phonebox Magazine.
Olney Jazz Club at the Carlton Club
The Carlton House Club hosts Olney Jazz Club on the first Tuesday of the month. Visitors are most welcome. Sponsored by Phonebox Magazine.
Olney Bands
The Music Scene in Olney.
Coming soon, more on our local bands and musicians.
Olney Churches
Churches Together in Olney.
Information on local churches can be found here.
Olney Business
Olney Businesses.
A list of Olney Businesses for you to peruse.
Amazing Grace 250
All eyes were set on Olney in 2023, when the town was at the centre of commemorations to mark the 250th anniversary of one of the world’s most beloved hymns, ‘Amazing Grace’.
Composed by the Reverend John Newton in the weeks leading up to his New Year’s Day service at St Peter & St Paul Church on 1st January 1773, the hymn – in various different musical styles – has gone on to inspire countless people and has even become known in America as the nation’s “spiritual anthem”.
“’Amazing Grace’ is a hymn that means so many things to so many different people, and so we didn’t want to mark its 250th anniversary with just one big official event,” explains Cowper & Newton museum trustee Amanda Molcher.
Other plans included the setting up of an Amazing Grace Community Quilt Project which has lead to the creation of a large quilt dedicated to the hymn that will then tour venues around Olney and beyond. The Olney Allotment Association has used the anniversary to establish a new community orchard, while the Cowper & Newton Museum has a ‘Sharing Heritage’ project, that will tell the stories of the people and places of Olney through new information boards and heritage trails.
If you would like to offer support for the anniversary preparations, please email the event team at olneyag250@yahoo.co.uk
Click here to listen to the choir sing Amazing Grace
Events held in 2022
Lecture on the hymn Amazing Grace's enduring legacy
July 15th 2022
A day to explore the origins, legacy and enduring popularity of ‘Amazing Grace.' You will be welcomed into the Church of St Peter & St Paul – central to the story of John Newton, where he is commemorated in stained glass. More lecture details and booking information will follow.
Open University Lecture on Amazing Grace origins
July 16th 2022
This special day of lectures, hosted by The Open University, will explore how the hymn Amazing Grace originated, its legacy and why it has proved so enduring. As we get more information on the lecturers, break-out sessions and booking, these will feature here.
Amazing Grace Morning Service in John Newton's Church
January 1st 2023 at 10am to 11am
Why not join the 'Amazing Grace morning service' in John Newton's own church. It was here he held his morning service, the sermon for which the hymn 'Amazing Grace' was written. A unique experience marking the formal start of the 2023 anniversary year.
Olney Town Council Meet every month of the year, except August … usually!!
Find out what they are up to by going here
