Tag: celtic

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THORNTON SET FOR A SPECTACULAR FESTIVAL WEEKEND!

Music, crafts, entertainment and family fun as Thornton Community Centre comes alive this June

Thornton is preparing for a fantastic weekend of celebration, creativity and community spirit as the village launches an exciting brand-new annual event at the end of June.

From Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June, Thornton Community Centre will burst into life with three packed days of entertainment, arts, crafts, music, food, family activities and fundraising fun — all designed to support the Community Centre while bringing the whole village together.

A MUSICAL KICK-OFF

The festivities begin on Friday evening with the welcome return of the hugely popular Celtic band Govannen. Famous for their energetic performances and infectious atmosphere, the band promises an unforgettable evening of lively music, dancing and great fun.

Dancing may not be compulsory — but organisers warn it’s very difficult to resist!

A licensed bar will also be available throughout the evening, making it the perfect start to an exciting community weekend.

THORNTON ARTISAN FESTIVAL

On Saturday and Sunday, the Community Centre transforms into the vibrant Thornton Artisan Festival, running from midday until 5pm on both days.

Visitors can explore a wonderful gallery of local artists, photographers and talented craft makers showcasing unique handmade creations and inspiring artwork. There will also be plenty to entertain younger visitors with children’s crafts, activities and interactive fun throughout the weekend.

One of the festival highlights will be a fascinating astronomy talk from BBC Sky at Night presenter Pete Lawrence, alongside the magical world of Sarah’s paper and toy theatre.

Live music, quizzes, raffles, delicious food and drink, plus a packed programme of entertainment ensure there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

FREE ENTRY & PARK AND RIDE

Entry to the festival is completely FREE, although donations to support the Community Centre will be warmly welcomed.

To make visiting easier, organisers are also providing a convenient Park & Ride service from South Charnwood High School directly to the Community Centre.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME ON SALE NOW

A special 8-page festival programme is now available for just £1 and includes:

Full weekend entertainment line-up
Festival information
Children’s activities
Local business features
A fun quiz with a £10 prize for the winner

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Organisers have also thanked Pallex for sponsoring the event and helping make the festival possible.

With music, creativity, entertainment and community spirit at its heart, the inaugural Thornton Festival Weekend looks set to become one of the village’s most anticipated annual events.

Make sure it’s in your diary — Thornton is ready to celebrate!

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Thornton, transitions from spring to summer with plenty of excitement this year.

Thornton, transitions from spring to summer with plenty of excitement this year. Several events are scheduled at the Community Centre beginning at the end of May and continuing through June, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

On Friday 29th May the Community centre will host 2 performances by Sarah’s Paper theatre, of the Golden Goose , a light hearted adventure with a happy ending, suitable for all ages. Entry for adults £5 and £2 for children.

A brief respite before the Markfield and Thornton  theatre group presents a stage adaptation of the Vicar of Dibley, by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter based on the original tv series written by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew. Produced by Tiger Aspect Productions. A beloved British comedy; the plot centres around Geraldine Granger, a lively and unconventional vicar who surprises the sleepy village of Dibley by taking over—despite the parish council expecting a male vicar. Much of the comedy stems from Geraldine’s encounters with the eccentric locals and the humorous clash between her progressive views and their traditional ways.  The play runs from Wednesday 10th to the 13th June. Tickets £8.

Sunday the 21st June sees the return of the beloved biennial Open Gardens. A number of gardens will be open between 1pm and 6pm. There will be refreshments, stalls and other attractions  around the village, a plant sale, and cream teas available at the Community Centre. Admission is by programme, available at various locations around the village. Programme £5. Organised by Friends of St Peter as a fund raiser for the maintenance of the church.

On the following  Friday evening, the 26th June, Govannen, one of the UK’s leading folk groups,  return to Thornton for another magical evening of Celtic music at its best. There will be a licensed bar provided by McSmith Events. Tickets £20. Raising funds for a new heating system at  Thornton Community centre.

The month concludes with the first of what is hoped to become an annual two day artisan festival at the Community centre.  The centre is open from  midday to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday 27th and the 28th June,  The main hall will feature artwork and photography, whilst the sports hall features crafters and makers, and childrens’ crafts.  Outdoors there will be food stalls, a bar,  and live music.  Donations welcome.  Raising funds for a new heating system at the Centre.

More information on www.thorntonvillage.org

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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