Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oxford Lindy Exchange (OLX)?
Organised by Oxford Lindy Hoppers, it is an invitation by Oxford’s community of dancers to join us for an annual three-day celebration of swing dancing in the city we live in and love. Lindy Hop is a joyful and sociable partner dance that emerged in the Black American communities of Harlem, New York, in the 1920s. It evolved alongside the popular swing music of the time, played by Black artists, from earlier vernacular African American dances such as the Charleston, Breakaway and Cakewalk. It is rooted in the African (particularly West African) dance and cultural heritage of these communities. More on the dance and music here.
Who can join OLX?
Everyone! With three days of music and activities, whether you join for an evening, a day or the whole weekend, it will be a great time regardless of your current dancing level. And the Oxford community is very friendly, who love meeting new people. We do our best to make this an inclusive and safe event are signed up to the S.T.E.P.S. Safer Spaces Code of Conduct. Read our safer spaces policy
We even have spectator tickets for those who aren’t dancing (yet) are either interested in seeing big band music as it was intended, played for dancers.
Who are Oxford Lindy Hoppers (OLH)?
We’re a non-profit community-based swing dance group founded in 2008 with a mission to get the people of Oxford swing dancing and honour its history as a vibrant, subversive expression of joy amid segregation, created by Black artists. We run regular classes, workshops and social events in Oxford and also organise internationally attended festivals.
Who are the bands?
Information about our brilliant live bands is here.
Where are the venues and how do I get there?
Find out all the information about our venues and travel here.
Will there be afterparties?
Yes, on Friday night at the Royal Blenheim, and with a live Blues band on Saturday night. Check out the Schedule.
What will be happening during the day?
We’ll have tasters, games and our OLX Picnic. Plus more activities to be confirmed.
Can I apply for help with the cost of tickets?
You certainly can. Every year many of our dancers donate generously towards our Community Fund to give a hand to those who need some extra help with the ticket price.
What are Oxford, and Summertown, like?
Oxford was founded in the 8th Century and has examples of every major English architectural period since Saxon times. The city is dominated by the University, with teaching dates back to 1096. The city centre is squeezed into a few streets, with a labyrinth of beautiful buildings, shops, museums, pubs and other attractions and surprises hidden away.
Summertown, where we are holding our Saturday and Sunday, is two miles north. It is very well connected, with a High Street that includes independent traders, a food market on Sunday, and near the beautiful green spaces of Port Meadow, Cutteslowe Park (including parkrun) and the Sunnymead Meadows bordering the Cherwell River.
Where should I stay?
Hotels and B&B are in high demand during the summer months in Oxford. We recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible to get the best deal. There are lots of hotels on the regular booking sites, as well as plenty of independent B&Bs. We also recommend checking out www.universityrooms.com for rooms in the Oxford Colleges. Please don’t leave it until the last minute!
Can I be hosted?
With regret, we are unable to offer formal hosting at OLX 2026.
I have another question…
Please contact oxfordlindyhoppersATgmail.com.