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.

Comedy Night – Thornton Community Centre

They’re back .. following the success of the first Comedy Night at Thornton last October McSmith Events & Comedy Hotspot are proud to present a new act at the Centre on Friday 20th February 2026.

Space is limited so make sure you buy your tickets early – an ideal Christmas present perhaps.

Comedy Hotspot only bring the very best comedians to their shows, and our show at Thornton Community Centre is no exception. A line up of varied styles, who are all hilarious in their own right. Add a wonderful audience to that and it only means one thing, a superb night of live comedy. We will run the evening like a professional comedy club, ensuring we have the best possible atmosphere and conditions for live comedy.
We cannot wait to welcome you to what is going to be a great second Comedy Hotspot Comedy Event.

There will be a licensed bar at the centre.

Proceeds of a raffle will be donated to the Community Centre.

McSmith Events – Comedy Night

A new events company based in Thornton, McSmith Events, hosted their first event at Thornton Community Centre on Saturday 11th October.

Together with Comedy Hotspot they brought the first of what is hoped to be many Comedy nights to Thornton.

It was a hoot, three excellent comedians and a very funny host entertained us over a two and a half hour period, with the occasional short break to replenish our drinks from the bar set up in the meeting room and kitchen.

Don’t miss the next one on Friday 20th February 2026 – tickets available soon.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable evening and something very different for Thornton.

In keeping with their ethos, McSmith Events ran a raffle with some excellent prizes, to raise money for the Community Centre (a charitable organisation that relies on donations, grants and bookings). Plus promised a £1 from every ticket sold to be donated to the centre.

The Trustees sincerely thank McSmith Events for their donation of £204 towards the running costs of the Centre.

McSmith Events are a family-run company based in Thornton, Leicestershire, bringing top-quality entertainment to local community spaces.

From comedy nights to quizzes and parties, our events supports talent, community spaces, and good causes.

Email – info@mcsmithevents.co.uk

Mobile – 07359 894186

Website – https://www.facebook.com/people/McSmith-Events/61578637385404/#