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Exciting June Events in Thornton

A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Local Talent

Residents and visitors alike have two fantastic weekends to anticipate in June 2026, as Thornton gears up for a pair of remarkable community occasions.

Open Gardens Returns

On Sunday 21st June, the much-loved biennial Open Gardens event will make its return. This cherished community gathering offers a unique chance to explore some of Thornton’s most beautiful gardens and celebrate the area’s horticultural talent.

Introducing the Thornton Artisan Festival

The following weekend, from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June, Thornton will host the inaugural Thornton Artisan Festival. This new annual event aims to highlight and celebrate local creativity and the vibrant community spirit that defines the area.

Thornton Artisan Festival 2026: Celebrating Local Creativity and Community Spirit

Festival Overview

Set to take place at the Thornton Community Centre and Grounds on Main Street, the Thornton Artisan Festival 2026 is poised to become a highlight of the summer calendar. Organised by the Community Events Committee and supported by local artists, crafters, and residents McSmith Events, the festival is designed to bring the community together for a three-day celebration of art, craft, food, and entertainment.

Festival Goals

The festival’s primary objectives are to showcase local talent and independent businesses, foster a sense of community pride, attract visitors to the area, and provide support for small creative enterprises and local food producers.

All profits generated will go towards funding a new central heating system for the Community Centre, an essential upgrade requiring £24,000 to replace the existing, failing 53-year-old installation.

What to Expect

Festival organisers promise a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The Community Centre and its grounds will be transformed into a hub of creativity, featuring:

  • Featured Artists Gallery: The Main Hall will host a curated exhibition of local art, photography, and sculpture.
  • Craft & Makers Market: The Sports Hall will showcase handmade goods from talented artisans and independent creators.
  • Artisan Food & Drink Zone: Outdoors, local producers will offer quality food and refreshments.
  • Children’s Zone: Activities and entertainment tailored for younger visitors.
  • Community Gallery Wall: A space for residents to display their creative works.
  • Live Music: Performances throughout the weekend to enhance the festivities.

Festival Opening and Entry Details

The festival will commence on Friday evening with a special ticketed performance by renowned Celtic music band Govannen. Tickets are priced at £20 and must be booked in advance via thorntonvillage@aol.com. Tickets are selling fast – don’t delay in booking yours!

Daytime entry on Saturday and Sunday will be free. Funds will be raised through stallholder fees, sponsorship, advertising, programme (£1) and a community raffle. Organisers are actively seeking prize donations and sponsorship from local businesses, which offer valuable promotional opportunities and directly contribute to the Community Centre’s improvement.

Get Involved

Artists, crafters, entertainers, food vendors, and sponsors are encouraged to participate in this exciting new community venture. Those interested in booking a stall, donating raffle prizes, or becoming a sponsor can request further details and a booking form by contacting thorntonartisan@gmail.com.

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Thornton Open Gardens – Sunday 21st June

Sunday 21st June 2026
1.00pm to 6.00pm

Thornton is holding its biennial Open Gardens event on Sunday 21st June from 1-6pm.  Contrasting gardens will be open for you to wander around and enjoy. There will also be refreshments – including cream teas –  and a plant stall.

Dogs on leads are welcome at many of the gardens.

Proceeds
All proceeds from this event are for the maintenance, restoration and improvement of our beautiful historic church.

Cost
£5.00, accompanied children free.

How to get tickets / programmes
Programmes will be available from Thornton Nurseries, The Bricklayers Arms, The Corner Shop. St. Peter’s Church, all participating gardens and the Community Centre.

Contact the organisers
Phone: 01530 231 502
Email: thornton.opengardens@outlook.com

Directions / Parking
Head for LE67 IAH
Some parking is available at the Community Centre.

Accessibility: It should be noted that Thornton is built on a ridge and so many of the gardens are on slopes or are terraced with steps and are therefore not ideal for those in wheelchairs or with impaired mobility. Some of the pavements are also narrow. Our printed programme attempts to indicate those more suitable.

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St Peter’s church, Thornton – Holy Week

We are reaching that very special time in the church’s year, leading to the wonder of Easter Day itself.

Our services are as follows:.

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday 2nd April
6.30pm           

Fish supper                 

*AT ST MARY’S STANTON UNDER BARDON (for those who have pre-booked)

& 7.30pm        Communion               

*AT ST MARY’S STANTON UNDER BARDON

Good Friday    3rd April

10.30am         

Stations of the Cross   

St Peter’s Thornton

Easter Sunday

9-10am            Breakfast                    

Thornton Community Centre
10.15am         

Easter – Breakfast service with activities –  see poster below.  Thornton Community Centre

OR
10.30am         

Easter Holy Communion         *AT ST MARY’S STANTON UNDER BARDON

A full list of all the services in the Benefice can be found on the website: www.j22churches.org.uk/whats-on

There is also an Easter Trail around the churchyard from Tuesday 31st March to  Monday 6th April

Telling the Easter story with activities (see poster below)

Church Building Open

As well as these, please note that the church building will be open over the weekend for prayer, reflection or just to have a look around. Times as follows:

Friday  11.30 – 5

Saturday 10 – 5

Sunday 9 – 5

If anyone needs a lift to Stanton on Thursday or Sunday, please let us know.

Can we take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Easter

With Best  Wishes

From the Church Team

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Thornton Tea with a Twist

Our next 3Ts afternoon is this afternoon, Wednesday, 1st April, 2 to 4 pm.

Hope that you are able to join us for another happy afternoon at Thornton Community Centre, LE67 1AH. 

All the usual refreshments, puzzles books and games.

Everyone is welcome.

Please let us know if you need a lift.

Love

Shirley and team

x

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Thornton Community Centre – request for donations

Charity Number – 521506

History of the Community Centre and Sports Hall

The village’s spacious community centre and sports hall stand as a testament to the commitment and hard work of residents and fundraisers from the late 1960s and early 1970s. At that time, the village was experiencing growth yet lacked suitable venues for communal activities. Doctors, clubs, and other groups were forced to meet in private homes and public houses, highlighting the need for a dedicated gathering space.

In 1969, with the opportunity to access new land and the backing of the Parish Council, Reverend John Seymour and a committee initiated fundraising efforts and began planning for a community facility. Their dedication culminated in the construction of the main hall in 1973, built on leased land—a practice that continues to this day.

Further fundraising made it possible to add a separate sports hall, which was officially opened in September 1988.

Management of the Community Centre

The community centre is overseen by a dedicated team of unpaid volunteer trustees. These individuals play a pivotal role in maintaining and managing the facility, ensuring it continues to serve as a valuable asset for the village. New members are warmly encouraged to join the trustees, helping to safeguard this wonderful resource for the benefit of future generations. To facilitate the centre’s smooth operation, the trustees convene one evening every six weeks, addressing any issues and planning for ongoing improvements.  

Revenue and Funding

Recent Improvements and Expenditure

In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the community centre has undergone a significant transformation, with numerous enhancements made to modernise the 53-year-old building. Essential works included the installation of a new drainage system and a new ceiling in the sports hall, the addition of extra toilets and a second kitchen, and the upgrade of lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures and more. These improvements were crucial to ensure the centre remains functional and fit for purpose. Over £98,000 was invested to carry out these necessary works, with the drainage and ceiling repairs emerging as urgent priorities that were not part of the original plans but became essential to keep the centre open.

Future Projects and Urgent Needs

Planning permission was successfully obtained for the creation of a decked area at the rear of the centre and the extension of the car park. Although efforts are underway to secure funds to complete these projects, the centre is currently facing a more urgent requirement: replacement of the heating system in the main hall. This system, now 53 years old, has developed multiple leaks beneath the wooden floor in recent months, making its renewal a pressing priority for the remaining funds.

Sources of Revenue

The community centre depends almost entirely on payments and donations from regular user groups, fees from hiring the centre for parties and events, a modest annual precept from the parish council, and occasional small grants from local businesses. These sources form the backbone of the centre’s income and are vital for ongoing maintenance and improvements.

Appeal for Community Support

With fuel bills continuing to rise, the centre urgently needs support from the community in the form of donations to help sustain and further enhance its facilities. Every contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will help ensure the centre remains open and accessible for all.

How to Donate

If you are able to contribute, please consider donating to the Thornton Community Centre fund. Donations can be made to the following account: Please use the reference ‘donation’.

  • Sort Code: 09 01 54
  • Account Number: 66997701