Cornerstone arts centre is calling on school children across South Oxfordshire to design a poster for the ‘Panto of the future’. This initiative aligns with the Didcot building’s recent installation of advanced clean green energy systems.
Work commenced in August to integrate air source heat pumps and solar panels into the South Oxfordshire District Council’s landmark town centre building. As the centre embraces a sustainable future, the competition seeks imaginative visions for future stage shows and performers.
Children aged 12 and under, residing in South Oxfordshire, are encouraged to participate by submitting their poster designs. All entries will be showcased on the Cornerstone website. The most creative design will win a family ticket to see Jack and the Beanstalk – the 2026 Cornerstone panto – and a £100 One4All gift voucher, generously donated by Ashe Group, the contractors undertaking the decarbonisation works. The competition is open until 1 November 2026.
Designs can be submitted via email to communications@southandvale.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Panto of the Future’.
“"We are really pleased with the decarbonisation work at Cornerstone. The new equipment will reduce our energy costs and help tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Using renewables also protects us against sudden rises in energy costs. But that’s all off stage, we’re excited to see what changes the youngsters can imagine happening to the shows and the performers."
A family ticket is valid for four people and can be used between 27 – 30 December. Full terms and conditions are available on the competition page of the council’s website.
Ashe Group began the upgrade work in August, removing the building’s old gas boilers and installing four air source heat pumps and 56 solar panels. This project is estimated to save approximately 55 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
