Tag: art

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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 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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Heritage Open Days – Leicestershire ~ St Peter’s Church, Thornton

England’s largest festival of history and culture!

Heritage Open Days 6th-15th September 2024

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture.

It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

As part of Heritage Open Days, St Peter’s Church, Thornton, will be open over the weekend of 14th and 15th September for all to visit.

It’s your chance to explore this lovely Grade 1, historical church for yourselves, and discover its wealth of history.

An Exhibition in the church will provide a fascinating insight into Thornton’s history.

The church will be open between 10 am and 6 pm on Saturday 14th and from 1 pm till 5 pm on Sunday afternoon.

Entry is free. Donations always welcome. Refreshments will be available to purchase.

Any contributions towards the exhibition are welcome. Do you have stories to tell or old photographs of Thornton that we could borrow to display?

Please contact churchwarden.thornton@gmail.com

For details of other Heritage Open Days venues go to http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk

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Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group – April Production

In honour of the late much loved Muriel Walker, The Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group (MTTG) will be dedicating our upcoming shows to her.

Funds raised from our raffle and 50% of ticket sales will be donated to Marie Curie in her memory.

We hope to do her proud with our latest production ‘Three for All’ – a selection of One Act Comedy Plays.

Play One – ‘I Remember When’ written by Dawn Cairns and directed by Tadeuz Dobrowolski. Synopsis: John looks forward to re-visiting his childhood holiday campsite but his wife Sheila is not so sure, particularly when John insists his curmudgeonly mother come along too.

Play Two – ‘Job for Life’ written and directed by Group member Wayne Roberts. Synopsis: First day on the job a young new security guard hopes to make an impression. But the job may not be as exciting as he hopes, and just what is in the box?

Play Three – ‘Last Tango in Little Grimley’ written by popular playwright David Tristram and directed by Caylee Gutsell. Synopsis: A struggling Theatre group are down to just 4 members, with audience numbers even lower. A hilarious play about the drastic measures the group take to stop them going under!

The shows will run 17th – 20th April at Thornton Community Centre. Tickets are £6 each, to purchase please contact

07438 508166 or 01530 469714 or mttg.theatre@gmail.com

The audience will be seated at tables, and you are welcome to bring your own nibbles and drinks

If you would like to donate a prize to the raffle please reach out to Caylee Gutsell.

We would be very grateful.

We do hope that you will come along to support your local Group and help us raise money for the amazing work Marie Curie do. MTTG