THEATRE AND SCREENINGS

It just wouldn’t be summer without Giffords (above), and this year’s show at Evenley Wood Garden near Brackley runs from 27 June – 8 July. The theme is Avalon, set to immerse the audience in a colourful medieval world of pageantry and Arthurian legend, with lavish costumes, opulent sets and live music. Be sure to book their Circus Sauce travelling restaurant for after the performance, it’s well worth it.

Iconic Broadway Show A Chorus Line is on at Leicester Curve from 28 June-13 July, using real-life testimonies from late-night recording sessions with dancers, celebrating the lives of theatre’s unsung heroes. Theatre buffs, especially students, will love A Chorus Line Theatre Day on 10 July. This two-hour interactive session will be hosted on stage in the Theatre, with demos and discussions, you’ll get an insight into the rehearsal and technical process of the production, wrapped up with a live Q&A with some of the company and creative team.

The picturesque Tolethorpe Hall, just outside Stamford, provides the perfect setting for a production of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (running 2-6 & 16-20 July), then from 29-31 July, return Tolethorpe to catch A Monster Calls (below), a story of love, life and healing performed by TYD Theatre Makers Youth Theatre.

a monster callas tolethorpe hall — *A Monster Calls*

Magician Ali Cook is set to appear on stage at Northampton’s Theatre Royal on 5 & 6 July, performing his new show, co-written by Dave Gorman. Funny and magical rolled into one – we like.

Also at the Curve from 8-10 July My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) celebrates the joy and chaos of raising a gender non-conforming child, bearing testament to the power of unconditional familial love.

Kenneth Grahame’s beloved Wind In The Willows will be performed in the glorious walled garden at Lamport Hall on 12 July – perfect for families celebrating the end of term this week. Picnic hampers can be pre-ordered or bring your own food, chairs and blankets. No smuggling in any alcohol though (naughty naughty, as there will be a bar on site.

Roshini Curve Theatre Leicester south Asian dance — Roshini

Roshini (from the Persian word meaning light or brilliance) is an intimate crafting of dance via an emotional journey, through wordless storytelling, eclectic music, percussive dance and upbeat audience interaction. On at Leicester Curve on 13 July, it’s a great introduction to South Asian dance and something a little bit different for connoisseurs.

On 12-14 July, make a beeline for the beautiful grounds of Boughton House for three evenings of outdoor film screenings against the most stunning backdrop. Pick from The Greatest Showman (Singalong), Dirty Dancing and Top Gun. BYO travel rug, folding chairs and picnic basket.

Everybody's talking about Jamie Leicester Curve — *Everybody’s Talking About Jamie*

Smash-hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie heads to to Leicester Curve from 15-20 July, starrigng Ivano Turco and Kevin Clifton.

Here’s one for the kids: Madagascar: The Musical is on stage at Northampton Derngate from 18-21 July starring CBBC’s Karim Zeroual as King Julian. Then on 20 & 21 July at Leicester Botanic Garden, Golden Toad Theatre presents Errol’s Garden, a pay-what-you-can interactive musical about a brother and sister who transform their neglected rooftop into a beautiful community garden. For children aged 3-8 and their grownups. BYO folding chairs or blankets to sit on.

Fancy scaring yourself silly? On 22 July at the Derngate in Northampton, Uncanny : I Know What I Saw explores whether ghosts exist in this terrifying and thought-provoking evening, featuring chilling stories of the supernatural. Bring an open mind and beta blockers.

the handlebards a comedy of errors belgrave hall leicester — The Handlebards perform The *Comedy of Errors*

On 24 July, fabulous cycling theatre troupe The Handlebards are pedalling their way to Belgrave Hall in Leicester to perform their brand new production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. Bring along a picnic for this magical outdoor theatre experience in the gorgeous gardens. More outdoor theatre fun, Chapterhouse Theatre Company are putting on a performance of Little Women in the formal gardens at Rockingham Castle on 25 July, with beautiful costumes and musical accompaniment. BYO picnic, chairs and blankets.

Smash hit musical 101 Dalmatians heads to Leicester Curve on 23-27 July, starring pop icon Faye Tozer as Cruella De Vil and, also at Curve, Fantastic Foxes runs from 26 July – 3 August, telling the story of a remarkable city and fearless underdogs – the story of a football club and its generations of devoted fans, along with with all the heartache and elation along the way. Then Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, is on at Curve from 31 July – 3 August. This inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

ART AND EXHIBITIONS

Artist Rooms, a free exhibition of work by Jenny Holzer, continues at the Attenborough Arts Centre throughout the month. Using text as her primary media, Holzer is of the most influential figures in contemporary art. Known for powerful, provocative installations and her creative use of electronic technology.

At Lamport Hall until October, 50 Years of Lamport Preservation Trust is an exhibition bringing together stories and objects exploring Lamport’s history and it’s 50 year restoration project. There’s also an exhibition of paintings, Inspired by Lamport and co-curated by Katie Boyce of Northants and Rutland Open Studios, running until 22 August, bringing together work by 19 local artists produced for and inspired by the Hall itself.

emma lindsay capturing nature yardley arts — Emma Lindsay

Capturing Nature is the summer exhibition of paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and ceramics at Yardley Arts, from 29 June to 7 July, celebrating the many ways in which nature and botanical matter can be seen and expressed in art and featuring work by more than 20 local artists.

MUSIC

kasabian victoria park leicester — Photo by Neil Bedford

On 6 July, Leicester locals Kasabian return to the city for a homecoming gig at Victoria Park, supported by the Kaiser Chiefs. Then ’80s legend and everyone’s Dad’s favourite (just me?) Nick Kershaw plays an intimate festival warm-up show at Northampton Roadmender on 12 July. Wouldn’t that be good?

Mama Mia! It’s impossible not to enjoy yourself when dancing to Abba and has been medically proven to cure all ills [citation needed], so don your spangly platforms for 21st Century Abba Tribute at Chester House on 14 July, with all the greatest hits and disco costumes in a beautiful outdoor setting for this brilliantly fun concert.

Jazz in the Gardens returns to Lamport Hall on the afternoon of 14 July. Enjoy traditional New Orleans Jazz with The Tame Valley Stompers Allstars in the walled garden.BYO folding chairs, blankets and picnic.

wild arts opera belvoir castle — Luci Briginshaw as Queen of the Night in Wild Arts’ performance of Mozart’s *The Magic Flute*

Head to the glorious grounds of Belvoir Castle on 16 July for Wild Arts’ Summer Opera Evening, with renditions of well known musical favourites from Handel, Mozart and Rossini, to Gershwin, Rodgers and Tom Lehrer, woven together into a narrative and performed by four world-class singers and a string quintet. Arrive early to set up a picnic-spot on the lawn (food and drink will be available on site), or book a VIP ticket to enjoy canapés and Prosecco in the Aviary Tea Room and an interval buffet.

On 24 July, Neighbours devotees should head to The Musician in Leicester, where Alan Fletcher (aka Dr. Kennedy)will be performing his poignant and funny songs about life, love, loss and beer.

Musos gather ’round: The Church of The Fall, at Leicester Guildhall on 26 July, is one man’s attempt to do justice to Mark E. Smith and The Fall, celebrating the late writer, singer and working-class hero. Expect music, love and, apparently, laughs (really? Are we talking about the same Mark E. Smith?).

Then, still fancy dancing your little socks off but also love being in bed by 9pm? Same! Dayshift, on at the Roadmender in Northampton on 27 July, is a day time club night (well, technically early evening), so you can feel the thrill of bopping away on a sticky floor under a disco ball, whilst still being able to get up the next morning. Over 30s only!

COMEDY

On 1 July, Miriam Margolyes is on stage at the Derngate and, honestly, it sounds a bit like a day in my life, from declaring undying love to Vanessa Redgrave and being fed cockroaches by Steve Buscemi to being farted on by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Prepare for some shocking and side-splitting revelations.

Then Ed Byrne performs his stand-up show Tragedy Plus Time at De Montfort Hall in Leicester on 3 July, Northants native James Acaster heads to the Derngate on 9 & 10 July, in support of the lowdown, a local mental health charity, providing free and confidential support services for 11- 25 year olds in Northamptonshire and Stephen G Titley brings his Edinburgh Preview show OHHHH!!!! Jer-e-my Corbyn! to Leicester Guildhall on 26 July to decide if Corbyn WAS The Messiah OR just “a very naughty boy”. Free entry for Liz Truss. Erm.

FOOD AND DRINK

Ember restaurant have teamed up with Black Ducks The Bar Company to bring you a Mexican themed weekend of food and drink on 13 & 14 July at Muddy Award winning venue, Duston Mill. Expect a family friendly vibe with tractor rides for kids and featuring live Mariachi, Mezcal cocktails and yummy tacos.

Attention wine and cheese-lovers: Stonyfield Wine in Blisworth will be open for scrumptious platters on Sundays in July and August from 11am-4pm, with no booking required. Just show up and tuck in to the good stuff. The only exception will be on 14 July, when there is a special Talk and Taste Day with the brilliant Mark from Cheese on Towcest, who will be pairing some of his cheeses with Stonyfield’s own wines – you’ll need to book for this one and it’s likely to sell out quickly.

Belvoir Market launches on 27 July. Set to be a monthly event, expect a celebration of the new Belvoir Farm Shop and the best local artisanal products.

FESTIVALS

Stormzy headlines the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone

The Formula 1® Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2024 gets underway at Silverstone Circuit on 5 – 7 July. Racing cars, obvs, plus all the festival fun and entertainment for a rocking family day out including headline performances from Stormzy, Kings of Leon, Pete Tong and Rudimental.

Timber Festival kicks off in Swadlincote from 5-7 July across a 70 acre woodland site. Expect an intoxicating experience where music, art, philosophy and sustainability weave together. Unplug, listen to live music, enjoy puppetry and projections, try the gong baths, yoga, meditation, listen to author talks or take part in theatre workshops.

Focusing on wellness, education, creativity and environmentalism,Noisily Festival is at Noseley Hall in Leicestershire from 11-14 July. With music across three main stages and a host of micro-venues, as well as talks, panels, discussions and healing practices in the Mind Body Soul area, there’s something for everyone.

It’s Burning Woman at the aptly named Belvoir Castle from 19-21 July. Prepare to step into your power, ladies, at this 3-day and 3-night empowerment festival for women only. Take part in workshops, talks and activities in a safe and supportive environment, from Yoni Yoga and naked painting to ice baths and hula hooping.

Then it’s Classic Ibiza at Burghley House on 27 July, when you can party the night away to your favourite clubbing anthems under the stars. Perfect for old skool ravers who can no longer justify a weekend partying in the gorgeous Balearic Isle (big sigh!).

KIDS AND FAMILY DAYS OUT

Grab your gossamer wings and flutter over to Rockingham Castle for Fairy Day on 7 July. It’s an enchanted day filled with magical adventure in the Wild Garden. Find the Fairy Doors, meet the Rockingham Woodland Fairies, complete the Toadstool Trail and dress in your fanciest fairy outfit.

Independence Day Celebrations will be in full swing at Sulgrave Manor on 7 July. The ancestral home of George Washington, there’s nowhere better to celebrate the good old US of A, with tours of the manor, face painting and a display of American cars, and a pop-up tea room serving American themed food, from jellybean cakes and milkshakes to hot dogs.

Totally over politics and elections? Head out for some good old fashioned family fun in the sun. It’s American War of Independence Weekend on 6 & 7 July at Moira Furnace Museum (okay it’s kind of politics), with reenactments, demonstrations, patrols, and even a skirmish. Cars at the Furnace is also taking place from 6-9pm on 9 July, a lovely way to spend a summer’s evening, with all sorts of cars on display from Model T Fords to the latest race-spec Maclaren. There’s no need to BYO vehicle, you can just come and have a look and enjoy the food, bar and ice cream to make it a great night out for the whole family.

There’s more Classic Cars on show at Chester House on 13 July, where vintage engines are set to roar to life and every vehicle tells a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and the golden era of motoring. Expect classic cars and bikes, live music and street food.

It’s Rockingham Rocks on 20 July, an epic day of music, arts, food and fun in aid of RSPCA Northamptonshire at Rockingham Castle Great Park, with two music stages, circus performance, trampolining, axe throwing, hula hooping, crafts, traders, street food, bars, a doggy play pen area and agility course and a School of Rock vs. The Castle themed children’s fancy dress competition.

Belvoir Antiques Fair will take place at the Castle on 20 & 21 July, showcasing a collection of preloved and vintage items all looking for new homes, including antiques from the Belvoir Estate, personally selected by The Duchess of Rutland. Special Guest Paul Martin (Flog It! etc.) will be hosting an audience session, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for antiques and offering personal appraisals, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about their own pieces.

On 27 July, it’s Little Feet Festival, a magical 2-day children’s extravaganza nestled within the scenic Moira Furnace Country Park, with performances, workshops, story time, arts and crafts, magic, face painting, dancing and even appearances from the actual Peppa Pig.

Somewhere in a field in Leicester… celebrate the summer holidays at Belgrave Hall 31 July at a festival inspired Summer Garden Party and Kid’s Craft Day. Make a flag, hat and musical shaker in the marquee, get a tattoo and glitter face paint then dance the day away.

Flutter on over to the beautiful Kelmarsh Hall on 31 July for their annual Fairy Picnic on the Woods. Set in the mystical woodland, surrounded by fairy friends, visitors can dress-up as a fairy, elf, lost boy or any character you like. Bring a chair, blanket and your picnic and come and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

WORKSHOPS AND WELLBEING

Join Medical Herbalist, Nicola Fenton on 6 July for a Summer Forage to explore the meadows and quaint walkways of Stamford and discover the medicinal virtues of familiar and unfamiliar plants. Plus you’ll have the chance to taste some of your finds and learn to make infusions.

Stretch and Swim, led by Anna Kryvenko at Quinton Rectory Garden on 13 July, is the perfect way to start your day, with creative stretching and Pilates in this beautiful spot. After an hour long practice, there’ll be the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the garden’s natural swimming pond. There’s also a Mini Retreat Morning on 16 July, focusing on the sense of hearing and how it benefits us.

On 18 July, foraging expert Lizzy Mary-Jane Farmer of Tellus Mater will lead a Foraging and Forest Bathing Experience at Lamport Hall. You’ll learn about how to identify and forage safely for wild foods, as well as preservation techniques and what species to look out for in months after your foraging session. Then it’s time for some forest bathing and forest bathing session to connect with nature, boost your wellbeing, unwind and relax.

On 25 July, visit Rutland Nursery for Thrive & Bloom with highly qualified psychotherapist Kate Holden, to explore the nature of anxiety and identify how it affects us each individually. Kate will be offering practical advice and sharing techniques on how to help reduce anxiety when it becomes problematic.

Jump into July: 60+ things to do this month!

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