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

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.

Heritage weekend – St Peter’s, Thornton

Pop up cake stall, local history, church history, local historian.  No entry charge.  Refreshments available.

What a feast to find at St Peter’s, Thornton this weekend.

Everyone welcome!

The church will be open from 10 until 6 pm tomorrow, Saturday, and from 1 until 4.30pm on Sunday.

A local historian will be present both days from 2 until 4 pm, ready to answer your questions and provide local information.

Homemade cakes for sale on Saturday!

On a (forecast) wet weekend what could be better.

Its an opportunity to visit this lovely ancient building, to find out more about its history and the history of the village of Thornton, all the building work that is currently being carried out, and to buy home made cakes.

Please do let folk know about this event.

The church is open as part of Heritage Open Days which is England’s largest festival of history and culture!

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.

St Michaels’s Church Markfield is also open as part of this national event.

Hope you are able to visit.