Events in the area

Sat 10 - Sun 18 Feb

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.

Fri 2 - Sat 17 Feb

Stamford Book Festival - Romance

Stamford Arts Centre Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

The theme for this year's celebration of words is romance. Expect celebrity writers and well-known local writers of screenplays, poetry and novels. Also planned are talks, films, shows, workshops and master classes for children and adults who would like to take those written words a little further

Sat 17 - Sat 31 Mar

Oundle Festival of Literature

Box Office: 01832 274333 www.oundlelitfest.org.uk

Highlights of the main 2007 Festival programme include Poetry Please presenter Roger McGough who will be joined by poet Sophie Hannah, screen idol Nigel Havers and environmentalist and author of Deep Jungle, Fred Pearce.

Sat 18 - Sun 19 Mar

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.

Mon 19 Mar - Sat 24 Mar

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.

April

Easter weekend Fri 6 Apr - Mon 9 Apr

Sun 8 Apr

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.

Mon 9 Apr

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

May

Sat 5 May

Flower Parade & Festival Weekend, Spalding

The Parade: 2pm Sat Tel: 01775 724843 www.flowerparade.org

The Parade includes many specially designed traditional flower floats decorated with over 500,000 locally grown tulip heads.

Sat 5 May - Mon 7 May

Call to Arms History Fair

Rockingham Castle, Nr Corby Tel: 01536 770240 www.rockinghamcastle.com

From the Viking plunderers to the heroes of Waterloo. Battles, skirmishes, artillery displays, military parade, living history encampments, falconer, pipe band and arena events - see a 1,000 years of history over the Bank Holiday.

Sun May 6, 12-4; Mon May 7, 10-4

Uffington Scarecrow Fair

Tel: 01780 765908

For the 6th 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.

Sat 5 May - Sun 12 Aug

40 Years On: exhibition

Stamford Museum Tel: 01780 766317 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/stamfordmuseum

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Stamford being declared the first Conservation Area in the country and 40 years since the death of Sir Malcolm Sargent, one of Stamford's most famous sons.

Tue 8 May to Sat 2 June

Stamford Tibetan Festival

Stamford Arts Centre Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

A month long celebration of events, workshops, films and music from Tibet

Sun 13 May tbc

Race for Life

Burghley House, Stamford TIC: 01780 755611

Register your interest at www.raceforlife.org , enter from 15 Jan. Walk, jog or run 5k for Cancer Research UK in the beautiful grounds of Burghley House.

Sat 19 - Sun 20 May

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

June

4 Jun - 25 Aug

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 Importance of Being Ernest (Jun/Jul), The Taming of the Shrew (Jun/Aug) and Antony and Cleopatra (Jul/Aug).

Sun 3 June

The Stamford RiverCare Group

Stamford Meadows email info@stamfordrivercare.org for more info

There will be plenty of activities for people to come and get involved with, nature walks, face painting, bird box making, willow weaving, pond dipping and lots more.The aim is to raise awareness of the River Welland and its flood plains as an important natural asset for Stamford.  

Fri 8 - Sun 10 Jun

Stamford Antiques Fair

Stamford Meadows Paul Thurman Tel: 01780 410286

A huge marquee event with 150 stalls selling quality goods.

Fri 8 - Sun 10 Jun

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.

Sun 10 Jun

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.

Fri 15 - Sun 17 June

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.

Wed 20 - Mon 25 Jun

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.

Thu 21 Jun -Sun 1 July

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.

This year's events include two comedy nights at the Victoria Hall, a photographic project with the schools, a great day of street theatre in Mill St and Opera in Uppingham.

Sat 30 Jun - Sun 7 Jul

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. Regrettably the Riverside Music Festival is unlikely to go ahead due to lack of funds. Keep a check on the Stamford Mercury for any more news; or if you think you can help financially then call the organiser, Martin Smith, on 01780 481236.

Sat 23 Jun - Sun 1 Jul

Peterborough Festival

TIC: 01733 452336 www.peterboroughfestival.co.uk

Last year 81 different community groups took part in the Festival which led to a fantastic fun-filled nine days of live outdoor performance, world music, a film festival, outdoor Shakespeare, the lunchtime recital series, the Mayor's Carnival Parade and a huge community celebration.

Sun 24 June

Castle Bytham Midsummer Fair

Castle Bytham www.thebythams.org.uk or www.midsummerfair.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.

July

Sat 7 - Sat 14 Jul

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.

Fri 13 July

Burghley House Open Air Opera

The Rakes Progress, performed by Opera East www.burghley.co.uk Tickets from 01780 752451

Opera East is one of the UK's best known and most innovative opera companies, performing in the perfect setting of Burghley House.

Sat 14 July

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!

Fri 13 - Sun 15 Jul

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.

Fri 13 - Sun 22 July

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. The outdoor concert on Sat 14 will be a leading Queen Tribute band.

Main events

Stamford Civic Society 40th Anniversary

Web site www.stamfordconservation.co.uk Festival Tickets from the S

Sat 21 - Sun 22 July

Stamford Arts Centre Box Office on 01780 763203

Stamford Civic Society is organising a festival to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Stamford becoming England's first Conservation Town, in 1967.The programme includes concerts, talks and exhibitions, and a stone festival (21-22 July). Master stonemasons are coming from all over Europe and carving a stone seat that will be put together at the end. There is also a series of lectures during the course of the year, check the Arts Centre programme.

Wed 18 Jul

East of England July 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.

August

Sat 11 - Sun 12 Aug tbc

Deepings Raft Race

www.deepingsraftrace.com

It's the 11th year of this huge charity fund-raising event. Why not get a team together and take part in the 'Survivor' Raft Race.

Fri 17 - Sun 19 Aug

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 of 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 names at this event.

Thu 21 - Sun 26 Aug

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.

Sun 26 Aug

Stamford Classic Car Show

Ron Champion Tel: 01780 450352

The fourth 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

September

Thu 30 Aug - Sun 2 Sep

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.

Sun 9 Sept 12-5pm

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.

Sun 23 Sep tbc

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.

October

Sat 6 - Mon 8 Oct

Corby Glen Sheep Fair

Tel: 01476 550142 www.sheepfair.co.uk

Celebrating its 769th 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.

Sat 6 Oct

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.

Sun 14 Oct World

Conker Championships

Ashton Green, Nr Oundle John Hadman Tel: 01832 272735 www.worldconkerchampionships.com Now in its 42nd year, the Ashton Conker Club has raised almost 1/4 million pounds for the visually handicapped. With classes for Ladies, Men and Children, the village draws competitors from all over the world.

Sun 7 Oct

East of England Autumn Show

The East of England Showground, PeterboroughTel: 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.