Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Here it is my 40 best summer events across the East Midlands to keep you busy all summer. This list includes events in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire. All events are family-friendly. Enjoy and report back by following us on social media. We’d love to hear what you have or haven’t enjoyed.
Please check with the attraction that everything is as advertised before you visit.
Belvoir Castle – Napoleonic Weekend – Leicestershire
When? 5th-6th August
Address: Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE
A Bit About – Witness the Napoleonic era brought to life with stunning regency dances, battle sequences and re-enactments in this recreation of early nineteenth-century Europe. Find yourself transported to the Belvoir Castle of the past in this deep dive into history, packed with plenty of exhilarating live weapons, uniforms and gunpowder! Plus other events
More about Belvoir Castle
Bolsover Castle – Legendary Joust – Derbyshire
When? 26th-28 August
Address: Bolsover Castle, Castle St, Bolsover, Derbyshire, S44 6PR
A Bit About – “Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost.” Plus other events
More about Bolsover Castle
Burghley House – Burghley Horse Trails – Lincolnshire
When? 31st August – 3rd September
Address: Peterborough, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3JY
A Bit About – “The world’s greatest 5* equestrian event, acknowledged globally by leading riders as their ultimate competitive goal, Defender Burghley is also a key date in the summer social season.
Fantastic crowds come from all parts of the country to witness exhilarating equestrian action while also browsing the world renowned shopping avenues and enjoying the many other attractions and activities on offer in this truly stunning location.”
More about Burghley House
Chapter House Open Air Theatre – Various Locations across the East Midlands
When? Various dates please see their website
A Bit About – Classic tale of Cinderella “Full of song, mirth, and joy for the summer ahead, join us on Cinderella’s journey of a lifetime to a magical ball where nearly anything is possible especially if it is before midnight.”
Chatsworth House – Chatsworth Country Fair – Derbyshire
When? 1st – 3rd September
Address: Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP
A Bit About – “The Chatsworth Country Fair is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events. Held in the 1000-acre parkland surrounding Chatsworth House, tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country join us for a fun family-friendly day out.
Enjoy three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, delicious food, fantastic shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities. All this plus a vintage fun fair, children’s climbing wall, bungee trampoline and much more.”
More about Chatsworth House
Conkers – Music Nights – Leicestershire
When? Various dates over the summer
Address: Rawdon Rd, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote DE12 6GA
A Bit About – The Outdoor Arena at Waterside supplies a superb range of events and extra entertainment throughout the year. This summer tribute acts include Jersey Boys tribute, That’s Showbisney, Eagles tribute, Pink Tribute, U2 Tribute, AC/DC Tribute and Elvis tribute
Crich Tramway Museum – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Derbyshire
When? 31st July – 4th August
Address: Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP
A Bit About – “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – A Woodland Walk Experience. Join Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (run by Notice this Notice Theatre Company). Follow Alice on her adventures through our woodland Wonderland, meeting some of the story’s most iconic characters. Expect an abundance of family friendly fun, and eccentric silliness in this lively new promenade performance of Lewis Carroll’s classic tales.” Plus other events
More about Crich Tramway Village
Gullivers Kingdom – See Lampo and Miladay – Derbyshire
When? Every day until the 4th of September
Address: Gulliver’s Kingdom, Temple Walk, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3PG
A Bit About – “Lampo and Milady will be appearing at intervals throughout each day at Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath. Our very special guests will be making daily appearances throughout the summer, with lots of cat-tastic and pawsome adventures!”
More about Gullivers Kingdom
Heckington show – Lincolnshire
When? 29th & 30th July
Address: Hall Grounds, Heckington, Sleaford NG34 9JF
A Bit About – “Held on the last full weekend in July, nothing quite matches Heckington Show for the relaxed way that it combines the intimacy of a village show with the expectation of the national stage. ​Heckington Show is a true family day out, a quintessentially English Summer occasion for families and friends to enjoy and take part in an event that brings competition and cooperation, pride and pleasure, sunshine and smiles to a Summer’s day. Run by volunteers for you to enjoy.”
Heights of Abraham – Punch and Judy Summer Spectacular – Derbyshire
When? 22nd July – September 3rd
Address: Heights of Abraham, Dale Rd, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3NT
A Bit About – “Another chance to see this spectacular new show. Take a seat at the summit and watch as Mr Punch returns centre stage to tell his new tale.”
More about Heights of Abraham
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre – East Kirkby Air Show – Lincolnshire
When? 5th August
Address: East Kirkby, Spilsby PE23 4DE
A Bit About – “This is our annual full airshow and is run to help raise funds for the ongoing restoration of Avro Lancaster NX611. We have limited tickets to 5,000 so it is vital that you try and buy your tickets early as we sold out last year. We will have re-enactors, Lancaster taxi runs, trade stalls, vintage cars, military vehicles and much more to give you an excellent family day out.” Plus other events
More about Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
Lincolnshire Showground – Steam and Vintage Rally – Lincolnshire
When? 19th-20th August
Address: Lincoln LN2 2NA
A Bit About – “Lincolnshire Steam and Vintage Rally is held at the Lincolnshire Showground in August of every year. It has over 1500 exhibits and a big reputation. Go back to yesteryear and discover these magnificent machines from Steam Engines Vintage Vehicles & Motorcycles to Tractors & Stationary Engines.”
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway – Various Events – Lincolnshire
When? See below
Address: Station Road, Ludborough, Lincolnshire, DN36 5SQ
A Bit About – 30th July Lincolnshire Louth Motor Club Classics. 13th August Cream Tea Special. 20th August Teddy Bear’s fun day event.
More about Lincolnshire Wolds Railway
Market Rasen Racecourse – Family Raceday – Lincolnshire
When? 6th August
Address: Legsby Rd, Market Rasen LN8 3EA
A Bit About – “Join us for our Family Extravaganza Raceday and meet BLUEY! Bluey will be here to meet and greet our youngest racegoers at intervals throughout the day. Enjoy a fantastic day of racing, complete with activities for the whole family.”
Matlock Farm Park – Various Events – Derbyshire
When? Various dates see below
Address: Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Ln, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5LH
A Bit About – 6th August the Big Bubble Man. 13th August Superhero fun day. 26th August Vintage Vehicle and Jurassic fun day. 27th August The Peak District Highland Games and Monday 28th August The Big Bubble Man.
More about Matlock Farm Park
Midland Railway Butterley – Transport Festival – Derbyshire
When? 16th July
Address: Butterley Station, Ripley DE5 3QZ
A Bit About – “The arena of the Swanwick Junction museum complex will be filled with an array of visiting road vehicles, together with our resident collection, demonstrating the changes through time of a wide variety of road transport. There should be something to interest everyone, with vehicles from the 1920s to a more modern period.”
Normanby Hall – Party in the Park – Lincolnshire
When? July 22nd
Address: Normanby Rd, Scunthorpe DN15 9HU
A Bit About – “Kick off the summer holidays in style at our Party in the Park 2023 on Saturday 22 July. With fun for the whole family to enjoy and the amazing Fleur East headlining the exciting line-up, it is set to be the best Party in the Park yet! Gates open at 1.30 pm with food, drink, fun fair rides, face painting and a full line-up of great entertainment.” Plus other events
Nottingham’s Riverside Festival – Nottinghamshire
When? 4th – 6th August
Address: Victoria Embankment
A Bit About – “The East Midlands’ biggest free festival returns to the banks of the Trent, celebrating summer as this hugely popular mid-summer festival returns. A mile-long stretch of fairground rides, games and attractions will be situated along the banks of the Trent, plus numerous street food vendors, bars and market stalls. River-based activities including Dragon Boat Racing will return, which has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years.”
Rand Farm – Rand Festival – Lincolnshire
When? 12th – 13th August
Address: Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ
A Bit About – “An incredible weekend of live music, play and fun for all the family”
Rockingham Castle – Various Events – Leicestershire
When? See below
Address: Rockingham Castle Estate, Rockingham, Market Harborough LE16 8TH
A Bit About – Rockingham Castle is hosting a number of family-friendly events this summer. 30th July Fairy Day. 3rd August Sense and Sensibility theatre performance. 12th August 21st Century Abba & Queen. 27th-28th August Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
More about Rockingham Castle
Rufford Abbey – Various Events – Nottinghamshire
When? See Below
Address: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF
A Bit About – 29th July Sing-a-long with Mirabel. Punch & Judy show on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th August. White Post Wednesday on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th August.
Find out more about Rufford Abbey
Skegness Raceway – Various Events – Lincolnshire
When? Various dates throughout the summer holidays
Address: Skegness Raceway, Marsh Ln, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE24 5JA
A Bit About – They have plenty of summer events at Skegness Raceway. Such as a summer special days with Slingshot Monster Truck car crushing. Broke FMX Motorcross stunt team and more.
More about Skegness Raceway
Splendour Festival 2023 – Wollaton Park – Nottinghamshire
When? 22nd – 23rd July
Address: Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire
A Bit About – “Splendour Festival is Nottinghamshire’s biggest festival. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, attendees can enjoy 5 stages of music that spans all genres; from fast-rising stars to world-class performers, and musical icons, Splendour line-ups are always a wonderful mix of acts that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Alongside the music, you can expect comedy, a funfair, a silent disco, independent market stalls, an array of gourmet food and drink, a dedicated kids’ area, and fringe activities.”
Superhero Picnic in the Park – Derbyshire Parks
When? 26th – 27th July
A Bit About – “The two-day event is back this year at Chaddesden Park on Wed 26 Jul and Darley Park on Thu 27 Jul. Dress as your favourite Superhero to be in with winning a prize. Attractions will vary at each park but will include sports and craft activities, gym try-out sessions, superhero trail, face painting, and much more.”
Thoresby Park – Gloworm Festival 2023 – Nottinghamshire
When? 11th-13th August
Address: Thoresby Park, Netherfield Ln, Newark NG22 9EP
A Bit About – “The Gloworm Festival is a brilliant 3-day Festival that has been specially created for grown-ups and their little people. We invite our festival goers to come and play in a warm, welcoming and creative environment, lose their inhibitions, let their hair down and have some fun. Here at the Gloworm Festival, we believe that Children are the most important people in the world, which is why this event is aimed at families with Children aged 0-13, with plenty for teenagers and grown-ups to enjoy too”
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