Month: November 2025

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Govannen – they’re back ..

By popular demand Govannen are back in Thornton in June 2026.

They will be playing at Thornton Community Centre on Friday 26th June as part of a big fund-raising weekend for the Centre.

Space is limited at the Centre, so to avoid disappointment – email thorntonvillage@aol.com to reserve your tickets now.

Looking for the perfect Christmas present? Why not treat your loved ones to tickets and give them something to look forward to in the summer.

Thanks to local residents – McSmith Events – we are now able to offer a licensed bar for Centre events.

Who are Govannen?

Govannen – are one of the best Celtic music bands in the UK, blending jigs & reels with traditional & contemporary Irish songs. They celebrated 30 years together in 2024.

Concerts – a Govannen concert is a special mix of traditional & contemporary music & songs, delivered with good humour.

Ceilidhs & Barn Dances – Govannen are the perfect choice for ceilidhs and barn dances for weddings, functions and parties, where the emphasis is on fun.

Albums – Ranging from atmospheric Celtic chill-out music to live pub recordings, Govannen have sold over 10,000 albums worldwide. Two of their albums have won awards in the USA.
“Govannen play with passion, artistry and an easy going good humour, each in good measure for a night to remember” – Time Out

Govannen –
Dan Britton – vocals, guitar, bodhran
Adele McMahon – violin, vocals
Chris Conway – keyboards, Irish whistles, vocals
Roger Wilson – violin, vocals
Neil Rabjohn – percussion, vocals.
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Ray Jane – dance caller, flute, tin whistle

This will be their fourth visit to Thornton – the band loves playing here, and always receive a very warm welcome. They are delighted to be instrumental in helping to raise much needed funds for the centre.

The next major works is the replacement of the 52 year old central heating system in the Main Hall, the old pipework has begun to spring leaks under the main hall wooden floor – big money required!

Thornton Artisan Festival – Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026

Preparations are being made to follow the Friday evening event with the first Thornton Artisan Festival, hopefully to become an annual event to replace the old Thornton Carnival.

The Thornton Artisan Festival 2026 will be a two-day community celebration (12 midday to 5pm) showcasing the best of local creativity across art, photography, sculpture, craft, and food; with a strong emphasis on local artists, crafters and food producers; interspersed with entertainment for all.

If you have any ideas or would like to be involved please contact us on … thorntonartisan@gmail.com

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Thornton Xmas Craft & Food Fayre

At the recent annual fayre there were 20 stall holders of food and crafts at the Community Centre raising funds for St Peter’s Church.

There were 9 fund-raising stalls put on by FOSP (Friends of St Peter’s) which included Santa.

On a dreadful wet and cold day it was pleasing to see that nearly 200 people attended the fayre over a four hour period.

Thank you everyone who supported such a worthy cause.

A total of  £1322.35 was raised towards the upkeep of the church.

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Thornton Tea with a Twist

This Wednesday, 26th November, is Tea with a Twist, 2 to 4 pm at the Community Centre.  Hope you are able to join us for a happy afternoon.

Let us know if you need a lift.

Love to you all.

The Team

xx

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Thornton Christmas Food & Craft Fayre

This year we are pleased to have added food stalls to our popular annual Christmas Fayre to be held on Saturday 22nd November at Thornton Community Centre (LE67 1AH).

We have two halls full of exciting stalls.

Spotlighting a few new stalls this year to include.

Wildlife artist from Thornton, Alexia Claire, selling her unique Christmas cards, gift wrap, wall art and her popular calendar plus a £1 bargain box.

Markfield based ‘Time for Beer’, selling a wide range of beers from its micro-brewery in Warwickshire; gift boxed, seasonal labels, plus ‘St Peter’s Thornton pale ale’ whilst stocks last.

Natural, local Leicestershire honey from Barrow House Bees.

Jo (visiting from Devon) will be selling her own unique handcrafted pieces, combining ceramics and driftwood. ‘Inspired by nature and made with love from the wild Devon countryside.’

Thornton Calendars on sale, with wonderful photographs of the village taken by villager, and photographer, Matthew Soulsby……

….and much, much more, so you can find that ideal Christmas gift!

Refreshments will be available all day, plus games for all, the annual quiz sheet and, of course, a chance to see Father Christmas in his grotto (£1.50 per child for visit and gift).

Admission to the Fayre is 50p with no charge for accompanied children aged 14 and under.

Come and enjoy the happy and friendly atmosphere.

Raising money for the repair and improvement of St Peter’s church.

Organised by FOSP (Friends of St Peter’s).

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Luke Jackson – Charity Payments 2025

This year’s payment will be made to the residents of Thornton and Bagworth on Saturday 6th December 2025, between 10am and 12 noon at their local Community Centres.

Payments are made to those who are in receipt of the Government State Pension.

The arrangements for Stanton under Bardon will be notified locally.

Jacquie Barnes (Trustee of Luke Jackson Charity).