Though the weather may have reverted to type, while we await this weekend’s new heatwave, what can we look forward to, locally and culturally, in the next few weeks? Thompson Perry and Green know well how beautiful Leicestershire, Rutland and the east Mids is, in bloom, and there is much now to enjoy around our stunning countryside and well-appointed towns and villages. Here’s a guide to 11 of the best local upcoming events with, as they say, “something for everyone”.
From May 30th to June 22nd, the brilliant annual Nevill Holt Festival takes place. In addition to staples like opera and literary talks, 2025’s roster comprises in part Hot Harlem Jazz, Aggers & Tuffers cricket tales part 2 and features by TV food show stars like Prue Leith plus comedy, history and politics by Simon Sebag-Montefiore, Richard E Grant, Boris Johnson and others.
Blaston Show- Sunday 29/06 and located in-between Slawston, Hallaton and Cranoe- is a popular agricultural show with hounds, horses and classic cars, amongst other attractions. Families especially with young children can enjoy a truly rustic experience in a glorious setting typical of England’s Garden county- Leicestershire!
Less rural but close and accessible are different musical shows- rock gigs attended by locals and far-flung pilgrims, in equal measure. Leicester’s De Montfort Hall is a wonderful venue near the universities- I’ve seen The Cult and Simple Minds, there, lately- and on May 28th and 31st, respectively, play The Waterboys and- alongside The Australian Pink Floyd Show, also DMH stalwarts- one of the great tribute bands, The Illegal Eagles. On 20/7, Monster Country takes place at Abbey Park, meanwhile up at Donington Race Track (June 13th-15th), Download Festival features some ace and hard-rocking legends including Green Day, Weezer, Korn and The Darkness- for those who have no fear of big crowds or for their ear-drums...
While we’re on music, and for those who love a Balearic vibe and some possibly rose/other(!)-tinted nostalgia, “Classic Ibiza” at Burghley House on Saturday July 27th puts on some truly stunning DJ sets and light shows. Bringing a bit of DC-10 nightclub or San Antonio to south-west Lincolnshire, it’s just the ticket for many party-goers and all ravers or trance/ dance fans. Burghley is always a gorgeous setting, not just for horse trials and fun runs.
Situated in Oakham, the Rutland Showground is the perfect venue for both the 191st Rutland County Show (June 1st) and the Rutland Flower Show (Aug 15th-17th). Each offers up a marvellous insight into how superb Rutland’s countryside attractions are, and of which Rutlanders are rightly proud.
A slightly different flavour becomes the 12th Rutland BeerFest in 3 weeks time- it occurs at the County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, between June 21st and 23rd- a sumptuous solstice of fine beers and sweet sounds awaits the punters and ale afficionados, alike.
Finally, there are 2 more imminent events to try. Ashley Open Gardens (June 8th) opens up amazing spaces by 8 village houses plus the added attractions of the local Farm Shop and The George pub, alongside dogshows, train and car shows- but keep your dogs on leads, please! May Half Term is hosted in Kibworth Harcourt at Windmill Farm Park between May 28th and June 1st and provides a great variety of fun activities from goat racing and ‘The Riverbank’ to forest den building and children’s play areas. As last week, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy what our fine region has to offer, this spring………….
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