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2019 EVENTS IN THE NATIONAL FOREST
2019 Events in the National Forest
An electric bike tour in the National Forest is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the many diverse events taking place throughout the year.
From ancient British traditions, such as the Horn Dance in Abbots Bromley, to sampling the delicious food and drink of the Forest, there is plenty going on to suit all tastes. Enquire now about availability.
The role of the barber surgeon in the Wars
04 Apr
Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth
As part of English Tourism Week, this fascinating talk focuses on the role of the Barber Surgeon in the Wars of the Roses
Historic Ghost Walk
25 Apr
Bradgate Park
An evening ramble through the Park, exploring the haunted past of the park.
Twilight Walk
26 Apr
Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey sits in acres of glorious park and woodland, which is brimming with wildlife. As the sun sets, explore the grounds on this guided walk.
Drive It Day
28 Apr
National Memorial Arboretum
Enjoy our motoring heritage, with a wide range of classic vehicles.
Ashby Arts Festival
3 – 6 May
Ashby de la Zouch
A wide range of events to enjoy around Ashby de la Zouch town centre.
Breeding Birds of Bradgate Park
06 May
Bradgate Park
An early morning walk through the park, enjoying the dawn chorus and learning more about the many breeding birds of the Park.
Historic Ghost Walk
16 May
Bradgate Park
An evening ramble through the Park, exploring the haunted past of the park.
In the footsteps of King Richard III
18 May
Bosworth Battlefield
A 3 hour walk to some of the sites King Richard III stayed and prayed in before his death
Etwall Well Dressing
18 – 20 May
Etwall
The Etwall Well Dressing is one of the largest in the county. There will be up to 10 wells, together with a programme of entertainment.
Moira Canal Festival
18 – 19 May
Moira
Celebrating the heritage of the Ashby Canal. Living history camp, horse drawn boating, flypast, music and Morris Dancers
Breeding Birds of Bradgate Park
18 May
Bradgate Park
An early morning walk through the park, enjoying the dawn chorus and learning more about the many breeding birds of the Park.
National Forest Walking Festival
18 – 30 May
Throughout the National Forest
Enjoy over 90 different walks to suit all abilities and interests.
Bushcraft show
25 – 27 May
Rosliston
An event dedicated to bushcraft. Try your hand at woodland crafts and enjoy talks and demonstrations from survival experts.
Food Gusto
25 – 26 May
Ashby de la Zouch
Have fun tasting the best local food in a festival setting.
World Superbikes Championship
25 – 27 May
Donington Park, Castle Donington
Donington Park was the venue for the first ever round of World Superbikes in 1988, and has since held 25 events, with plenty of additional entertainment over the weekend.
Derbyshire Open Arts Festival
25 – 27 May
Events throughout Derbyshire
Over 200 artists and craftspeople display their work in venues across Derbyshire
Jeff Barnhart's International Jazz Band.
25 May
Venutre Theatre Ashby de la Zouch
American musicians, Jeff and Anne Barnhart are touring the UK with British Jazz musicians John Hallam and Graham Smith
History of Bradgate Walk
01 Jun
Bradgate Park
Learn more about the history of the Upper Park including Old John, the racecourse and the War Memorial. Visit one of the Park's Spinneys, not usually open to the public.
Haunted House
1 – 2 June
1620s House Donington le Heath
Get ready for a spooky experience as you explore the 1620s House after nightfall.
Milton Open Gardens
02 Jun
Milton
Explore the gardens of the small Derbyshire hamlet of Milton. From large cottage gardens to small courtyard designs, your're bound to be inspired.
Market Bosworth Festival
7 – 23 June
Market Bosworth
A full programme of special arts, music and theatre events at different venues throughout the town.
Young Deer
08 Jun
Bradgate Park
A guided walk during breeding season to try and spot some of the new born deer
Vintage Festival
15 – 16 June
National Brewery Centre, Burton on Trent
Celebrating the lifestyles, fashion, music and classic cars of the post war years.
Photography Walk – The park in summer
15 – 16 June
Bradgate Park
As part of wildlife Weekend, members of Leicester Photographic Society will lead these walks through the park and offer tips along the way to help you improve your photography skills.
Catton Park Horse Trials
15 – 16 June
Catton Hall
Watch some of the country's top riders in action in dressage, show jumping and cross country stages.
Shakespeare in the Park
19 – 21 June
Lichfield
Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of theatre
Outdoor performance of Romeo and Juliet
20 Jun
Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth
As part of the Bosworth Festival, enjoy an evening of theatre in the stunning grounds of Bosworth Hall Hotel.
Summer solstice ghost hunt
21 Jun
Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth
Grade 1 listed Bosworth Hall Hotel is full of history. Join the summer solstice ghost hunt to find out more about its haunted past.
Beatles Tribute
22 Jun
Conkers
Enjoy an evening singing along to the Beatles greatest hits with tribute band Like … The Beatles.
Ashby Steam Festival
22 – 23 June
Ashby de la Zouch
Step back in time and enjoy a collection of steam engines and vintage vehicles, as well as craft stalls.
Real Fest
22 Jun
Ashby de la Zouch
A fun packed afternoon and evening of live bands, local food and entertainment
Music in the Park
22 Jun
Coalville
Bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of music and entertainment.
Young Deer
22 Jun
Bradgate Park
A guided walk during breeding season to try and spot some of the new born deer
Sausage and Cider Festival
28 – 30 June
Catton Hall
Sausages, cider and music in a festival setting. What's not to like?
Formula Vintage
29 Jun
Donington Park, Castle Donington
The event celebrates the best of vintage motor racing
Armed Forces Weekend
29 – 30 June
National Memorial Arboretum
A weekend of activities to celebrate the UK's armed forces
1940s wartime weekend
31 May - 2nd June
Great Central Railway
The 1940s will be brought back to life. Expect flypasts, steam, music and mock battles.
Timber Festival
5 – 7 July
Moira
Celebrate and explore the woodland at this laid back music and arts Festival
Scooter and Music Festival
06 Jul
Ashby de la Zouch
A new event for 2019. Scooters will parade into the town for a day of competition and live music.
Jersey Boys Tribute
06 Jul
Coners
Dance and sing the night away to these 50's greatest hits.
Capture Calke on your camera
06 Jul
Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey sits in acres of glorious park and woodland, just perfect for fine tuning your photography skills. This walk is designed for budding photographers, who are looking for creative inspiration.
Festival of Transport
07 Jul
Ashby de la Zouch
Ashby town centre will be filled with classic, modified, and commercial vehicles of all ages during this festival of Transport.
Queen of Bradgate
10 Jul
Bradgate Park
This walk is part of a week's activities to remember Lady Jane Grey. Learn more about her life and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the ruins of the house
Old John Guided tour
13 Jul
Bradgate Park
A rare chance to tour the Old John Tower, escorted by knowledgeable rangers
Ashby Show
14 Jul
Ashby de la Zouch
Experience a typical country show, with show animals, main ring entertainment and lots of stalls.
Queen of Bradgate
17 Jul
Bradgate Park
This walk is part of a week's activities to remember Lady Jane Grey. Learn more about her life and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the ruins of the house
Historic Ghost Walk
18 Jul
Bradgate Park
An evening ramble through the Park, exploring the haunted past of the park.
Total 80s
19 Jul
Conkers
A 7 piece band will take you back to the 80's, playing all the greatest hits.
Jim's tractor run
28 Jul
Ashby de la Zouch
Tractor & vintage vehicle display, fairground rides, trade & craft stalls, food & drink plus much more.
Heather Scarecrow Festival
28 July – 4 August
Heather
Once a year the little village of Heather buzzes with life as visitors enjoy a tour of the many scarecrows dotted around this country village.
George Michael Tribute
02 Aug
Conkers
An evening celebrating the music of George Michael and Wham.
Magic of Motown
03 Aug
Conkers
Party away as the Magic of Motown show brings you all the greatest Motown hits.
Mainly Madness Tribute
10 Aug
Conkers
Two Tone Madness, with the Mainly Madness tribute band.
British Truck Racing Championship and Convoy in the Park
10 – 11 Aug
Donington Park, Castle Donington
A A celebration of British truck racing and the UK trucking world. A huge range of entertainment and display of show trucks supports the action packed activity on the track.
Ashby Open Gardens
10 – 11 Aug
Ashby de la Zouch
Ebikes are a perfect mode of transport to visit the diverse gardens open as part of Ashby Open Gardens. From tiny terraces to large country gardens, you're guaranteed to find plenty inspiration.
Moira Furnace Folk Festival
16 – 18 Aug
Moira
Set alongside the Ashby Canal, at Moira Furnace, this friendly Folk Festival features both local and national artists, together with a wide range of workshops.
Medieval Festival
17 – 18 August
Bosworth Battlefield
An action packed weekend of battle reenactments, jousting, living history demonstrations and a medieval market.
Talon – Best of Eagles
17 Aug
Conkers
All the classic Eagles hits from renowned tribute band, Talon.
Proms Spectacular
17 Aug
Bradgate Park
Pack a picnic and sit back and enjoy an evening of classical musical, brought to you by the Bardi Wind Orchestra
Acoustic and Folk Music Picnic
18 Aug
Bradgate Park
Enjoy a day of leading folk and acoustic performances in the lovely Bradgate Park.
Lichfield Food Festival
24 – 26 August
Lichfield
Voted the best Food Festival in the Midlands, expect over 300 stalls offering the finest of local food.
Elford Scarecrow Festival
24 – 25 August
Elford
Enjoy a walk around this lovely village and admire around 100 scarecrows
Last Night of the Proms
30 Aug
National Brewery Centre, Burton on Trent
Derby Concert Band recreate the Last Night of the Proms and bring you an evening of all the classic greats.
Abba Tribute
30 Aug
Conkers
Waterloo, the ultimate tribute to Abba will have you singing and dancing in the aisles.
Shackerstone Festival
31 Aug – 1 Sept
Shackerstone
A fun Festival in a sleepy little village. Expect a full programme of events, focussed around the canal and steam railway. The event attracts a large gathering of vintage vehicles, barges and steam engines.
AC/DC Tribute
07 Sep
Conkers
Rock the night away at this AC/DC and Thin Lizzy tribute evening.
Edible Forest
8 – 15 September
Charnwood Forest
A celebration of food in a range of unique locations throughout the National Forest
Beer Festival
12 – 15 Sept
Great Central Railway
This is the 12th year of the Great Central Railway's annual beer festival. What could be better than beer and steam?
Melbourne Arts Festival
14 – 15 September
Melbourne
The lovely market town of Melbourne hosts a wide variety of crafts people for the Arts Trail Weekend. Many of the artists are hosted in private houses around the village, meaning that this is also the perfect opportunity to explore the architecture of the town. The trail is complemented by food markets and many live music performances.
Historic Ghost Walk
19 Sep
Bradgate Park
An evening ramble through the Park, exploring the haunted past of the park.
Hopelessly Devoted to Dirty Dancing
21 Sep
Conkers
All the best hits from Grease and Dirty Dancing, brought together in one show. What could be better!
Ashby's FABulous
05 Oct
Ashby de la Zouch
The shop windows of Ashby de la Zouch come to life with live models. Expect plenty of laughs as you tour the many independent shops in this lovely market town.
Bavarian Oom Pah evening
05 Oct
Conkers
Dust off the Lederhosen, fill your Stein and get ready for an evening of singing and drinking to this traditional Oom Pah band. Prost!
In the footsteps of King Richard III
20 Oct
Bosworth Battlefield
A 3 hour walk to some of the sites King Richard III stayed and prayed in before his death
Hallowen Ghost Hunt
31 Oct
Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth