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Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Retford is set to host a second summer of slapstick, songs and silliness as Talegate Theatre are back with three more spellbinding shows as part of Panto in the Park. The hugely popular pantomimes drew hundreds of people into Kings’ Park last year and three more FREE performances are planned for 2019 starting on Tuesday 30th July with The Little Mermaid, followed by Jack and the Beanstalk and the Wizard of Oz in August.
Bassetlaw District Council will be hosting the Pantos at its dedicated open air stage in Retford’s award-winning park, so get ready for colourful costumes, lots of laughs and magical musical moments throughout the school summer holidays.

Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, which is responsible for hosing the free Panto in the Park season, said: “Our Panto in the Park festival was a big hit with people of all ages and we’re thrilled to announce that Talegate Theatre will be back for three more shows this summer. They are completely free to attend and visitors can take advantage of all the other attractions that are available in Kings’ Park while they are there.

James Worthington, Artistic Director at TaleGate Theatre said; “We are very excited to be working with Bassetlaw District Council to once again bring the joy of theatre to Kings’ Park. Last year proved a huge success bringing hundreds of families to enjoy the professional pantomimes and all the park has to offer. I am sure everyone will enjoy this year’s productions full of laughter, dancing, singing and summer fun!”

Kicking off with The Little Mermaid on Tuesday 30th July, audiences will be taken ‘under the sea’ for this fast paced, highly entertaining and bubbly pantomime. Follow Lenor, our mermaid princess as she finds her sea legs in search of her happily ever after. Guaranteed to make a splash!
Next up on Thursday 15th August will be a Talegate Theatre classic – Jack and the Beanstalk. Don’t miss this GIANT panto and follow our hero Jack and his Mum, Dame Trott as they climb the beanstalk to rescue Princess Jill and their Faithful cow, Daisy. Will they defeat the giant? Will they find riches and pay the rent!

And finally, on Wednesday 21st August, click your ruby heels together and join us ‘over the rainbow’ for a magical adventure with the Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy and her new friends along the yellow brick road as they help the wonderful Wizard of Oz defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. This is a fresh new pantomime take on the tale we all know and love and is suitable for all ages.

All the fun-filled and family-friendly Pantos are completely free to attend, will last approx. 50mins and start at 2pm. Bring chairs, blankets and even a picnic in case you get peckish.

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

It might not feel like summer at the moment, but there are lots of outdoor events coming up in and around Nottingham this month. Here’s my pick to keep you entertained come rain or shine. This month sees a surprising amount of unique events. The big addition to the city’s entertainment scene for 15 days this May is The Magnificent Spiegel Tent. The beautiful, century-old travelling dance hall will again visit the Old Market Square to host a packed schedule of events. Highlights include The Gilded Merkin Burlesque and Cabaret, Bamalama-singsong, The Cabaret of Dreams, Yoga and Zumba sessions, plus comedian Milton Jones (4-18 May)

Meet the stars from Star Trek; The Next Generation as EM-Con returns to the Motorpoint Arena (4-5 May), and from space to the world of Unlimited Wellbeing as three great shows in one visit the Arena on 12th May featuring Health & Fitness, Holistic and Hair & Beauty with over 200 leading health and wellbeing professionals exhibiting.

If you’re a fan of fitness, the Sunrise City 5k takes place on 17th May The early morning walk/run will take in famous landmarks, including Nottingham Castle and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem before a picturesque return along the Notts-Beeston Canal or you can make the most of a spring evening and join like-minded runners in a Sunset 5k or 1.5k fun run around Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus in support the work of the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre. The route will include the nature trail and surrounding areas. There’ll even be a BBQ at the finish, so runners and their friends and family can purchase a bite to eat (7May)

Our four legged friend also have their own fun days this month. Take them along to Newstead Abbey this bank holiday and enjoy the fantastic dog show put on by the Jerry Green Dog Rescue Centre. Enter your pooch in one of the many fun categories. Stay late on the Sunday and listen to live music (5-6 May), or visit Thoresby Park (27 May) with demonstrations, activities and have a go sessions.

If you fancy something a little calmer, why not see the sun rise, enjoy the morning’s peaceful atmosphere and soak up the sounds of spring at Dawn Chorus for International Dawn Chorus Day (5th May) at Sherwood Forest. If, like me, rising before dawn is not for you, there’s also an early morning walk at Budby South Forest, or maybe join the free Photo Walk (4 May) at Thoresby Park for photo lovers, all ages, all abilities, all cameras! A chance for you to have a little creative ‘photo me-time’ and pick up ideas, hints and tips to help you make better photos.

Bring along your picnic chairs, rugs, blankets, and dancing shoes as outdoor cinema begins at Rufford Park! Dress up and sing or dance along to the evening films (3,4,5 May)

Festival season is also upon us with the first of the year taking place at Southwell Racecourse (4-6 May ) with a large indoor Grandstand bursting with Antiques, Collectables & Vintage items. Newstead Abbey are also holding a craft and gift fair (25-27 May) and Castle Rock Brewery celebrate all things facial hair with their Brewery Beer’d Festival with the second running of The Grand-Tashional and an great evening of racing. Enjoy live music and a showcase of their excellent range of brews.

Music Lovers will be pleased to know that the Dot to Dot Festival also returns to various venues around the City (26 May) unearthing the hottest new talent around, alongside established acts from all over the globe. As well as the festivals of course there is the usual line-up of talent to look forward to. The Royal Concert Hall plays host to the Vamps (1 May), Marc Almond (6 May) and Katherine Jenkins (17 May) while down the road at the Motorpoint Arena there’s Olly Murs (6-7 May) and Rod Stewart (28 May).
Hit musicals Kinky Boots (27 May – 8 June), Calendar Girls (25 May – 6 June) and Annie (20-25 May) are all worth going along to see at the Theatre Royal. Annie stars Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood as Mrs Hannigan. You can catch some of the Strictly Professional Dancers in action with their own show (7-8 May)

There’s drama on the cards at the Theatre Royal this month with Educating Rita (13-18 May) and Girl on the Train (20-25 May). Nottingham Playhouse also host The Memory of Water (3-18 May) while The Lace Market Theatre has The Step Mother (28 May – 1 June)

Food lovers can enjoy Beer and Cheese tasting at The School of Artisan Food. Be guided through the tasting experience by the head brewer of the Welbeck Abbey Brewery, Claire Monk and the School’s dairy expert Katy Fenwick and sample a wide selection of artisan cheeses from across the British Isles, paired with a range of hand-crafted beers from the Welbeck Abbey Brewery (19 May).

You will also be pleased to know that Nottingham’s favourite butcher, Johnny Pusztai, finally opens his Snobby Butcher Restaurant this month in Sherwood. Finally, how often do we go on tours on holiday and yet never do it at home? Take a staycation and find history galore right here on your doorstep. You can learn all about it while taking one of the many tours around the city, such as the Robin Hood Town Tour (4,11,18,25 May) the Nutty Nottingham tour (4,11,25 May) the Book Lovers Walk. (5 May) or the Magic Lantern Tour of the Theatre Royal (18/5)

*Always check with the venue ahead and book if necessary. There is usually a cost or entrance fee unless stated otherwise

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will headline this year’s Taste of Rushcliffe food festival, in conjunction with Copper Café West Bridgford.

The French TV star will provide a cooking masterclass and question and answer session as part of Rushcliffe Borough Council’s annual event that returns to Central Avenue in West Bridgford from 10am to 4pm on Saturday July 13.

The appearance will complement a fabulous range of local food from over 40 growers, makers, cooks and businesses from across the Borough on the market.

Mr Novelli said: “I am extremely delighted to be part of the Taste of Rushcliffe Food Festival and I look forward to meeting many of the local residents and traders.

“During my interactive demonstration I will be showcasing a selection of delicious, healthy, sustainable dishes which will be easy for people to go home and recreate.

“This promises to be a fun event for all the family and I for sure, cannot wait.”

From fantastic rare breed meats to tasty pies, preserves and pastries, the Taste of Rushcliffe is a showcase of the huge variety of food, drink and talent that the Borough has to offer. 

Plus there will be further great cookery demonstrations, more masterclasses and children’s activities of a cookery school and food science lab. This will include biscuit making, jelly explosions, pizza making and rocket building.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Executive Manager for Communities Dave Mitchell said: “We welcome Jean-Christophe as a familiar name to food lovers and to what should be another great event that highlights our great lifestyle here in Rushcliffe.

“We can’t wait to see what he rustles up in the masterclass and what our local outlets have on offer to tantalise our tastebuds.

“This food festival is all about helping our local businesses become more recognised and giving event-goers a chance to sample the wide range of delicious local treats available.”

The event also coincides with the annual YouNG Summer Market, which highlights young entrepreneurs and performers from across Rushcliffe.

View more about the YouNG initiative here: https://www.weareyoung.org.uk/index.html

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

LOVE, SEX, ART AND TRAVEL are just some of the themes covered in a new exhibition, ‘Discover A Life Without Limits’, about to be launched at Eastwood’s D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum. Looking at the life of one of Nottinghamshire’s most famous rebel writers, D.H. Lawrence, prepare to be surprised and inspired by a life that was anything but ordinary. Museum and Collections Officer, Carolyn Melbourne describes the exhibition as “exploring the many different ways that Lawrence defied expectations, broke boundaries and challenged conventions.” Choosing from topics including sex, travel, religion and his social circles, visitors are invited to explore Lawrence’s extraordinary life and to vote on what they would like to find out more about. The outcome of the voting will help influence upcoming exhibitions.

‘Discover a Life Without Limits’ will run from 12th April until 26th July 2019. The exhibition is free to visit during the museum’s opening hours with a public launch event taking place on the 12th April from 4pm till 7pm.
Also new for 2019, are a series of special events and a family friendly programme, with parents and tots storytelling sessions and ‘Gin & Gaslight’ evening tours. So whether you’ve read any of Lawrence’s works or not, the birthplace of one of the country’s most controversial authors has something to interest everyone. As well as guided tours of the museum, visitors can now choose self-guided admission (the self-guided option is FREE for all Broxtowe residents).

To claim your free self-guided tour of the Museum, please bring proof of address and experience the humble beginnings of a literary legend. Self-guided tours are available Tuesday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 4.00pm; no booking is required. The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am-4.00pm, in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, NG16 3AW.

For more information, or to book onto guided tours, call the Museum on 0115 917 3824 or visit the Museum Website https://www.lleisure.co.uk/d-h-lawrence-birthplace-museum/

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts What's On

  With a successful run in the West End, Motown the Musical has now hit the road with a year-long tour with the latest stop being The Theatre Royal in Nottingham,  

Based on the book by Motown founder Berry Gordy, The musical takes us from Gordy’s childhood where he dreams of making a difference, through the foundation of Motown with an $800 loan into the finding and nurturing of the stars such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and The Temptations, and then onto the decline of the label as those same stars were snapped up by companies with bigger budgets, The Motown label produced more than 525 albums, and collectively its artists achieved more than 57 No 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 pop charts.  

A scene from Motown The Musical, UK Tour

This is the next chapter in Motown’s incredible history and is an experience you’ll never forget. Featuring over 50 classic hits including My Girl, What’s Going On, Dancing in the Street, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.  

The production as a whole looked fantastic even reliving news and politics in which JFK and Martin Luther King was featured, this Detroit-based record label that emerged in the 1950s and made a succession of black solo artists and singing groups into global superstars.  

A scene from Motown The Musical, UK Tour

A huge mention must be made to the crew and the cast of Motown the Musical which was superb, Edward Baruwa & Karis Anderson have so much on stage chemistry you could be forgiven for thinking they we’re the real Gordy and Diana, however Nathan Lewis (X Factor finalist in 2016) who plays Smokey Robinson was unforgettable, this cast had the audience singing and dancing throughout, actually they we’re still dancing on the way out of the theatre.  

This is an absolute must see, there is no mountain high enough or river wide enough to keep you from seeing this wonderful production!!  

The show runs at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until Saturday 4th of May. Visit www.trch.co.uk for tickets.

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Experience a great traditional family day out this Spring at Nottinghamshire County Show.  New for this year are three HOYS Qualifiers, including British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year and, following on from the success of the dedicated ‘Heavies Ring’ in 2018, our Heavy Horse ‘Village’ will have even more to entertain, including ‘working horse’ demonstrations on both days. These working horses will also be taking part in the Heritage Harvesting parade in the Main Ring. This first show of the season showcases the best cattle, sheep, goats and pigs alongside superb equine events, including majestic ‘heavies’ and first-class showjumping.
Classes and competitions run all day both days. In addition to the usual farmyard favourites, will be gun dogs, hunting hounds, giant tortoises, and birds of prey.  Children will particularly enjoy the antics of the animals in the Countryside Area and alongside old favourites like the Sheep Show will be fascinating demonstrations of heritage crafts such as coracle making and fashioning traditional hats from straw.

A welcome sight will be the return of last year’s very popular 8ft stilted animatronic character, Froojamaflip, and his hilarious sidekick, Fred the Gardener. New for this year is a ‘Magic Wand Making Workshop’ run by Amerton Arts and suitable for children from around 4 years old.
The courses run all day and are a drop-in format with around 20 places for each course. Featuring as the Main Ring attraction is Dzhigitovka, an exciting Cossack trick-riding spectacular, straight from Russia, with fabulously costumed riders and dare-devil horses, performing to crowd-pleasing music and bringing a flavour of the legendary warriors on horseback, masters of sword, archery and outstanding gymnastic skills. Visitors can look forward to visiting the Farriery Competition marquee where they can watch experienced and apprentice-level farriers getting very hot under the collar as they demonstrate their horseshoe making skills to compete for prizes.

The marquee will be located near the Heavy Horse Village.
Visit the recently rejuvenated Food Experience area to sample and buy tasty locally-made produce and where youngsters are encouraged to check out the NFU Discovery Barn. Then step next door to admire the gorgeous floral art displays in the Lady Eastwood Centre and those with small children in tow may want to let them try their hand at floral crafts in the ‘Have A Go’ children’s corner. With ample opportunity to shop for crafts, gifts and clothing, many items on sale will not be available in the high street stores.
The Show benefits from plenty of food outlets, with inside or outdoor seating, where tasty snacks, two-courses lunches, hot and cold drinks, including beers and wine, can be bought and enjoyed. Offering a fun-packed weekend of family entertainment, the Show successfully combines tradition with modern-day life – from discovery and adventure to hands-on experiences and learning while you watch – there really is something for everyone.

See www.nottingamshirecountyshow.com for further details and Membership information.

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Spring may be in the air, but in terms of going out, there’s a lot going on indoors in and around Nottingham throughout March. Before we forget, lets start with Mother’s Day. Keep a look out for activities around the City, and there are opportunities to pick up a unique gift from the numerous independent shops.

Many bars and restaurants are holding special events. Debbie Bryan in the Lace Market are holding a Mother’s Day weekender. Enjoy a delicious cream tea or afternoon tea on arrival before indulging in one of their creative activities (30-31 March) and Chef Craig Floate is back at the venue with a terrific vegan menu for a very special Sunday Mother’s Day dinner in the evening. The dinner includes 3 courses with a cocktail and snacks on arrival. or let Mum be spoilt with a lunch at Harts Restaurant (31 March).
For something completely different, take her on a deluxe river cruise of the Trent. A three hour cruise includes a two course dinner and Mum gets a complimentary Rose.

Speaking of food and drink, there’s the opportunity to take an introduction to the world’s major wine regions with Notts Derby Wine School on (2 March).

Gauntleys, one of the oldest independent companies in the city, situated on the entrance to Nottingham’s famous Exchange are holding a whisky tasting evening on 20 March, and discover how to create delicious components for your own afternoon tea with a hands-on course designed to help you master British patisserie.

Pastry chefs and tutors Graham and Rose Dunton have produced patisserie for some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants and they will be share their expertise as they guide you through a day of making and baking a selection of British favourites at the School of Artisan Food in Worksop (28 March), or join National Treasures Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers as they visit Nottingham, bringing with them their irresistible enthusiasm for an epic night of cooking and conversation at the Royal Concert Hall on 17 March. There’s tons of choice for music lovers too. Fatboy Slim brings his new tour to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena (1 March) and Bryan Adams follows him on 2nd. George Ezra continues his phenomenal career as his first ever headline arena tour stops off on 12th March. Bringing the wonders and mysteries of the planet’s oceans and its inhabitants to the arena stage, Blue Planet II – Live In Concert will present a selection of incredible visuals from the BAFTA Award winning BBC One landmark series (15 March)

Up the road at the Royal Concert Hall in March are 10cc (2), The Oslo Philharmonic (7) Mike & The Mechanics (10) James 12), Billy Ocean (13), The Drifters (14), Halle (16), David Gray (23) and Symphonic Queen & the Beatles (30) theres also Wannabe, a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the World’s biggest girl band, the Spice Girls (10 March)
Fans of the theatre might enjoy Bumper Blyton, an improvised Enid Blyton parody for grown ups (15 March) and the Youth Theatre perform Daisy Pulls It Off at the Lace Market Theatre, an affectionate parody of boarding school adventure stories, which will again please fans of Blyton.
Fancy a laugh? Father Ted star Ardal O’Hanlon will appear at Lakeside Arts on 2 March In his latest stand-up show. Visit Nottingham’s Theatre Royal for an evening of Eric and Ern, a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! (13 March) or book a dose of Benidorm sunshine and see your favourite stars from the Solana live on stage for the very first time in Benidorm Live at The Theatre Royal (25-30 March)

Don’t forget that there are lots of local Nottingham tours and events taking place as always. My pick for March includes the Newstead Abbey Garden History Tour (31 March) The Ghosts of Nottingham Industrial Museum (2 March) The multi award winning Robin Hood Town Tour (2,9,16, 23, 30 March), the new family show, a promenade performance, starting from Nottingham Contemporary, of one of the earliest medieval Robin Hood ballads, Robin Hood & the Monk, which has been adapted for young minds and family audiences (23) There’s also the opportunity to explore Nottingham’s largest cave system, which has not been open to the public in many years, with the Peel Street Cave Tour (8, 14, 29 March)

Finally, head to the Old Market Square to enjoy a range of Irish and Irish-inspired live music on stage for St.Patricks Day on 17th March.

*Always check with the venue ahead and book if necessary. There is cost or entrance fee unless stated otherwise

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Wollaton Park, Nottingham – Saturday 20 July 2019

Hot on the heels of his ‘Giant’ performance at the 2019 Brit Awards, Rag’n’Bone Man will perform on the Main Stage at the Wollaton Park music festival. All Saints, one of the biggest girl bands that the UK has ever produced, will headline the Confetti Stage.  

Rag’n’Bone Man – real name Rory Graham – broke onto the music scene with his massive debut single “Human” in 2016, which became a major hit across Europe. His UK number one debut album, of the same name, also features the single “Skin” and became the decade’s fastest-selling debut album so far by a British male, outselling those of Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran.  

The baritone singer-songwriter is a triple Brit Award winner and is currently enjoying UK Chart success with the dance-electronic hit “Giant” – an incredible collaboration with ‘Best British Producer’ Calvin Harris. This will be his first performance in Nottingham since his show at Rock City in April 2017, which sold out in less than two days.  

All Saints are beloved by a whole generation of fans who grew up with them in the nineties. After a 15-year hiatus, the band reformed in 2016 with the original lineup – Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis, Natalie Appleton and Nicole Appleton – released fresh material, including UK Top 10 Album ‘Red Flag’, and played a show at Rock City during their UK tour in December.  

Back in the nineties, the quartet’s debut album, ‘All Saints’ (1997), went 5x platinum and produced three UK number one singles, including the double Brit award-winning “Never Ever”, “Under the Bridge/Lady Marmalade” and “Bootie Call”. Their second album, ‘Saints & Sinners’ (2000), became the band’s first number one album and achieved multi-platinum success, featuring UK number one hits “Pure Shores”, the soundtrack for the film The Beach, and “Black Coffee”.  

Rag’n’Bone Man and All Saints, alongside Splendour headliners Manic Street Preachers and The Specials, are the first of over 40 acts announced to perform at Nottinghamshire’s biggest outdoor music event at Wollaton Park, with many more artists, comedians and entertainers to be revealed in the coming months.  

For the seventh consecutive year, the Confetti Stage at Splendour is in partnership with Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, a leading provider of creative industry education.  

Craig Chettle, Chief Executive at Confetti, said: “We are delighted to be back supporting Splendour. It offers our music, games and media students unrivalled opportunities to gain real industry experience working alongside some of the best crews in the business. Throughout 2019 we are marking Confetti’s 25th anniversary and I can think of no better place to celebrate than at one of the country’s best music festivals.”  

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities at Nottingham City Council, said: “Splendour 2019 is shaping up to be another brilliant, family-friendly event in Nottingham. This year’s line-up will have something for everyone, and, as ever, we’re delighted to be able to offer a discount to City residents, with £10 off adult tickets.”  

With lots happening all over the park aside from the three music stages, including comedy in the courtyard, a kids’ area and entertainers out and about in the crowd, the festival is a fantastic day out for all the family.  

Children under 11 will once again be admitted free and discounts are also in place for Nottingham City residents. Including booking fee, a standard ticket is £56.65, coming down to £45.65 when the Nottingham City discount is applied. Tickets for Nottingham City residents aged 11-17 are £22. VIP packages are also available and start from £87.65 for a Nottingham City adult.  

Tickets can be purchased from splendourfestival.com or in person from the Nottingham Tourism Centre. To claim Nottingham City resident discount, a copy of your council tax bill is required.   To stay in touch with festival news following Splendour on social media:
Facebook: @splendourfestivalUK
Twitter: @splendourfest 
Instagram: @splendourfest
#SplendourFest.
Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Opens Sat 2 March – 22 December 2019 (selected dates)

Belvoir Castle Launches Biggest Season in a Decade Ahead of its Opening Weekend

Belvoir Castle has launched its biggest season in a decade with a packed visitor programme for the Leicestershire castle and garden to follow the opening of its £2.5 million artisan shopping village.

The Castle has greatly increased its opening days over the last three years with 2019 seeing it gear up to welcome more visitors than ever from 2 March onwards.   The new and improved offer includes opening up The Dooms, the castle’s underground tunnels, and the introduction of characters from upstairs and downstairs to bring the 1,000 year history to life for visitors of all ages.  

Emma, The Duchess of Rutland launched the 2019 season at Belvoir Castle ahead of its public opening on Saturday 2 March, with the help of The Knights of Nottingham proudly wearing the blue and gold ducal colours of the Leicestershire Estate. The popular jousting weekend returns this summer for the first time in 10 years.  

The Duchess of Rutland said: “I’m delighted to be launching this new and exciting season which promises to be our biggest in more than a decade. We feel so very fortunate to be acting as custodians for what is a short time in Belvoir’s many centuries of history and we hope to share Belvoir’s many treasures, history, stories and art with an inviting offer for visitors.”  

Once inside the turreted Regency castle – which doubles as Windsor in Netflix’s The Crown – visitors will meet a host of historical characters including the 5th Duchess Elizabeth Manners, instrumental in rebuilding Belvoir Castle after it was destroyed in a fire in 1816; the Housekeeper Elizabeth Stanley and Butler Thomas Douglas going about their duties in the Castle’s grand rooms. New for the 2019 season, they are just some of the characters who will be bringing the history to life for visitors this year.  

In the early 18th Century, along with Trentham and Chatsworth, the gardens at Belvoir were regarded as some of the greatest north of London – and the Duchess is determined to continue redeveloping these beautiful gardens to restore them to their former glory.
 
This year marks the beginning of a £200,000 restoration of the Rose Garden, following the rediscovery of the original plans drawn up by the 19th century designer Harold Peto in the Castle archives. These reveal that the Rose Garden is shaped like a boat, with the Chinese horse at the bow, and the circular seat at the stern. Visitors can explore the classical formal gardens, woodlands and views across the rural countryside from the castle’s hilltop position.  

An Annual Pass has also been launched to provide an affordable way for children, adults and families to visit the Castle and Gardens throughout the year. With tens of thousands of people enjoying the Engine Yard offer right next to the castle since its opening in October, the pass will enable the regular clientele to visit as often as they wish.  

A packed events programme is planned for the year ahead with more to be confirmed throughout the season.  

Easter Eggstravaganza: 19-22 April Get egg-static this Easter at Belvoir Castle and Engine Yard, with exciting activities for all the family, including a Nursery Rhyme Treasure Hunt, chocolate egg decorating, face painting, a visit from the farm animals and a chance to see incredible birds of prey in flight. The Easter Bunny and her friends will also be popping in. Easter Afternoon Tea will be available at the Castle.
 
A Knight’s Quest: 1 & 2 June The Knights of Nottingham will be back to Belvoir for the first time in 10 years for the ever popular jousting weekend. See the beautiful horses and knights dressed in all their glory. Meet and greet with Belvoir’s Birds of Prey, and experience Belvoir in the Middle Ages. Tickets available.  

Belvoir Flower and Garden Festival: 13 & 14 July An expansion on the Flower Festival from 2018, this will be a quintessential British day out packed with garden inspiration and ideas. Specialist plant growers, garden furniture, sculpture artists, show gardens, border displays, tools and crafts as well as Expert Horticulturists will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Tickets available.

The Castle is open on selected dates from Saturday 2 March throughout the year from 11.00am – 5.30pm (check website for up-to-date opening schedule). Ticket prices for the Castle and Garden start from £18 adult, £9 children (under 4s free) for a free flow, with family tickets for 2 adults, three children now available at the new and lower price of £50. Discounts available for online advance bookings.   www.belvoircastle.com  
Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts What's On

Monthly Market at Belvoir’s Engine Yard Calls Out for Artisan Food Producers and Makers

Organisers of the monthly Belvoir Makers’ Market held in the shadow of the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland are searching for the best local artisan producers and makers as it looks to expand. Trading at Belvoir is not a new idea. The Duke of Rutland’s ancestors set up a market and a midsummer fair in the Middle Ages and now the location has been restored to its vendoring roots with the opening of the £3m artisan shopping village last year.  

The Engine Yard will see the hustle and bustle of market day returning with the Belvoir Makers’ Market taking place on the third Sunday of every month throughout 2019. Launched last autumn with a handpicked selection of artisan food producers, the monthly market will embrace the best of local food and drink producers, artisans, handcrafters as well as street food vendors and entertainers.  

With the Engine Yard already proving popular with the local community, walkers and cyclists since it opened in September last year, the monthly market looks set to grow the offer for visitors.  

Organiser Sharon Astill said: “Our goal in developing the makers’ market is to again bring fresh produce and quality goods from neighbouring towns and cities back into the Vale area and provide local residents, as well as visitors to Belvoir Castle, the opportunity to buy directly from the makers and learn about the provenance of the food and support their local economy.”  

Already on offer at the market taking place on Sunday 17 February are the award-winning Brockleby’s Pies; delicious handmade fudge from Fudge Glorious Fudge in flavours such as lemon meringue and cherry bakewell; all kinds of hand smoked products from Feast and the Furious including its signature 22 hour smoked brisket; a delicious range of vegan, sugar and gluten free raw sweets and treats from Guilt Free Pleasures and a fantastic range of jams and chutneys from Dotty About Jam.  

A visit to the market is also an opportunity to explore the offer from the retailers housed in the carefully restored industrial workshops offering food and drink, homewares, clothing and gifts, as well as stopping off to refresh at the Fuel Tank, the popular cafe bar serving food made with locally sourced ingredients all day, every day.  

The Engine Yard is open seven days a week, with free parking. For more information, go to www.engineyardbelvoir.com   As well as the monthly market, traders are invited to get in touch if they are interested in being part of the Engine Yard’s Christmas Market taking place 6-8 December. Please contact marketing@belvoircastle.com