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

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