BEAULIEU International Autojumble 10th & 11th September 2011

Beaulieu’s most famous motoring event, the International Autojumble, takes place on the 10th and 11thSeptember in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, and is the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic.

The event that started as a one day show with 75 stands in 1967 is now in its 45^th year and boasts over 2,000 stands. Beaulieu’s Events Manager, Judith Maddox said: “This popular event is going from strength to strength with demand for stand space increasing year on year. Advance ticket sales are also well up on last year.”

With stands, groaning with all kinds of vintage and classic motoring ephemera - motoring parts, accessories, automobilia, literature, tools and clothing, there is something for everyone and lots of bargains to be had.This iconic event enjoys the reputation that; “if you can’t find it at Beaulieu, it doesn’t’ exist!” The traditionally cosmopolitan flavour of the International Autojumble will be much in evidence again this year with both exhibitors and visitors coming from all continents of the world.

In the Automart there will be up to 200 cars on offer, from restoration projects to cars in concours condition while the DealerMart will have a selection of classic cars for sale.

On Saturday, Bonhams will be holding an auction of Collectors’ motor cars and automobilia. Among the star lots going under the hammer is a superb 1904 Cadillac Model B, which has previously been a winner of several concours awards in the USA, and is estimated to sell for £60,000-£80,000. A very early 1910 Ford Model T Tourer (est. £25,000 - £30,000) a 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Shooting Brake with an estimate of £80,000-£100,000, and a 1904 Cadillac Model A Delivery Van (est. £60,000 - £80,000) are also on offer in the sale.

On Sunday, the popular Trunk Traders will offer amateur autojumblers the opportunity to sell their surplus motoring bits from the back of their cars.

The Autojumble is open from 10am on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday. Ticket prices are 1-day adult, £14.00 (Sat), £12.30 (Sun), child £8.00 (Sat), £7.70 (Sun), even less for a two day ticket and booked in advance. For advance tickets telephone 01590 612888 or visit www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Visitors to the event will be able to enjoy all the Beaulieu attractions, including the National Motor Museum’s latest exhibition ‘Feats of Endurance’ showcasing a number of vehicles that have stretched the boundaries of motoring endurance, plus World of Top Gear, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey ruins.

For stand enquires, call the Events team on 01590 614614 or email: events@beaulieu.co.uk

'Sports Train' pulls into World Of Top Gear

The actual TGV12 ‘sports train’ from the latest series of the popular TV motoring programme has just pulled into the World of Top Gear Exhibition at Beaulieu. The ‘sports train’ was driven by Jeremy during Top Gear’s valiant attempt to reduce the cost of railway travel using innovative car-based rolling stock. The ‘locomotive’ is really little more than an old jag convertible with some different wheels and the ‘carriage’ is actually an old caravan with the top sawn off, some racing seats bolted to the floor and a massive spoiler on the back!

Yet, this simplicity is also the very genius of Clarkson’s creation and might explain why the TGV12 successfully completed a journey from very near Leicester all the way to the outskirts of Loughborough and, unlike the train created by Hammond and May, did so without catching fire or getting clobbered by a real train along the way. Strangely, none of the major rail networks have shown any interest in this innovative design which is why it’s at Beaulieu instead.

The World of Top Gear features a collection of cars, created by the presenters, for some of their most ambitious challenges on the TV show over the years. Exhibition highlights include the Top Gear ‘Enormodrome’ which recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio, where the TV show is filmed in front of a live audience.

Regular features from the programme including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ boards are kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

World of Top Gear can be viewed as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction including the National Motor Museum with its collection of over 250 vehicles, the James Bond exhibition with genuine vehicles and memorabilia from the films, Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and the 13^th century Beaulieu Abbey.

Beaulieu is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit Treasure Houses of England

Celebrate the Best of the Countryside at Chatsworth Country Fair

Tickets are selling fast for the 30^th Chatsworth Country Fair with many families keen to take advantage of a great value day out at the spectacular three day event taking place from 2 to 4 September 2011 where children under 14 get in free. Held in the park of Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the outdoor event was set up three decades ago with the idea of giving families from nearby cities the opportunity to come out and enjoy the countryside.

Now 30 years on, the fair is still delivering on its initial promise by allowing children in free to enjoy an action packed day full of fun and entertainment from 9am to 6.60pm.

Fair organiser Christopher Lloyd Owen said: “The fair is a fantastic day out for all the family as well as excellent value too. There is loads for children to see, try and discover from the old-fashioned fairground to walking on water, pony rides and a fun family dog show. The spectacular entertainment can’t fail to draw gasps and includes a top army parachute team dropping down at speed into our main ring and the Household Cavalry performing The Musical Ride.”

This year, Michael Vaughan, the former England cricket captain and a regular visitor to the Derbyshire country estate, is fair President and will be out and about meeting the crowds on the opening day.

Michael Vaughan, who lives in Baslow, said: “I’ve been many times to the Chatsworth Country Fair with my family and always had a great time, so I was delighted to be asked to be involved. Having lived in Derbyshire for six years, I believe this event is a great showcase of rural life as well as the chance to see lots of fantastic entertainment and try out a few new activities as well.”

The fair also boasts one of the largest Horse Driving meets of the year, one of the biggest hot air balloon lifts, a major sporting clay pigeon shoot, the All England pipe band championship, a top-class sheep dog trial, one of the best gundog team tests in England, a busy fishing area and a large fine food village with a cookery theatre with demonstrations from top chefs.

The huge fair site on the banks of the river Derwent will also provide plenty of hands-on activities for visitors, from clay pigeon shooting, kite flying, catapults, archery and competitions for dogs and their owners including a fun family dog show.

Tickets for the Country Fair are priced £15 on Friday, £17 on both Saturday and Sunday with children under 14 admitted free. For more information and to buy advance tickets visit www.chatsworthcountryfair.co.uk

Chatsworth house, garden, stables shops, restaurant and the farm shop in Pilsley will be open as normal. The Farmyard will be closed during Country Fair.

Celebrate the Best of the Countryside at Chatsworth Country Fair

Tickets are selling fast for the 30^th Chatsworth Country Fair with many families keen to take advantage of a great value day out at the spectacular three day event taking place from 2 to 4 September 2011 where children under 14 get in free. Held in the park of Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the outdoor event was set up three decades ago with the idea of giving families from nearby cities the opportunity to come out and enjoy the countryside.

Now 30 years on, the fair is still delivering on its initial promise by allowing children in free to enjoy an action packed day full of fun and entertainment from 9am to 6.60pm.

Fair organiser Christopher Lloyd Owen said: “The fair is a fantastic day out for all the family as well as excellent value too. There is loads for children to see, try and discover from the old-fashioned fairground to walking on water, pony rides and a fun family dog show. The spectacular entertainment can’t fail to draw gasps and includes a top army parachute team dropping down at speed into our main ring and the Household Cavalry performing The Musical Ride.”

This year, Michael Vaughan, the former England cricket captain and a regular visitor to the Derbyshire country estate, is fair President and will be out and about meeting the crowds on the opening day.

Michael Vaughan, who lives in Baslow, said: “I’ve been many times to the Chatsworth Country Fair with my family and always had a great time, so I was delighted to be asked to be involved. Having lived in Derbyshire for six years, I believe this event is a great showcase of rural life as well as the chance to see lots of fantastic entertainment and try out a few new activities as well.”

The fair also boasts one of the largest Horse Driving meets of the year, one of the biggest hot air balloon lifts, a major sporting clay pigeon shoot, the All England pipe band championship, a top-class sheep dog trial, one of the best gundog team tests in England, a busy fishing area and a large fine food village with a cookery theatre with demonstrations from top chefs.

The huge fair site on the banks of the river Derwent will also provide plenty of hands-on activities for visitors, from clay pigeon shooting, kite flying, catapults, archery and competitions for dogs and their owners including a fun family dog show.

Tickets for the Country Fair are priced £15 on Friday, £17 on both Saturday and Sunday with children under 14 admitted free. For more information and to buy advance tickets visit www.chatsworthcountryfair.co.uk

Chatsworth house, garden, stables shops, restaurant and the farm shop in Pilsley will be open as normal. The Farmyard will be closed during Country Fair. For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

REVVING UP FOR SUPERCAR START-UP 2011

This Bank Holiday Monday, 29^th August, Beaulieu’s fifth annual Supercar Start-Up will be revving into action, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to hear the unique melodies created by some of the most prestigious supercars, as they are put through their start-up paces in the Beaulieu Arena. This year’s event looks set to be the biggest yet, with over forty five supercars confirmed to appear.

The impressive line-up of vehicles on display includes the 1928 Mercedes-Benz and Graham Hill Lotus 49 from the National Motor Museum collection. They will be joined by some of the elite of the supercar world, a Ferrari Enzo, McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda, Maserati GranTurismo Stradale, Audi R8, the latest Ferrari 458 Italia and the new and highly exciting gull wing Mercedes SLS.

In addition to these vehicles, some heavyweights of the supercar world, Porsche of Bournemouth, Westover Nissan and Bentley Hampshire, will also be bringing a selection of their beautiful motors to display and demonstrate.

At twelve noon a selection of these supercars will be powering up to take part in a Demonstration Run through the Beaulieu parkland. This exciting new element to the event allows visitors to watch as these exquisite supercars open up their engines at full throttle, giving a tantalising glimpse of what their powerful engines are really capable of – a must-see for petrol-heads.

During the afternoon in the Beaulieu Arena, motoring commentator Graham Robson will be talking to the drivers about their vehicles. A People’s Choice Award will be presented to the best supercar in attendance, as voted for by the day’s visitors, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy and £100 prize money. Every visitor who casts a vote will be entered into a separate draw to win a ride in the passenger seat of the lead car, travelling through the grounds in the afternoon’s Supercar Cavalcade.

This event can be enjoyed as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction, which includes the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, the James Bond Experience, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

For more information, please visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk or telephone 01590 612345.

Pre-book and children go FREE to the Harewood Show

Harewood presents two great days of entertainment for all the family over the August Bank Holiday Weekend and children go free (2 children free with 1 paying adult) if you pre-book! The UK’s premier military aerial display squad, RAF Falcon Parachute Display Team will amaze the crowds at Harewood on Bank Holiday Monday 29 August, with courageous air displays that’ll take your breath away. On the Sunday 28th August, the Harley Davidson rally team will join in the fun and much loved TV characters Ben & Holly and the Waybuloo Piplings look forward to meeting their fans on both days.

The Harewood line-up includes not just the four Piplings from Waybuloo, Ben Elf and Princess Holly from Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, but Cowboys and Indians from Make A Wish Entertainment, an agility dog show, a mini crazy golf course, fun fair and loads of creative activities to keep little ones amused. Test your head for heights and have a go at the climbing wall and, on Monday 29 August, the RAF Falcons Parachuting Display Team will be landing in our midst. Enjoy the Adventure Playground, Bird Garden and grounds, hear good music, visit the Harewood Shop or indulge in great family menus sourced from local ingredients – it’s a great day out for families with children of all ages and Harewood comes up trumps with this fun-filled extravaganza.

Text SHOW followed by your name to 60066 and a member of the team will ring you back within 24 hours, call our box office between 10am to 5pm on 0113 218 1000 or visit our web site and book online. Children go free with pre-booked tickets only, available until Friday 26th August - maximum number of 2 children per 1 paying adult aged 16 and under. Tickets cost £10 Adults, £6 Child, £9 Senior Citizens, £29 Family and £6 Student for tickets bought on the day. Harewood members enjoy 75% off entry prices. Visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk for more information.

Gardening Talent Blooms at Chatsworth

Chatsworth has appointed young gardening talent Steve Porter to take over the reins at the 105-acre garden and parkland where some of the most iconic names in horticulture including Joseph Paxton and Capability Brown have played their part in shaping the stunning landscape in previous centuries.

Steve (35) started out his gardening career with The National Trust, becoming their youngest ever Head Gardener at just 23 years old and making headlines across the gardening industry for such a high achievement.

His arrival at Chatsworth came four years ago as he was appointed as Assistant Head, learning a wealth of knowledge under the wing of highly experienced Ian Webster, the previous Head Gardener who is retiring after four decades. Steve is now leading a team of 25 gardeners and estate workers, working to maintain and continually improve the garden and park and a host of new projects designed to increase enjoyment of what is one of the most loved gardens and parks in the country.

For Steve one of the best parts of the job is being able to work closely with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, who get thoroughly involved with all aspects of their estate and have a particular a passion for the 105-acre garden.

Steve says, “It feels a great honour to be taking up this post for one of the most iconic gardens in Britain, following in the tradition of some of the most famous gardeners that have ever lived, and also caring for a place that so many people have either a connection or passion for”.

Antony Gormley salutes Harewood as one of the premier venues for the arts in the North

Antony Gormley and his iron figures ‘State I and State II’ in the Terrace Gallery, Harewood House, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Photography Tim Smith

On Friday 19th August, Antony Gormley’s exhibition ‘Two States’ was officially launched with a Summer Party at Harewood House, Leeds. The two new sculptures are in the Terrace Gallery at Harewood House which is open every day until 30th October.

In a speech at the preview of the show, Gormley spoke warmly of his feelings for Harewood and explained how he shares the late Lord Harewood’s admiration for work by Sir Jacob Epstein, who carved the renowned alabaster figure ‘Adam’ which is the centre piece of the Hall at Harewood and was shown at the Edinburgh Festival in 1961 under Lord Harewood’s direction. The Terrace Gallery celebrated its 21st anniversary in 2010 as the first contemporary art space within a country house and Gormley commented on how he was inspired to produce these extraordinary sculptures in cast iron, specifically for this space, with its four load-bearing columns and classically simple architecture. 
 

Antony Gormley and hie iron figures.
Photography Tim Smith

‘Two States’ is open from 10.30 to 4pm every day in the Terrace Gallery, accessible through Below Stairs and the Terrace Café entrance until 30th October. Entry is included with a Grounds ticket. Visit http://www.harewood.org/whats-on/exhibitions/1/744 or call 0113 218 1010 for details.

‘George Harewood: A Life Well Lived,’ an exhibition celebrating the life of the late Lord Harewood continues on the State Floor until 30th October.

TOP FLIGHT: RAF PARACHUTE INTO HAREWOOD

Harewood presents two great days of entertainment for all the family over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.  The UK’s premier military aerial display squad, RAF Falcon Parachute Display Team will amaze the crowds at Harewood on Bank Holiday Monday 29 August, with courageous air displays that’ll take your breath away.  On the Sunday, the Harley Davidson rally team will join in the fun and much loved TV characters Ben & Holly and the Waybuloo Piplings look forward to meeting their fans on both days.

The Harewood line-up includes not just the four Piplings from Waybuloo, Ben Elf and Princess Holly from Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, but Cowboys and Indians from Make A Wish Entertainment, an agility dog show, a mini crazy golf course, fun fair and loads of creative activities to keep little ones amused.  Test your head for heights and have a go at the climbing wall and, on 29 August, the RAF Falcons Parachuting Display Team will be landing in our midst.  Enjoy the Adventure Playground, Bird Garden and grounds, hear good music, visit the Harewood Shop or indulge in great family menus sourced from local ingredients – it’s a great day out for families with children of all ages and Harewood comes up trumps with this fun-filled extravaganza.

Win a chance to perform at Harewood!  If you are a magician, singer, dancer, stunt artist, belong to a choir or a band, then upload your music/video clip to You Tube and post a comment with the link on our You Tube page http://www.youtube.com/user/theharewoodchannel to win a chance to perform in front an audience at our Harewood Show!

NEW WORKS BY GORMLEY AT HAREWOOD THIS SUMMER

Work in Progress at the Foundry (Photo Colin Davison)

Two new pieces of work by the internationally renowned sculptor Antony Gormley will be unveiled at Harewood House this summer.

Harewood is one of the nation’s premiere venues for contemporary arts with the pieces on show in The Terrace Gallery from 13 August to 30 October. The Terrace Gallery was the first designated contemporary art space to be created in the setting of an English country house, and Harewood has hosted ground-breaking exhibitions in this space ever since.

Gormley’s work ranges from major public works, one-man shows to public participation pieces and you’ll see his works as far and wide as St Petersburg, Mexico, Beijing and Australia. The Angel of the North is one of his most well-known works.

Antony Gormley’s Two States will follow Harewood’s recent exhibition Finding Adam: Epstein and Harewood, and will be a nod to the relationship between the two artists’ work as Epstein was a key early influence on the development of Gormley’s art.

Gormley says: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to show two works at Harewood House, which has long been associated with Adam, Epstein’s powerful evocation of masculine yearning carved from a massive block of English alabaster.

‘My material is iron. Smelted and cast, it also engages with the block but uses the language of architecture to interpret the male human body as an unstable space made up of individual cells fused and propped together.

‘The room in which the works will be shown is supported by four stone columns that make you aware of the load path of the building. I hope that these two works, in which columns and masses describe an unsteady vertical stack twisting through 90 degrees, will allow the viewer to feel and think about his or her own body as an unsteady vertical mass in space.’

A short film will accompany the exhibition at Harewood, documenting the making of the works including an exclusive interview with Antony Gormley.

Two States will run from 13 August until 30 October 2011

Breast Cancer Care's Bike Blenheim Palace

A Festival of Cycling on 21 August 2011
Blenheim Palace is delighted to announce the annual cycling festival is taking place on Sunday 21 August 2011.   The Palace grounds will open up to cycling with thousands taking to the oak-lined roads of Blenheim Palace's World Heritage Site Park.

Attracting over 5000 people in 2010, this unique event has established itself as one of the most exciting cycling events in the country; from the speed of the 20k Time Trial, Cycling Weekly's tough 60 or 100 mile road Sportive, the spectacular Brompton World Championship to the gentle family rides and activities in the Event village.

New for 2011 is the Breast Cancer Care marathon distance Pink Ribbonride in association with Oakley.  This is a fantastic challenge for those who might find the longer Sportive distances daunting.  Breast Cancer Care are inviting all to join them in the 26.2mile ride through the beautiful Park and into the Cotswolds, and help raise money for people living with breast cancer.

This unique event has something for everyone from the competitive cycling fanatics to families looking for somewhere safe to ride their bikes in beautiful surroundings.  Take part in one of the races, browse the Event Village including the specialist retailers and additional arenas for Bike Polo and M.A.D mountain bike stunt team, or simply come to watch cyclists of all ages take to the beautiful winding roads of Blenheim Palace.

For more information or to register visit www.bikeblenheimpalace.com

National Treasures Live comes to Beaulieu

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has been chosen as one of the locations for a new, peak time series showing on BBC1 and fronted by historian Dan Snow and BBC Breakfast presenter Sian Williams. In a lively mix of film reports, Dan and Sian, together with a team of celebrity reporters and historians, will reveal some of the country’s most mysterious, surprising and compelling stories.

The programme, to be broadcast live from Beaulieu at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 31st August, will tell the story of early motoring and feature a number of vehicles from the museum’s collection including a replica of the first practical motor car, the 1886 Benz, and the Grenville Steam Carriage, the earliest passenger carrying road vehicle still running.

Martin Davidson, Commissioning Editor, History and Business, says: “National Treasures Live is a fresh and exciting approach to telling the story of Britain’s shared past, bringing popular history to the heart of BBC1.  I’m thrilled that Dan and Sian, together with our other experts and enthusiasts, will help bring history to life for our audiences, showcasing all the exciting events, people and stories from across the UK.”

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn added: “2011 marks the 125th anniversary of the invention of the motor car and we are delighted that National Treasures has chosen to come to Beaulieu to celebrate this motoring milestone.”

Get 'On Yer Bike' at Castle Howard on Sunday 7th August

Get ‘On Your Bike’ on a family cycle event on Sunday 7th August. No ordinary family freewheeling, here you can have a go on all sorts of bikes from toddler’s push-alongs to pedal-powered Scaletrix and 8-seater mega-bikes. Once the action has worn out little legs you can browse the exhibition of vintage bikes in the Boar Garden

Summer Family Fun at Treasure Houses

Roll up families; discover a feast of fun at Treasure Houses throughout England. There’s a programme stacked with entertainment and pizzazz, Treasure Houses are coming to life with a range of activities for the whole family. Enjoy outdoor theatre and film performances, muddy your boots on the farms, sip afternoon tea and run wild under lush canopies in summer gardens. Here is just a taster of what’s on offer to stretch little feet and big imaginations this summer holidays:

Beauulieu Abbey Cloisters

Beaulieu 
Witness birds of prey in flight within Beaulieu Abbey’s cloisters and gen up on the history of falconry. Every day between 16th July – 4th September there will be flying demonstrations and talks with falconer Paul Manning.


Blenheim
Join in a story-telling tour with a costumed housemaid, ladies’ maid or butler and find out how the other half lived during Victorian times. Throughout the summer (from 23rd July – 29th August) a series of ‘Below Stairs Stories by the Victorian Servants’ will take you through the daily chores and strict hierarchy of a bygone era in this magnificent palace.

Burghley
Embark on a quest to discover magic, myths and legends in the Festival of Surprises, running from 30th July – 12th August. This fortnight of special events is guaranteed to keep children of all ages (and adults) entertained with themed activities and garden workshops designed to take you back in time. During the first week of the programme enjoy treasure hunts, bouncy pole jousting and Tudor dancing as you are introduced to King Arthur’s Realm, or during the second weekend take part in balloon modelling, magic shows and face painting at the Jester’s Fair.

Castle Howard
Get ‘On Your Bike’ on a family cycle event on Sunday 7th August. No ordinary family freewheeling, here you can have a go on all sorts of bikes from toddler’s push-alongs to pedal-powered Scaletrix and 8-seater mega-bikes. Once the action has worn out little legs you can browse the exhibition of vintage bikes in the Boar Garden. Also at Castle Howard is a Medieval-themed children’s weekend (28-29 August) with a horse-stunt rider, Birds of Prey, archery and dressing up as knights and princesses.

Chatsworth
Search for hidden gems at Chatsworth on a series of discovery tours around the estate. Find Queen Victoria’s Squirty Willow on Little Explorers and Hidden Gems trails around the 105-acre gardens, and uncover all manner of Treasures, Trinkets and Bewildering Bits in the house. Alternatively take a walk on the wild side, building dens, handling reptiles and examining bugs on Wednesdays, at nature-themed workshops in the farmyard.

Harewood House
Families will be hard-pushed to cram the fun of Harewood House into a single day this summer. What with nearly 100 species of rare exotic birds, an outdoor adventure playground and The Geopods indoor interactive play zone, how on earth will you find time to dress up in servants’ clothes and step into Victorian times? Throughout the school holidays there will be range of craft activities from soap sculpture to African-drum making. And don’t forget there is also the classic ‘Snow White’ play rounding up the summer’s theatre performances on August 19th.

A happy pig at Hatfields new Farm

Hatfield House
Ride on the tractor, feed the animals and get lost in the maize maze at the new Hatfield Park Farm. Children get free entry (accompanied by a paying adult) into this traditional breed farm, and admission also gets you into the Bloody Hollow adventure play area.  Exclusive shopping and free parking.

Holkham Hall
Play alongside Ratty and Mole in your own production of Wind in the Willows with Cambridge Touring Theatre. During a 3-day workshop from 9th – 11th August you can take charge of stage management, acting, singing, dancing, publicity and, finally, the production of your play to friends and family. Suitable for children from 7–11 years, booking essential.
Throughout August there is weekly theatre performances in the courtyard  from the ‘Wind in the Willows’ to Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

Leeds Castle
Messing around on boats is the best way to enjoy the summer, and at Leeds Castle you can do just that on The Black Swan cruise to the maze and play area. (£1 charge per person each way.) Bringing the holidays to a close on 9th September, you can see sunset jousting against the historic backdrop of the 900 year-old castle before an open-air screening of ‘A Knight’s Tale’, starring Heath Ledger. (The film is rated PG. Gates open at 6pm. Adult £20, children £15).

Woburn Abbey
What could be more enchanting on a lovely summer’s day than to enjoy an open air theatre performance amongst the stunning setting of the gardens of Woburn Abbey?   With three family fun plays, there is something for everyone to enjoy!   Bring your family and friends and join us with your blankets, low-backed chairs, scrummy picnics and something chilled to drink and be transported away to worlds of romance, comedy and fairytales on a fine summer’s evening.  There are also free of charge children’s activities going on in the Abbey Gardens every Wednesday during the school holidays (27th July – 31st August).