The essential guide to the year’s notable events and festivities
Stamford Museum Winter Talks Series
Box Office: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com
Thu 10 Jan
Nelson Dawson: A Stamford-born Artist
written by Alan Tutt, delivered by Philippa Massey. The story of a born and bred Stamford man, an important artist in the Arts and Crafts movement, and his wife Edith, a gifted enameller in her own right.
Thu 24 Jan
Mayors, Magistrates and Minions - John Hartley
Some likely and unlikely aspects of the archive at Stamford Town Hall.
Thu 7 Feb
A Walk along St Paul’s Street
Thu 21 Feb
The Stamford Mercury Archive
Thu 6 March
The 18th Century in Stamford
Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival
Tickets call 01733 204348 www.strawbear.org.uk
A cavalcade of traditional dance teams on the Saturday; music, dance and a bonfire on the Sunday.
The Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair
The Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground, Newark
(01636) 605107 www.dmgantiquesfairs.com
The largest Antiques and Collectors Fair in Europe, which regularly attracts over 10,000 visitors including plenty of big names such as David Dickinson and Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen.
Stamford Book Festival - Romance
Stamford Arts Centre Tel: 01780 763203
www.stamfordartscentre.com
This year’s celebration of words will include films, workshops, writers and visits from Will Self & Ian Macmillan.
Snowdrop Week at Easton Walled Gardens
Easton on the Hill Tel: 01476 530063 www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk
A 400 year old garden that had lain hidden since World War II. Apparently it was so admired by President Roosevelt that he modelled his own garden on it. At this time of year snowdrops and winter aconites blanket the woodland floor whilst drifts cover the extensive sloping banks.
Exhibition: The 18th century in Stamford
Stamford Museum, Broad St
This exhibition takes a fresh look at Stamford Museum’s permanent displays on the 18th century, and gives the public a chance to tell us what they think and how they might be re-displayed. It also looks at the way Stamford developed in the 18th century, and the reasons for this expansion in transport, communications, trade, entertainment and building.
Oundle Festival of Literature
Box Office: 01832 274333 www.oundlelitfest.org.uk
A feast of fiction, theatre, poetry, history, politics, travel, gardening, cuisine, environmental issues and an ever-growing Community Events programme. Highlights this year include former Liberal Democrat Leader, Paddy Ashdown, broadcaster and political journalist, James Naughtie, the James Herriot of schools Gervase Phinn and Francesca Simon, author of the immensely popular children’s series Horrid Henry.
The Shire Horse Society Spring Show
The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 01733 234451
www.shire-horse.org.uk
Featuring many demonstrations showing the power and grace of this magnificent gentle giant. Also dog agility competitions, farriery competitions, a food hall and craft fair.
Stamford Mid-Lent Fair
Stamford TIC: 01780 755611
www.stamfordfairsociety.co.uk The largest street fair in Lincolnshire and one of the major events of its kind in the country. This fair has been held in Stamford since the Middle Ages and is so much a part of the town’s history that it would now take an Act of Parliament to stop it happening. It’s early this year, due to the timing of Easter.
Burghley House Easter Egg Hunt
www.burghley.co.uk Tickets from 01780 752451
Fun for the children, and a chance to let off some energy in the gardens.
Bottle Kicking and Hare Scramble Pie
Hallaton nr Market Harborough TIC: 01858 828282
What a fascinating tradition. A man in green carrying a hare-topped pole and girls in old-fashioned dress parade through the village to the church, throwing bread and hare pie to the crowd to the sound of bagpipes and drums. Then, with the formalities over, the teams of Hallaton and Medbourne compete to get each bottle either over the fields and across a hedge into Medbourne, or down the hill and across the brook to Hallaton.
Grimsthorpe Rare & Unusual Plant Fair
Grimsthorpe Castle Tel: 01778 591205 www.grimsthorpe.co.uk
The sixth year of this popular fair. Nurserymen and growers will be selling a wide range of plants and shrubs.
Burghley Game and Country Show
www.burghley.co.uk Tickets from 01780 752451
This is a first for Burghley, and promises to be a ‘must’ for lovers of country pursuits.
Flower Parade & Festival Weekend, Spalding
The Parade: 2pm Sat Tel: 01775 724843 www.flowerparade.org
This year the Parade celebrates its 50th birthday and, appropriately, the theme will be ‘Thanks for the Memories’. The Parade includes many specially designed traditional flower floats decorated with over 500,000 locally grown tulip heads.
9.30-5pm
Call to Arms History Fair
Rockingham Castle, Nr Corby Tel: 01536 770240
www.rockinghamcastle.com
See history come alive. 1000s of re-enactors from Stone Age to WW1. Living history, battles, infantry, cavalry & artillery. Real ale beer tents, live music and entertainment, huge historical market.
Uffington Scarecrow Fair
Tel: 01780 765908
For the 7th summer in a row Uffington will be turned into a scarecrow gallery to raise money for Uffington village charities. Last year there were almost 100 scarecrows scattered around the village, and well over 1,000 people took the trail through the village solving the clues as they went. Also stalls, refreshments and traction engine rides.
The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival
The River Nene (opposite the Key Theatre)
To find out more information on this year’s event call 01780 470718 or visit
www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk
The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is the largest charity dragon boat event in the country. This year SportsAid will be the main charity to benefit and the money will be used for grants to promising young sportsmen and women from the area.
Race for Life
Burghley House, Stamford TIC: 01780 755611
Register your interest at www.raceforlife.org enter from 14 Jan.
Walk, jog or run 5k for Cancer Research UK in the beautiful grounds of Burghley House.
British Motorcycling Federation Show
The East of England Showground, Peterborough. New Ticket Hotline: 0845 090 0157 www.bmf.co.uk
The biggest show of its type in Europe which regularly attracts over 85,000 visitors. Get the most up-to-date biking gear at fantastic prices whilst being entertained by live bands, quad bikes, fair rides and stunt displays.
10am to 5pm
Peterborough Kite Festival
Ferry Meadows. For further information call 01733 269687
This festival is now firmly established as part of the Peterborough scene and with the acres of flying space at Ferry Meadows, provides a great family day out. Pete West of the Great Ouse Kite Flyers says “With fine weather and a fair wind we can expect a full programme of events in the main arena. We have organised competitions, children’s events with amazing kites to watch, a children’s kite making workshop with their very own flying area and children’s teddy bear parachuting.”
Stamford Shakespeare Festival
Box office: 01780 756133 www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk
The Stamford Shakespeare Company produces an annual summer season of plays in the beautiful grounds of Tolethorpe Hall. This year it’s The Wind in the Willows, Romeo & Juliet and Richard III. If you go to one outdoor play this year, Tolethorpe is it.
Rutland Agricultural Show
Burley on the Hill www.rutlandcountyshow.co.uk
The Rutland Show is an all round county show for the people of Rutland and the surrounding areas. It provides a unique opportunity to appreciate what is great about our county. Animals, people, produce, displays, vehicles, entertainment – there is something for everyone.
Jousting and Medieval Village
Rockingham Castle, Nr Corby Tel: 01536 770240 www.rockinghamcastle.com
The Nottingham Jousting Association performs a thrilling display of horsemanship and skill at arms from days gone by. There will also be a medieval village to explore in the park.
Stamford Guitar Festival
Stamford Arts Centre Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com
Expect gigs and workshops at this hugely successful festival, now in its 10th year. Performers include Stefan Grossman, Fruteland Jackson and the Angelo Debarre Quartet.
The East of England Country Show
The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 01733 234451 www.eastofengland.org.uk
Tens of thousands pour through the gates each year to celebrate all aspects of the countryside and country living. There is an endless list of things to do and see from farm livestock to classic cars, a home and gardens show, the popular ‘Food Direct From the Farm’ initiative and celebrity guests.
Cambridge Midsummer Fair
TIC: 01223 457555 www.cambridge-summer.co.uk
This fair has taken place on Midsummer Common since the year 1211, when it was granted by charter of King John and is now the largest fair in East Anglia. The site is a beautiful tree-lined open space bordered by the River Cam, which is a few minutes walk from the city centre. Expect food and market stalls, children’s rides and live music.
Oakham Festival
Contact: 01572 756699
www.oakhamfestival.freeserve.co.uk. Once a year for ten days every public venue in Oakham (including the road) is alive with the bustle of this celebration of Rutland art. Professional performers and local amateurs will be showcasing their talents.
Peterborough Festival
TIC: 01733 452336 www.peterboroughfestival.co.uk
Last year 1,058 different performers, 115 community groups and schools and 561 people who took part in the Mayor’s Festival Procession
Castle Bytham Midsummer Fair
Castle Bytham www.thebythams.org.uk
A fun day in a beautiful village. Events include: Dog Show, Barrel Organ, Beer Festivals, Duck Race, Fun Fair, Model Boats, Village Stocks, Crafts and Hobbies, Marching Bands, Romany Caravan, Food Stalls and Barbeque, Five-a-Side Football, Classic Cars, Spitfire Fly-Past
Stamford Arts Festival
Stamford Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartsfestival.co.uk
The week kicks off on the Saturday with the Festival Parade. Lots of events are planned during the week, including music, films and children’s activities.
Riverside Music Festival
The Town Meadows, Stamford For more info call Martin Smith on 01780 481236
Despite funding challenges, the show went on last year and was a huge success, and it is once again planned for this year.
The Tallis Scholars Summer School
Tel: 01223 440276 www.tsss.uk.com
TSSS’s song master classes attract singers from all over the world and have sparked a wave of passion for Renaissance choral music. This week they will be holding classes in Oakham for over 16s. Hear public performances, Evensongs and choral Complines from the pros and their pupils.
John Clare Festival
Helpston Mr Moyse, Hon. Sec of the John Clare Society Tel: 01733 252678 www.johnclare.org.uk
John Clare was very involved in Stamford life, having been a gardener at Burghley House and a regular drinker at the Hole in the Wall. This festival includes a series of lectures, exhibitions, tours, poetry readings and musical performances to mark the poet’s birthday. To celebrate Clare’s love of local wild flowers 100 trays of turf studded with flowers (midsummer cushions) are laid on his grave.
Battle Proms Fireworks Concert
Burghley Park Ticket Hotline: 01432 355416
www.battleproms.com
Burghley Park will be hosting the spectacular Battle Proms firework Concert featuring classical favourites, such as Rule Britannia and Jerusalem, and complete with Napoleonic infantry, cavalry and two-hundred cannons!
Exhibition: RAF Lincs
Stamford Museum, Broad St
This exhibition explores the history of the RAF in Lincolnshire and the impact this has had, and continues to have, on the local communities. It is primarily a photographic exhibition, but includes different forms of interpretation, such as an interactive sound system, and a silent video montage of the RAF in Lincolnshire, making the exhibition accessible to a wide range of people.
Oundle International Festival
Tel: 01832 272026 www.oundlefestival.org.uk
Ten days of classical music, jazz, open-air theatre, celebrity organ recitals, films, exhibitions, children’s events and much more.
Championship Dog Show
The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 01733 234451 www.eastofengland.org.uk
Featuring 9,000 top-winning dogs from around the world put through their paces by Europe’s top judges; Peterborough Festival of hunting – the best foxhounds in the country shown by the huntsmen who care for them; and show jumping and dressage competitions.
Cambridge Folk Festival
Cherry Hinton Hall Grounds, Cambridge www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk
The Festival, one of the premier music events in Europe, is renowned for its eclectic mix of music and a wide definition of what might be considered folk. The best traditional folk artists from the UK and Ireland rub shoulders with more contemporary acts, the finest American country, blues and roots artists, acclaimed singer songwriters and even the odd pop star. Bluegrass, gospel, cajun, zydeco, jazz, world, klezmer and a ceilidh are also regular features.
Stamford Thai Festival
Tukata Bird Tel: 01780 755712
A celebration of Thai culture and cuisine, co-ordinated by Tukata Bird of Tuk Tuk Foods. It was a huge success last year, with glorious weather, lots of delicious food and lots of acts on the stage.
The Stamford International Music Festival
www.stamfordmusicfestival.com
A two week festival of chamber music on the campus of Stamford School, featuring an array of concerts, public master classes and educational events by musicians from throughout Europe and America. Gifted young musicians attend an intensive two week course and present concerts of classical and contemporary chamber music in classes and concerts.
Sleeping Beauty on Ice
Burghley House www.burghley.co.uk or www.imperialicestars.com Tickets from 01780 752451
The Imperial Ice Stars is one of the world’s leading companies specialising in performing theatrical ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre stage. The Imperial Ice Stars boast 25 World, European and National Championship skaters who between them have won over 200 competition medals.
Steam and Country Show
Rockingham Castle, Nr Corby Tel: 01536 770240
www.rockinghamcastle.com. Working tractors demonstrating ploughing & threshing. Stationary engines and transport display area. Miniature steam engines. The Peak Vale Tractor Pulling Team & mini tractor pulling. Heavy haulage vehicles & arena. Military vehicles, vintage cars & motor bikes. Wild West Camp. Three event arenas. Family entertainment & activities. Fair Organs, Old Tyme Fun Fair and side stalls. Land Rover Experience off road experience.
British Birdwatching Fair
Egleton Reserve, Nr Oakham Tel: 01572 771079 www.birdfair.org.uk
Thousands of twitchers turn up every year to visit an amazing array or stands exhibiting bird and wildlife related goods and a series of bird events. Bill Oddie, Chris Packham, Nick Baker and other big names from the birdwatching world are regular big names at this event.
Annual Maxey Classic Car Show
Quarry Lane, Maxey
The show regularly attracts over three hundred classic vehicles and this year has added a car boot sale and auto jumble.
Peterborough Beer Festival
River Nene Embankment, Bishop’s Road, Peterborough Tel: 01733 452336 www.beer-fest.org.uk
Second only to London’s Great British Beer Festival, this event regularly attracts over 40,000 guzzlers and connoisseurs. On the banks of the River Nene there will be three massive marquees with over 300 ales from more than 100 British breweries and microbreweries.
Stamford Classic Car Show
Ron Champion (01780) 450352
The fifth year of this increasingly popular Meadows event. 500 vintage, veteran and classic vehicles are expected and there will be fun for all the family with auto jumble stalls, a hog roast, bouncy castle and rides for the children.
Burghley Horse Trials
Burghley Estate, Stamford Tel: 01780 752131 www.burghley-horse.co.uk
A 3* international event, Burghley attracts the world’s best riders competing at one of the world’s most famous three day events. For the less equine-inclined, Burghley also offers a serious shopping experience across the whole spectrum of country living from Hackett to Pinks, Garrards to Country Crafts.
12 noon -5pm
Kites Day
Rockingham Castle, Nr Corby Tel: 01536 770240 www.rockinghamcastle.com
Fun for all the family with demonstrations, spectacular and unusual kites and kite workshops.
10am to 4pm tbc
The 2007 Companion Dog Show and Children’s Pet Show
Stamford Meadows Organised by the Stamford Trinity Methodist Church. For further information contact Heather Ormston on 07812 855 269
As well as the usual pedigree show classes for all breeds of dogs, prizes will also be awarded for best veteran, waggiest tail and cutest puppy. A dog agility course will be managed by Dogmobility with jumps, weaving poles and obedience disciplines. Children are invited to bring along their pets – however unusual they may be. A range of stalls and fair rides will make it a great day for all the family.
Cancer Research UK 10
Grimsthorpe Castle www.cancerresearchuk10.co.uk
A 10k run around the beautiful Grimsthorpe Estate to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Corby Glen Sheep Fair
Richard Fox Tel: 01476 550142 www.sheepfair.co.uk
Celebrating its 770th year, this is the last of the great sheep fairs once held across England to celebrate the ‘Feast and the Morrow of the Feast of the Assumption’. Expect a funfair, street entertainers, market stalls, clay pigeon shooting, Morris dancing, horticultural and dog shows and hot air balloons. The sheep auction takes place on the Monday.
Stamford Apple Day
Stamford Arts Centre. Secretary, Stamford Community Orchard Group Tel: 07031 743276
www.scog-web.org.uk
100 years ago Stamford was famous for its apple growers. Six new varieties were created here, including Peasgood’s Nonsuch. This event, now in its 4th year, celebrates this less well-known aspect of Stamford’s history.
9-5pm
Game Fair
Rockingham Castle, Nr Corby Tel: 01536 770240 www.rockinghamcastle.com
The Rockingham Castle Game Fair promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family. With international main ring attractions, gun dog events, ferrets, clay shoot, terriers, lurchers, fly tying, shopping, crafts and cookery demonstrations, not to mention the glorious surroundings
World Conker Championships
Ashton Green, Nr Oundle. John Hadman Tel: 01832 272735 wwwworldconker
championships.com. Organised by Ashton Conker Club, the competition first took place in 1965 and has grown year-on-year ever since. Nowadays, teams from all over the world meet for the competition. As well as being a fantastic fun family day out with stalls and sideshows, there is a serious point: to raise money for charities for the blind and the visually impaired. Last year’s total raised was £20,000, bringing our all-time grand total raised to over £310,000!
East of England Autumn Show
The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 01733 234451 www.eastofengland.org.uk
Hundreds of animals of all shapes and sizes take centre stage for this event which, since its advent 30 years ago, has become the largest event of its kind. See rare and endangered breeds, a wide range of animal exhibits, displays, competitions, a new Cattle Championship, the popular Wisbech Shire Horse Show and a ‘Scruffts’ heat on behalf of the Kennel Club.
Kiwanis Annual Bonfire and Fireworks Night
The Queen Eleanor School, Stamford
The place to be on Bonfire Night! Organised by Kiwanis, who organise fund-raising events in Stamford and give back to the community. Bonfire lit at 6pm.
The East of England Christmas Festival
The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 01733 234451 www.eastofengland.org.uk
With over 250 craft and gift stands to choose from this is the perfect opportunity to make a start on the Christmas shopping. There is also a Food Hall bursting with heavenly delights and this year introduces a new Entertainment Stage.
The BBC Good Food Show
NEC Birmingham www.bbcgoodfoodshow.co.uk
Sample and buy the finest food, see free demonstrations with celebrity chefs, pick up the best kitchen gadgets, get health tips from the experts, sample hundreds of new products and choose from nine theatres all offering inspiration and new ideas.
Christmas Lights Celebration
TIC: (01780) 755611 www.stamfordonline.co.uk
Get in the festive mood! The whole town including Father Christmas, the Mayor and the Town Crier will turn out to see Stamford lit up for Christmas and to enjoy the carol service, short speeches and fireworks display.
Stamford Christmas Market
Broad St
Lots of stalls for food and Christmas gifts, carols and a lovely festive atmosphere.