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Ready Steady Snow!

The summer holidays may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the family fun is over at Lincoln Cathedral. Tickets are now on sale for the ever-popular annual screening of the BAFTA-winning animation ‘The Snowman’.

The much-loved festive classic will be shown on a big screen in the nave, where the heart-warming tale will be brought to life with music from a live orchestra and soloists from the Cathedral Choir.

The nave will sparkle with light and colour to create a magical atmosphere and a chorister from Lincoln Cathedral will sing the iconic solo of “walking in the air at each performance – a spine-tingling and unforgettable experience for adults and children alike.

This year’s performances will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December 2024, with five performances on Saturday at 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm, 7pm and 8.30pm;

and two performances on Sunday evening at 6pm and 7.30pm.

Samantha Mellows, Director of Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Lincoln Cathedral said “Every year The Snowman is a highlight in the Cathedral calendar. We love to see generations of families returning each year, as well as all the new faces who are coming to the event for the first time.

“As well as enjoying this classic Christmas film, it’s a wonderful opportunity to hear live music, get up close to the instruments and meet the musicians – which in itself is a magical experience for many of the children who come to watch each year.”

The Snowman has become an integral part of many families’ Christmas since the picture book was first published in 1978. The animated version was first broadcast on Channel 4 in 1982 and has been shown every year since.

Tickets for The Snowman at Lincoln Cathedral will be on sale from Monday 2 September, and prices start from £9.50. For full details or to book your tickets, please visit www.lincolncathedral.com

A TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON

After selling 100,000 tickets last year with its theatre tour, including soldout shows at the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium and other UK venues, Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston is back bigger than ever with the 2024 Arena Tour.

Billed as the biggest celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of all time: Whitney Houston, the show comes to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on 1 November. The show includes the powerhouse hits, the RnB feels, and hits all the Whitney spots, for two-and-ahalf hours of songs to celebrate her life.

Audiences can experience an electrifying production that honours her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band. The show is an extraordinary journey through three decades of alltime hits such as I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You, My Love Is Your Love, So Emotional, Run To You, Saving All My Love, How Will I Know, Million Dollar Bill, The Greatest Love Of All, and many more.

It’s a huge journey for the show’s star Adenike Adewale who described herself as a ‘shy child’ who began singing in choirs and school productions before plucking up courage to audition for The Voice in 2021, making it though to the semi final singing a Whitney song.

Adenike said: “I had so much support through that and I realised it was what I really wanted to do – so when Whitney –Queen Of The Night came up, I grabbed the chance.

“My mum was a huge fan, so Whitney Houston was always ringing and singing in our house from an early age. That vocal passion she had, the gospel background, it spoke to me. Her voice wasn’t just pleasing to the ear, but the passion was something I related to. I aspired to have that range and that freedom of vocal ability – it was so powerful.”

The show appeals to all generations, says Adenike: “You still see teenagers go crazy over I Wanna Dance With Somebody, just as their mums and grandmothers have done.”

Whitney – Queen Of The Night has an interactive style where the audience feels

Showing

very much part of the experience, with some even being invited up to the stage to sing and dance.

The live band plays a huge role with guitar, bass, saxophone, percussion, drummer and piano, two backing dancers and singers and a featured vocalist.

Adenike said: “In between the songs, we are taking people through her life with the chat. That’s what makes it different as a ‘tribute’ show as such, in that I’m not being Whitney, not acting as her, not until the music kicks in and my voice starts. As soon as the music starts it’s a faithful Whitney performance, but between times we are sharing that story.

“With the show, we get messages and comments from people who saw her perform live and they tell us how much they love our show which is a huge compliment. It’s powerful to bring a performance that reflects the time when she was at her best and very special to be able to help people recreate their memories of Whitney and how very, very special she was at her prime.”

Tickets for Whitney – Queen Of The Night are on sale now starting from £31.50. Hospitality packages also available like the Green Room Experience, including a welcome drink on arrival and a pre-show meal. Or feel like VIPs for the night, with a private executive suite experience, where you can enjoy the show from a viewing balcony offering panoramic views, this includes six tickets, a pre-paid bar tab, waiting service and access to The Green Room.

ART cast Seann Walsh, Chris Harper & Aden

Gillett (c) Michael Wharley

THE SMASH HIT COMEDY IS COMING TO NOTTINGHAM

With award-winning comedian Seann Walsh, Chris Harper (Call the Midwife, Coronation Street) and Aden Gillett (The Crown, The House of Elliot), Iqbal Khan (East is East, National Theatre and Othello, RSC) directs a brand-new production of Yasmina Reza's fiendishly clever and hilariously funny play ART on tour from Autumn 2024.

This multi-award-winning play (winner of Best Comedy at the Olivier Awards, Tony Awards and Moliere Awards), presented by Joshua Beaumont and Original Theatre, is a razor-sharp exploration of art, love and friendship that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

A seemingly simple purchase of contemporary art - an all-white painting – ignites a hilarious debate amongst three close friends. What begins as a light-hearted discussion about art quickly descends into a riotous exploration of the blurred lines between art and reality. We caught up with one of the stars of the play, Seann Walsh for a Q & A

What is ART about?

It’s beautiful in its simplicity. When you boil it down, it’s about a piece of art that has been purchased by one of three friends, and that piece of art ends up testing the friendship. It’s really fun and reminds me of that feeling when you’ve had a tough day, and the smallest thing becomes the straw that ends up breaking the camel’s back.

Tell me more about your character, Yvan He’s someone who is level-headed, in general, and mild-mannered. But he’s

about to get married and has entered his fiancee’s family business, factors which are testing how stable he is as a person. The play catches him at this particularly vulnerable time in his life.

Do you find him relatable?

I can certainly relate to the way the pressure gets to him. And I definitely recognise the dynamics in his relationship with Marc and Serge. It feels very representative of male friendship, and the way that we adapt ourselves to fit whoever we’re talking to. There’s a great sense of energy in the script.

You recently made your stage acting debut in Twelfth Night. How was that experience?

I absolutely adored it. And I’m so happy I had that stage experience to take into ART. My favourite aspect of comedy has always been performing, but the great advantage of acting is that I can still get laughs without having to be myself, which is an absolute bonus!

Do you think comedy has been a good training ground for acting?

In some ways. When I was playing Malvolio in Twelfth Night there was a bit of breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience, so it was useful for that. But generally I don’t think there is too much crossover between stand up and acting. When you do a play, one of the first things you have to interpret is the writer’s words, and then connect with the other actors. As a comedian, you don’t have that process, though it does mean you’re comfortable in front of a crowd.

Are you enjoying working with producers Joshua Beaumont and Original Theatre who are marking their 20th anniversary this year? They’re lovely to work with, and they’ve put together such a good team. Chris

You co-host a podcast, Oh My Dog!, with Jack Dee. Seeing as he has previously been in ART, did he give you any tips?

I did contact him when I was first approached about it, and he said what a great experience he’d had, and how much he loved the play. But we didn’t talk too much about his interpretation of the character - he also played Yvan. I didn’t want to muddy the waters, I think it’s good to go in fresh. But having said that I do wish I’d seen his portrayal!

How did you get into comedy?

I was a classic attention seeker as a kid, and got into a lot of trouble at school. Jim Carrey was an early hero, and I always wanted to be a stand up. I feel very fortunate that I’ve ended up living that dream. You have to remind yourself sometimes that the boy who left school with one GCSE has done alright for himself.

Do you think it’s harder to get established in stand up now?

I just think it’s different. If I was starting out now I’d be learning to edit videos on my phone and use social media apps to build a following. I’ve got friends that weren’t getting too many opportunities who have now exploded thanks to social media. I sound like an old fart, but it’s a completely different world from when I started out, when it was all about doing gigs.

Are you aiming to do more acting in the future?

I certainly hope so. Doing Twelfth Night was amazing and I’m really excited for ART. But it’s not really up to me – I’ll go in whatever direction pays the bills!

Grab your mouse ears and get ready as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates back into the UK, whisking families away on an immersive getaway full of magical participatory moments.

Featuring new and classic tales, get ready to enter the enchanting Disney Kingdom as this multi-generational experience skates into Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and upclose character interactions.

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, experiencing the fantastic Disney and Pixar adventures of Mary Poppins Returns, Toy Story 4, Incredibles 2, The Lion King, Aladdin, Moana, and Frozen all in one ice show.

Behind the scenes, supporting the cast of Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, is a team of choreographers and set and costume designers who create 103 props and 275 different costumes, which are all transported in 17 trucks from city to city, taking approximately 14 hours to set up.

Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters. Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti. Set off on a safari and

snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.” Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky. Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals while singing along to beloved Disney tunes as they welcome Merida, Belle, Ariel, Mulan and Tiana to the ice.

Martin Ingham, CEO, Motorpoint Arena, said: “We're thrilled to welcome back Disney On Ice to Motorpoint Arena Nottingham. This magical spectacle has become a beloved tradition for families across the region, creating lasting memories. We can’t wait to share the enchantment with new and returning fans. And who knows, perhaps this year’s show will inspire a whole new generation of ice skaters to take their first steps at the National Ice Centre!” Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks, surprises, and up-close character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates into the UK!

Multiple shows are now booking at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham Thursday November 14 to Sunday November 17. Hospitality packages available for all shows visit www.motorpointarenanottingham.com

The content of Only Human is still under wraps, but it is guaranteed to give audiences a mind-blowing experience that will take their breath away. Prepare to be astonished!

Only Human will embark on a major UK Tour at the Swan Theatre, High Wycombe on Friday 4 April 2025.

For all venue and ticket information, visit derrenbrown.co.uk

Derren Brown said:

‘AFTER A YEAR OFF FROM TOURING, I AM READY TO START THE MOMENTOUS CLIMB TO PUTTING TOGETHER ANOTHER SHOW. I’VE JUST REALISED IT’S MY 11TH. EACH SHOW BEGINS WITH A BLANK CANVAS AND THE QUESTION OF WHAT I COULD DO WITH A THOUSAND OR MORE PEOPLE LOCKED IN A ROOM WITH ME. IT’S EXCITING, VERY EXCITING.’

The show will play in High Wycombe until Saturday 5 April, and then continues its

journey around the UK to the Churchill Theatre, Bromley (8-12 Apirl 2025), the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton (15-19 April 2025), the King’s Theatre, Glasgow (29 April-3 May 2025), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (6-10 May 2025)Theatre Royal, Nottingham (13-17 May 2025), Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (20-24 May 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (27-31 May 2025), the New Theatre, Oxford (10-14 June 2025), the New Victoria Theatre, Woking (17-21 June 2025), Norwich Theatre Royal (24-28 June 2025), Cliffs Pavilion, Southend (1-5 July 2025), Milton Keynes Theatre (15-19 July 2025), the Grand Theatre, Leeds (22-26 July 2025), Sunderland Empire (29 July – 2 August 2025), Theatre Royal Brighton (5-9 August 2025), Bournemouth Pavilion (19-23 August 2025), the Hall for Cornwall, Truro (26-30 August 2025) and The Lowry, Salford (2-13 September 2025).

Only Human is written by Derren Brown, Andrew O’Connor and Stephen Long.

It is directed by Andrew O’Connor, with set design by Simon Higlett, video design by Simon Wainwright, lighting design by Charlie Morgan Jones and sound design by Beth Duke. The age recommendation for the show is 12+.

Only Human is Derren Brown’s 19th tour. Amongst his many previous productions are Derren Brown Showman, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Enigma, Derren

Brown’s Svengali and Derren Brown: Miracle.

His shows have garnered a record-breaking five Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment, winning twice – the largest number of nominations and wins for oneperson shows in the history of the Awards. His 2017 show, Secret, won the New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and returned for a sell-out run on Broadway in 2019.

For further information on Derren Brown, visit www.derrenbrown.co.uk

Only Human is presented by arrangement with Vaudeville Productions, Michael Vine, Andrew O’Connor, Paul Sandler and Derren Brown for Only Human Productions Ltd.

FridaysMinster AT THE

Southwell Minster Presents free concerts by local and sometimes national musicians every other Friday throughout the year. All are free (with a collection to support the work of the choristers at the Minster) and take place at 1.30 until 2.15 –refreshments are available

Between now and Christmas there are six events to look forward to:

The Nottingham Chamber Wind Ensemble will be performing on 20th September. On October 11 there will be a performance to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Eric Thiman Collection at the Minster – this is the archive of about 1,200 of Thiman’s compositions. The concert will be performed by the Eric Thiman Singers, the Junior Choir of Caterham School, which is making a special trip from Surrey to sing for us. (Thiman himself went to Caterham). From October 11th -22nd ‘The Museum

of the Moon’ will be showing in the Minster, and to celebrate this there will be a recital of music linked to the Moon –including Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Debussy’s Clair de Lune.

Award winning ladies’ vocal ensemble, Mirabile will be making a welcome return on 1st November, and then on November 22nd (appropriately St Cecilia’s Day – the patron Saint of Music) Mariatu KannehMason, the youngest of the seven famous musical siblings (the eldest three all appeared at the Proms this year), will be giving a cello recital.

The term rounds of with the ever popular Christmas performance by the Minster Choristers - on December 13th. And twenty-one recitals are planned for 2025! Further details can be found on www.southwellminster.org/whats-on/allconcerts/lunchtime-concerts

Jane Mcdonald: “With all my love tour is the one i’m most proud of” … and it’s not even started yet!

by Stevie Roy

Photograph

with all my love

The title “National Treasure” is one readily bandied about these days, but warmhearted and witty Yorkshire lass Jane McDonald has to be one of the truest examples out there.

Jane’s story is a great example of a girl done good; first captured 25 years ago on BBC docusoap The Cruise, Jane became an overnight sensation – and has spent the years since forging a hugely successful career as a singer and TV personality.

Her solo shows have captivated audiences up and down the country, and now she’s back preparing to hit the road once more with an all-new tour With All My Love this autumn.

The new tour, Jane’s biggest to date, starts with two nights at Blackpool’s iconic Opera House, stops off at The London Palladium and will close with what promises to be an extra special tour finale at Leeds First Direct Arena.

“This is going to be the tour I’m most proud of – I can already feel it,” says a clearly excited Jane McDonald as she prepares for With All My Love.

The tour is still several months away, but already Jane is ‘buzzing, absolutely buzzing’ about the prospect of taking her show on the road once more.

“I feel like I’m a phoenix rising from the ashes in a way,” Jane says of her return to the road. “The flame had gone out, but the embers were still burning away in the background. Now they’re reignited and they are burning so brightly and so strong, I’m ready to come back.

“I am in a very good place. Something about being a bit older – I’ve got that ‘couldn’t care less’ thing now, I’ve let go of the angst that you get when you’re younger.

“Instead, now I just think ‘It’ll be right, it’ll be fine’, not worrying about every last thing. I’m excited about everything. The fear seems to have gone.

“I don’t think I have been this excited for a tour ever,” she adds, eyes glowing. “I have had a break and have a whole new energy for live performance and cannot wait to see my fans

again as I’ve missed them.”And the fans have clearly missed her too.

“Everybody is like ‘Thank God she’s back’… You never know if that will be the reaction though, do you?,” Jane laughs. “The reaction from fans has been humbling, so wonderful. I am just full of gratitude.”

Jane’s return to live performance will come three years after the death of her fiancé Ed Rothe in 2021. And despite her grief, Jane is seizing life and finding a new direction for her love – with this tour very much dedicated to her loyal fans.

“With age, I’ve learnt that nobody’s life is easy or wonderful all the time,” Jane said. “When you go through something tragic, it can take a while before you’re able to look up and see the blue skies again, for the joy to come back to life. But, when that joy does come back it’s even more precious than before. You start to feel good again and you want to share it.

“My fans have been through every part of my life for 25 years and I’m ready to say ‘I’m OK now, and I hope you are too’.

“It’s a two-way thing with my fans, we hold each other’s hands. I hold their hands and they hold mine.

“And you know what, I have a song I wrote for my mother ‘The Hand That Leads Me’ and thinking about it – it’s probably time now that I give that song to the fans. They are the ones that get me through, they make me sing and make me smile.

“Everything I do has love and my heart at the very centre of it, and I want this tour to say to my fans ‘Thank you for being around and waiting for me’.

“I’m in a good place so let’s have some fun.”

Jane is remaining tight-lipped about detailed preparations for the tour, other than hinting there are treats in store for fans, including new disco medleys – ‘I already know that’s going to tear the roof off’, emotional tributes and a show that is ‘more personal than ever’.

And for the first time, Jane will be playing piano during the live shows.

“The past couple of years, I’ve been so busy travelling to film the TV shows, I feel like I have been lost on plane journeys,” she said, “so it’s been nice to take the time to sit down, at home and look ahead to this tour.

“I’ve been sat at my piano, and I will be sitting down at the piano as part of the show too – which is something we haven’t done before. And I’m going to be talking about how I do it, how I go about writing, which is basically letting my fingers flow over the keys and then I’m off.

“It’s really very exciting to already see it take shape.”

Another first for With All My Love will see Jane touring with a major promoter’s backing, in the form of Live Nation’s Cuffe and Taylor.

“That is just fantastic,” she said. “My team goes back to 2009, and I’ve got to the stage where I have fantastic people by my side, and I’m in safe hands – those people will always be there.

“But this takes it to another level – and is probably why I’m enjoying myself so much already. I don’t have to even be thinking about the logistics side of things, never mind worrying about it like I have before.

“All that is taken care of, so I can just be ‘the artist’. It’s strange though, as I am still a bit of a control freak! No…make that perfectionist. But it’s lovely to have people with us making all the arrangements.

“Alongside the people who’ve been with me a long time, it’s now an absolute dream team.”

And hopefully Jane will be living the dream with her fans, sharing her ‘good place’, and bringing energy to venues across the country.

“The energy at my shows is always so special – it’s magical, honestly,” she said.

“It starts on the stage, and it goes out into the audience where it grows and it spreads, and it’s a whole circle because that energy comes back and we all feel it back again on stage. Open up your chakras, or whatever it is you believe in, and feel the energy in the room!

“But it’s so important to me in this job; if you can make somebody feel better through a performance, that’s brilliant, that’s the most important thing.

“With All My Love – I sound like a Beatle… You know, ‘All You Need Is Love’, but it’s true – it’s so important. I’m thankful to the fans for giving me their love, it has helped me through and hopefully now I can reciprocate and give it back…”

Jane will be appearing at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on November 13th. Tickets available at

Great Days Out

Truckfest, the thrilling family show, is set to make its grand finale for this year at Newark and Notts Showground on Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend packed with excitement and entertainment!

We guarantee you will not be disappointed at Truckfest Original this year, with even more trucks and top-tier entertainment than ever before.

Event Highlights: Spectacular Truck Displays: Hundreds of impressive haulage and industry vehicles, featuring a fantastic array of vintage and American trucks.

Monster Truck Action: Watch in awe as the giant car-crushing American monster trucks, "Slingshot and Swampthing," performs jaw-dropping stunts, crushing and jumping over cars.

Freestyle Motocross Thrills: The UK's topranked freestyle motocross riders, "Broke FMX," will showcase heart-stopping tricks that are usually seen only on TV.

Interactive Experiences: Kids and adults alike can enjoy the chance to ride in the Slingshot Monster Truck, a perennial favourite.

Trade Stands: Explore dozens of interesting trade stands and see top trucks from leading manufacturers. This is truly the ultimate family day out, filled with action-packed fun for everyone!

Ticket Information: Advance Single Day

Tickets: £16.00 for adults, £8.00 for children (ages 5-15), free for children under 5.

Parking: Free

Etruria Industrial Museum: Staffordshire’s ‘Hidden Gem’

Etruria Industrial Museum, Staffordshire’s “hidden gem”, is tucked into a junction of the Trent & Mersey and Caldon canals in Stoke-on-Trent.

Opened in 1875, the mill produced the ground bone, flint and stone used to make world-famous ‘bone china’. On steaming weekends, its 1820s beam engine ‘Princess’, made to James Watt’s design, drives the world’s only operational steam-powered potter’s mill, a scheduled monument.

Etruria Industrial Museum represents the ‘business end’ of pottery-making; without the ground raw materials produced by mills like these, there would have been no pottery industry at all.

The boiler room houses a hand-stoked Cornish boiler from 1903. The boiler room, engine room, pan room, crushing room and kilns are all open to the public, as are the visitor centre, café and a working blacksmith’s forge.

The site is also inextricably connected to canal history. The Caldon Canal connects Etruria with the Staffordshire Moorlands, Leek and Uttoxeter, and is replenished by Rudyard Lake and other local pools. Meanwhile, the Trent &

Mersey forms its highest section from The Harecastle Tunnel to the summit lock at Eturia.

Entirely volunteer-run, Etruria Industrial Museum is proud to be keeping important industrial and canal heritage alive for future generations.

Festive Forest Adventure

Christmas is coming early as CONKERS, the award-winning visitor attraction in the heart of the National Forest, has released tickets for its 2024 magical Winter Wonderland.

The Winter Wonderland experience opens on Saturday 30 November 2024 and will run daily until Christmas, excluding dates from 2-5 and 9-10 December.

On arrival at CONKERS, you will receive vouchers, a map and a schedule. You will hop aboard the Elf Loco’s Conkachoo Train for a delightful ride across to Waterside. Once you arrive, head to the Amphitheatre Kiosk where our Elf, ‘Bouncer’ will be waiting to spread magic and open your portal to the Winter Wonderland.

At the Discovery Site, you can decorate a Gingerbread Man in Mrs Claus's Kitchen, warm up in Frosty's Ice Cavern with crafts and story time, and get creative at Sparkles Paint Shop (£4). You can also enjoy a magical experience at our 4D Cinema and explore the Reindeer Trail and outdoor activities.

In the Waterside Elf Village, visit Twinkle Toes Toy Store for gifts, Jolly J’s Balloon Model Shop, Sweet Emporium and make reindeer food at Sleigh-bells Stables (£2). Don't forget

to clap along to the Elf Christmas Shows at the Amphitheatre and capture memories at Snappers Photo Shop.

Tickets can be booked online at www.visitconkers.com/events/winterwonderland/ or by calling 01283 216 633.

Nicky Carlton, General Manager at CONKERS, said: “Although we’re still in the middle of the English summer, we are excitedly preparing for a joyful Christmas season. We are delighted to announce the return of our enchanting Winter Wonderland, which is sure to elevate your Christmas spirit with its elf-led adventures, numerous activities, family shows and photo opportunities!

"The evenings become truly magical with the beautifully illuminated woodland. We can't wait to welcome you for an unforgettable festive Christmas at CONKERS' Winter Wonderland this year!"

This ingenious awardwinning experience spans generations encouraging all of us to get off screens and tear about in the woods.

Rumble brings popular video games to life with team-based fun. Think outdoor laser tag, but better! Rumble uses state of the art kit, including battle rifles that transform into multiple different weapons with varying levels of range, damage and rates of fire whilst tracking players performance.

Located outdoors, in woodlands on the shores of the beautiful Rutland Water reservoir, you can scavenge your environment to find utility boxes containing extra ammo, respawns. special weapon upgrades, medic packs and earn killstreaks whilst completing different missions.

RUMBLE LIVE ACTION GAMING

Rumble is popular for families, groups of friends, birthday parties, school trips, sports clubs as well as corporate teambuilding events and has over 250 five star Google reviews.

The family run attraction first opened at their Grafham Water venue in Cambridgeshire and blasted down with its latest venue at Rutland Water last year. It has since won multiple awards including Laser Tag Experience of the Year 2023/24 and Best Adrenaline Activity in 2023.

A session at Rumble costs £18 per player and lasts one hour with discounts available for larger groups of 12+ players. No minimum number required.

Suitable for players aged 6yrs+. Bookings can be made at rumblelive.co.uk or the friendly team are on-hand to answer any queries by phone 01480 592135 or email at ask@rumblelive.co.uk

WALTZ DOWN MEMORY LANE

Harlaxton Manor showcases a private collection of Winston Churchill memorabilia with live music, military vehicles, dancing and historical reenactments.

A picturesque Lincolnshire landmark set in a historic estate is hosting a 1940s extravaganza next month - and all are invited to attend the nostalgic spectacle. On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October, Harlaxton Manor will open its gates, which are usually strictly closed to the public, for the first event of its kind at the impressive stately home.

There will be live entertainment from the local wartime musical tribute act and 1940s vocalist Miss Sarah-Jane, as well as The Blitz Dancers demonstrating the favoured dances of the time, such as the waltz, foxtrot and tango. Taking centre stage for the two-day-long event will be a private collection of memorabilia honouring the wartime Prime Minister: ‘Meeting Winston Churchill’. This consists of a true-to-life waxwork model of the politician displayed in the Grade-I listed building’s incredible interior as well as highlights from the country’s biggest private collection of Churchill memorabilia - including a painting by the man himself.

There will also be a Winston Churchill lookalike, Steve McTigue, on hand to speak to guests as well as a variety of authentic military vehicles from the era prominently displayed, including Willys Jeeps, GPW Jeeps and Dodge WC51 weapons carriers. Finally, there will be a selection of WW2 reenactment groups to entertain and educate visitors from the perspectives of the RAF, RASC, Royal Artillery and Military Police (Provost).

Dr Holly Carter, Director and Dean of Harlaxton College said: “Harlaxton Manor is honoured to present this incredible private collection of Winston Churchill memorabilia - especially given that 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth.

“We’ll be showcasing some real items of historical interest that history buffs and those with an affinity for the military are sure to enjoy, as well as giving guests a true taste of the times with live 1940s music, dancers and military vehicles from the era such as proudly displayed in the Manor’s Front Circle.

“We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to the late Lord Cormack, the former CEO of Heritage Lincolnshire, who made this opportunity possible. Harlaxton Manor has a unique history tied directly to the war effort, making this a labour of love that honours the rich heritage of this

wonderful building and the last wishes of a much-loved diplomat.”

During wartime, Harlaxton Manor served as a military base for the nation’s armed forces. In 1942, RAF Harlaxton was recommissioned to accommodate The Royal Air Force's 1st Airborne Division - a crucial addition to the war situated in the heart of Bomber County.

Constructed in 1831 by businessman Gregory Gregory, the building has seen many varied uses - from a fine stately home to a trench warfare and artillery school, home to an eccentric businesswomen who saved the manor from demolition and regularly held seances on the property, a retreat for the Society of Jesus and finally as an overseas campus for the American University of Evansville.

Harlaxton Manor boasts an eclectic appearance unlike any other, featuring a magnificent fusion of Baroque, Elizabethan and Jacobean architecture, built in local Ancaster limestone and including French-style terraces, an Italian Garden, a Dutch ornamental canal and even an observatory.

The collection will only be available to view at Harlaxton Manor for a limited time, however, those who are unable to attend in October can enjoy the memorabilia as part of the Manor’s ‘Christmas Through the Ages’ spectacular, which kicks off in December - details of which will be announced shortly.

With free car parking, tickets to Harlaxton Manor’s 1940s weekend start from just £8.50. Entry is £15 per adult, £8.50 for children and £12 for concessions, with family tickets (for two adults and three children) available for £40, under 2s are complimentary. Advance booking is recommended, although a limited number of tickets will be available on the day. Harlaxton Manor welcomes guests from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm.

AN UNDERGRROUND ADVENTURE

City of Caves

The sandstone caves in Nottingham date back to the dark ages and at the City of Caves you can take a tour to uncover the fascinating stories beneath the surface of the city. Explore the only underground tannery in the country during a visit and see the Anderson air raid shelter, where thousands would seek refuge during the Second World War. There are also audio tours and performance tours are available every day throughout the school holidays, meaning there is even more reason to make exploring the caves an experience for the whole family to enjoy. Address: Garner's Hill, Nottingham NG1 1HF

Cave Escape

Enjoy an immersive escape room experience at Cave Escape, where groups put their logical skills to the test. Based in a part of the sandstone cave system that was once used as cellars, Cave Escape has a number of themed rooms all jam-packed full of twists, turns and puzzles that you’ll need to work

Beneath the surface, Nottingham has a unique network of over 800 caves that have been being used for a number of purposes throughout history. Today Nottingham’s caves offer a variety of experiences and days out in the city

member of the team before you make your descent into your chosen room – will you be able to crack the puzzles and complete all of the cryptic tasks in just an hour? Address: 63 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG1 3FN

Creswell Crags

Situated in North Nottinghamshire, Creswell Crags is a limestone gorge with a number of caves and smaller fissures. If there’s a history buff in the family, this place is a must visit destination – stone tools and animal remains that were found in the caves tell a fascinating story about life during the last Ice Age. The Ice Age Tours will enable children to learn all about life during the Ice Age and will answer any burning questions they have about what happened on Earth thousands of years ago. The Rock Art

your little ones the chance to discover engravings of animals, birds and motifs that are 13,000 years old! New for 2019 is the Witch Mark Tour, which uncovers hundreds of protective marks that have been discovered at Creswell Crags. Address: Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LH

Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem

It’s hailed as the oldest pub in England and Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem is also a destination for a day out in Nottingham. With all of its quaint nooks and small bars, the inn is almost like a mini museum too, so take the opportunity to uncover more about Nottingham’s history. Cellar tours are available, giving you the chance to learn more about the pub and those that would have frequented it many years ago. Address: 1 Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham, NG1 6AD

102nd Flintham Show

26th September 2024

It’s almost time for this year’s Flintham Show and what a show it is going to be!

Flintham and District Agricultural Society are looking forward to opening its doors this Thursday, 26th September welcoming visitors, exhibitors, judges, and committee members to the 102nd Flintham & District Ploughing Match & Show.

Gates open at 8.30am and both returning visitors or those visiting for the first time can enjoy an exciting day of country attractions.

The show site this year isa fantastic site at Hawksworth Manor, Hawksworth, Nottinghamshire, NG13 9DB by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Monk.

Tickets are available to buy on the Flintham Show website now at the pre-show discount of £13.50 for adults and £7.50 for 1421 year olds which will guarantee entry. Tickets on the day are £15, and under 14s are free.

Hospitality tickets are back by popular demand available via the website. They were extremely popular last year so don’t wait to get your tickets!

The show is steeped in tradition and is proud to stage the spectacle of the traditional horse and tractor ploughing competition which started the show over 100 years ago and is still a highlight today. Vintage, classic, and modern tractors will take part in the competition starting at 9am.

Visitors can enjoy browsing a variety of trade stands, watch the skilled competitors battle it out in a traditional hedging competition, enjoy Livestock displays, visit our horticultural marque, and refuel at our bar and refreshment area with live music as much more!

This year the Shetland Pony Grand National will be headlining the main, there will also be cattle and tractor parades and a horse and carriage display!

Tractor rides will be taking place all day, hands-on fishing displays and our educational zone is packed with opportunities for children to learn about farming heritage and students to gain advice about careers in agriculture. If you would like to enter any competitions, there are many categories from home baking and produce to photography and all details can be found on their website.