WHAT’S ON IN MAY
Seasonal events
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Market Harborough 1940s weekend
2-3 May 2026
A free 1940s-themed weekend at Harborough Market, bringing together vintage traders, classic vehicles, music, and dance. A chance to step back in time, enjoy the fashion and sounds of the era, and spend a relaxed weekend soaking up the atmosphere.
Market Harborough Indoor Market -
Wild Rutland safaris
3, 13 May 2026
Wild Rutland’s May programme of spring-focused nature walks and activities.
- Dawn Chorus Walks (3 May)
- Bluebell Deer Photographic Safari (13 May)Burley Woods, Rutland
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The Orchard's Brocante
16 May 2026
Boughton House gardens open for the National Garden Scheme in February, offering access to the landscape and seasonal plantings as winter begins to ease.
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BOOM Circus
23-25 May 2026
For three days only, Boom Circus arrives at Belvoir Retail Village with its Big Top and a high energy celebration of contemporary circus. Jaw dropping acrobatics, aerial feats and a playful mix of theatre, storytelling and audience involvement.
The Engine Yard Retail Village, Belvoir Castle
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Nevill Holt Festival
29 May - 21 June 2026
Nevill Holt Festival opens on 29 May, beginning its summer programme of opera, music, talks, and performance set within the estate.
Nevill Holt Estate
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Country at the Castle
30 May 2026
A boot stomping, sing along night bringing the spirit of country music to an unforgettable castle setting.
Performed by renowned country music talent Rory O’Neill, celebrating the heart of country music through storytelling, some of country’s most iconic songs and a powerful live sound.
Rockingham Castle
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Rutland County Show
31 May 2026
The much loved county show. A longstanding annual event celebrating local farming, food, rural traditions, and county life.
Rutland Showground
Supper clubs and cookery classes
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Cinco de Mayo at Hoggy's Grill
5 May 2026
Celebrate Thai New Year with a spring celebration full of colour and spice. Traditional Thai food and drinks infused with lemongrass, tamarind and warming curry spices, all cooked over the grill and served with a welcome drink.
Hoggy’s Grill, Rutland Nursery Manton
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Keythorpe Hall Dining Club
8 May 2026
An intimate evening of seasonal cooking, with a five course menu by in house chef Bent Varming. The dishes are shaped by what is growing in the walled garden and what can be sourced from nearby farms, letting the produce lead the way.
Keythorpe Hall, Tugby
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The Olive Branch Bread Masterclass
21 May 2026
A hands-on bread-making masterclass at a renowned restaurant, covering white loaves, date and walnut bread, bagels, and English muffins. A practical morning focused on technique and the simple satisfaction of making good bread from scratch, followed by a lunch in the pub.
The Olive Branch, Clipsham
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Hoggy's Grill
Various dates
Workshops at Hoggy’s Grill range from the best-selling Ultimate Burger class to meat masterclasses, introductions to grilling, seafood, and gourmet cooking. Led by Hoggy himself, each session is hands-on, lively, and focused on building real confidence in the kitchen.
Hoggy’s Grill, Rutland Nursery
Workshops and talks
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Art Social, Curious Magpie
7 May 2026
A regular creative event hosted by @art.social.uk, held on the first Thursday of each month. Drop in to draw, paint, and experiment with materials. Supplies provided and a relaxed, bring-your-own-tipple atmosphere.
Curious Magpie, Mountsorrel
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A Natural Remedy
29 May 2026
A talk by Dr Tim Mackrill, founder of the Osprey Leadership Foundation, exploring the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. This free event is part of Thrive and Bloom, a monthly non-commercial community project at Rutland Nursery.
Rutland Nursery
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Flow with Flowers
31 May 2026
Where gentle yoga and mindfulness meet seasonal flower arranging. Hosted at The Leicestershire Flower Farm in collaboration with A Soulful Sanctuary, this is a chance to slow down, reconnect, and spend time making something beautiful.
The Leicestershire Flower Farm
Sporting challenges and events
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Boughton Backyard Ultra
2-3 May 2026
The ultimate 24 hour endurance running event returns to Boughton.
Boughton House -
Burghley Multisport Weekend
8-10 May 2026
A weekend of multiple sporting events held at the Burghley Estate, featuring running events from 5k to half marathon, triathlon and a rare opportunity to swim the parkland lake.
Burghley House
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Run Rabbit Trail Festival
9-10 May 2026
A trail-running weekend built around challenge and community. Take on one event or commit to the full Quest, then stick around to eat, rest, and swap stories with fellow runners in a relaxed festival setting.
Deene Park Estate
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Market Harborough Half Marathon
17th May 2026
The inaugural Market Harborough Half Marathon, set on closed roads through the surrounding countryside. A spring run with a lively town-centre finish, live music, and food and drink waiting in the event village.
Market Harborough
FIND YOUR NOTSWOLDS
Whether you’re chasing adventure, uncovering hidden stories, getting creative, tasting your way through the region, or simply slowing down, the Notswolds has something for you. Explore the calendar, pick your moment, and make it your own.
Share your Notswolds experiences on social. Tag @notswolds and use #notswoldsmoments to be part of the story.
RECOMMEND YOUR NOTSWOLDS
Do have a favourite events in the Notswolds that you think we should know about? Get in touch at hq@notswolds.com.