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!

Sarah’s Paper Theatre – Thornton Community Centre

Sarahs Paper Theatre proudly presents a rare performance of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’

An English Toy Theatre play made and hand coloured from Victorian printed sheets, a charming atmospheric delight for the senses. It is a happy tale of how Jack rescues the fairies from the giant’s castle by climbing a beanstalk grown from magic beans.     

Sarah is among a handful of paper & toy theatre maker-performers in the UK, a specialist of the craft with a repertoire of handmade shows based on short stories and fairy tales performing at a wide range of UK venues as well as international festivals.  https://sarahspapertheatre.co.uk/

Available for paper theatre workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and talks.

Show 25 minutes. Suitable for aged 8 years +  

The evening will also feature a brief introduction to Victorian toy theatre before the show with a Q and A and a look behind the scenes after the show. Theatre style seating in rows, limited to maximum 30 tickets.

The performance date is Friday 30th January 2026 in the Meeting Room in the Community Centre, Thornton

Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start to the evening.

Tickets are available from Sarah via email: sarahspapertheatre@gmail.com  £7.00 each

Featured in ‘Homes and Antiques’ magazine December 2024

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.