Last Updated on June 17, 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? 25th-26th August
Address: Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE
A Bit About – Join us for a weekend of immersive history as we transport you back to the time of Napoleon. At Belvoir Castle, we’ll be hosting a grand reenactment of the epic battles that shaped Europe. Witness the clash of the mighty armies, the charge of the horses, and the roar of the muskets. Re-live this fascinating era of European history through the eyes of those who were there. Experience the excitement of the Napoleonic era like never before, with our stunning reenactment displays and living history encampments. Other events at Belvoir Castle.
More about Belvoir Castle
Bolsover Castle – Various Events – Derbyshire
When? See below
Address: Bolsover Castle, Castle St, Bolsover, Derbyshire, S44 6PR
A Bit About – 27th-28th July Siege! at Bolsover Castle. 17th-18th August Cavendish horses. 24th-26th August Legendary Joust – 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. Find out more.
More about Bolsover Castle
Burghley House – Children’s Workshop – Lincolnshire
When? 2nd August
Address: Peterborough, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3JY
A Bit About – Join our professional dancer in a fun and interactive Chinese Dragon Dance Workshop. Taking place on the beautiful front lawns of Burghley House, children will learn a Chinese dance routine using a traditional Chinese dragon, parasols and fans. The workshop culminates in an exciting dance performance for parents including the Chinese Dragon Parade. Other events at Burghley House.
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 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy. Let yourself be whisked away on an enchanting journey to the most magical of forests and meet bewitched lovers, playful fairies, and hilarious travelling players. Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful musical score and fine performances come together to make this 25th-anniversary performance an evening of unmissable summer garden theatre. Plus Pride and Prejudice. Little Women and more.
Chatsworth House – Various Events – Derbyshire
When? See below
Address: Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP
A Bit About – 29th July – 28th August – Summer holiday art in the park. 3rd – 16th August – The Big Tree climb. Various dates August – Children’s learn to grow workshop. 9th August – Children’s nocturnal walk bats and beasties. 30th August – 1st September Chatsworth County Fair. Plus other events.
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 80s Mania, The Ragdolls Jersey Boys tribute. Talon, the best of The Eagles, Michael Jackson Tribute, Pink Tribute, Total Pop Party and Elvis Tribute. Find out more
Crich Tramway Museum – Various Events – Derbyshire
When? See below
Address: Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP
A Bit About – 27th July – Dinosaur Day. 5th-6th August Build It. 10th-11th August Sounds of the 1950s and 60s. 12th August Discovery Week. 19th August Woodland Week. 25th-26th August Teddy Bear’s Picnic. 30th August – 3rd September Outdoor Theatre. Find out more.
More about Crich Tramway Village
Gullivers Kingdom – Summer Sparks Spectacular – Derbyshire
When? 31st August
Address: Gulliver’s Kingdom, Temple Walk, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3PG
A Bit About – Celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath with our Summer Sparks Spectacular! Enjoy extra ride time with our extended opening hours (10:30 am – 8:30 pm) ahead of a fantastic fireworks display starting at approximately 8:45 pm!
More about Gulliver’s Kingdom
Heckington show – Lincolnshire
When? 27th-28th 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. Find out more
Heights of Abraham – Punch and Judy Spectacular – Derbyshire
When? 20th July – 1st September
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. Events at Heights of Abraham
More about Heights of Abraham
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre – East Kirkby Air Show – Lincolnshire
When? 3rd 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 will have re-enactors, Lancaster taxi runs, trade stalls, vintage cars, military vehicles and much more to give you an excellent family day out. Take a look at the news section below for up-to-date information on the ground activities and flying displays. Plus other events.
More about Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
Matlock Farm Park – Various Events – Derbyshire
When? See below
Address: Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Ln, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5LH
A Bit About – 20th July – Chase from Paw Patrol. 27th July – Dinosaur fun day. 4th August – Snow sisters. 10th August – Circus skills. 24th August Megaslam wrestling. 25th August 2024 Peak District Highland Games. 26th August Superhero Bank Holiday fun day. Find out more about these events.
More about Matlock Farm Park
Midland Railway Butterley – Victorian Trains to the Seaside – Derbyshire
When? 24th – 26th August
Address: Butterley Station, Ripley DE5 3QZ
A Bit About – Join us over the Bank Holiday Weekend and step back in time to experience travel as it would have been over 100 years ago. The restored vintage carriages will be brought out of the museum and steam hauled for visitors to enjoy a taste of rail travel of the past. Find Out More
More about Midland Railway Butterly
Normanby Hall – Party in the Park – Lincolnshire
When? 20th July
Address: Normanby Rd, Scunthorpe DN15 9HU
A Bit About – North Lincolnshire’s biggest family music festival returns this summer – and tickets are on sale now! Headlining Party in the Park 2024 is the amazing Donna Marie performing as Lady Gaga. Brandon Mazumder as Bruno Mars (including a full band) will also be joining us on the Normanby Stage and other bands. Plus other events
More about Normanby Hall
Rand Farm – Rand Festival – Lincolnshire
When? 16th-18th August
Address: Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ
A Bit About – Prepare to be transported through time and genres with our stellar lineup of tribute acts, paying homage to major pop stars who have shaped the music landscape. From 90s classics to modern hits, you’ll find yourself dancing the days away to the tunes of your favourite artists. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – we’re also bringing your beloved TV characters to life, ensuring smiles and laughter abound for all. Find out more
Rockingham Castle – Various Events – Leicestershire
When? See below
Address: Rockingham Castle Estate, Rockingham, Market Harborough LE16 8TH
A Bit About – 20th July – RSPCA Rockingham Rocks. 25th July Little Women outdoor theatre. 4th August Dinosaur Day. 16th August Legends Live Abba and Elton. 17th August Legends Live Motown by Moonlight. Find Out more.
More about Rockingham Castle
Rufford Abbey – Summer Superpower Trail – Nottinghamshire
When? 13th July – 3rd September
Address: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF
A Bit About – Embark on a thrilling journey through our woodland trail and uncover an amazing superpower at each stop. Do you dream of possessing super strength or the speed of the wind? Maybe you wish you could fly? Discover your favourite superpower as you explore the trail! Plus other events.
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 summer special days with Big Thunder Monster Truck car crushing and Broke FMX Motorcross stunt team. See their events schedule.
More about Skegness Raceway
Thoresby Park – Back 2 Festival – Nottinghamshire
When? 23rd – 25th August
Address: Thoresby Park, Netherfield Ln, Newark NG22 9EP
A Bit About – The UK’s BIGGEST nostalgic festival returns for its 9th year here at Thoresby Park! The site offers an amazing landscape for a truly epic weekend of the very best 80s, 90s, & 00s music. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as we step back in time for 4 days of the very best entertainment.
4 days of music over the August bank holiday weekend. Find out more.
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