Chatsworth - What’s On Summer 2014

Chatsworth’s summer season promises something for everyone this year: the highlights include the Pride & Prejudice Regency Ball; the Peak District Triathlon; Proms Spectacular; Party in the Garden; and in late August there is a performance of Romeo & Juliet in the Garden before the Chatsworth Country Fair and the Beyond Limits monumental sculpture show close the summer and take Chatsworth into the autumn.

12 July: Pride and Prejudice Regency Ball
Following the enormous success of last year’s event, Chatsworth returns with its Pride and Prejudice themed ball. As the probable inspiration behind Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s home in the Jane Austen novel, visitors will be able to experience Georgian life against the backdrop of one of England’s greatest country estates. The dinner and dance will begin with a drinks reception and canapés in the Painted Hall, followed by a regency themed 5 course dinner served in the elegant surroundings of the Carriage House restaurant with live entertainment.

13 July: The Peak District Triathlon is a new and exciting event taking place on the grounds of Chatsworth and is already tipped to become a firm favourite on the UK triathlon calendar. Starting at the beautiful 18th century bridge, contestants will be expected to take a swim in the River Derwent, followed by a cycle route in the picturesque Peak District and a scenic run around the Chatsworth Estate. For those not taking part, there will also be a range of family friendly activities on offer including a children’s adventure playground, farmyard, the house, shops and restaurants.

1 August: Proms Spectacular is an evening of classics, playing everything from movie themes to the favourite, Nessun Dorma. Performed by the UK Philharmonic Orchestra, under conductor Jae Alexander, guests can also listen to a special tribute as the Proms Spectacular commemorates the centenary of the First World War and the heroes who fought for our freedom. The evening of music will be rounded off with fireworks and guests can also purchase pre-made picnic baskets at the event.

2 August: Party in the Garden. Chatsworth puts on its dancing shoes for a night of disco, soul and pop in this fun live music concert. In the garden, a 10-piece band comprising of London’s top session musicians will be keeping the party atmosphere alive, the likes of Stevie Wonder, Bee Gee’s and Wham will have everyone on their feet while guests can also enjoy a bite to eat with Chatsworth’s pre-made picnics.

20 August: Romeo & Juliet. Join the Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer for the world’s greatest love story. With action from the outset, jealousy, comedy, murder, banishment and the most famous balcony in the history of theatre! Bring a picnic, settle back and be swept up in the romance, the drama and the passion of Romeo and Juliet.

29-31 August: Chatsworth Country Fair. The famous roar of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine will herald the arrival of the legendary Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes in a thrilling display over the heads of thousands of visitors. Chatsworth hosts one of England's biggest Country Fairs, held in the beautiful parkland surrounding the house in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire. This year, Chatsworth Country Fair promises even better entertainment, bigger performances and more activities for the whole family to enjoy.

8 September-26 October: Beyond Limits will display the best in monumental, contemporary sculpture from around the world with artists including Damien Hirst, Marc Quinn, Jaume Plensa, Manolo Valdés and Thomas Heatherwick (designer of London’s Olympic Cauldron), having exhibited in recent years. Spread out across Chatsworth’s 105-acre garden, the diversity of these international artists' works represents some of the most original monumental sculpture being made today.

All tickets and further information on the events can be found at www.chatsworth.org.

The Year Ahead At Woburn Abbey and Gardens

Woburn Abbey Garden Show

Woburn Abbey Outdoor Theatre

Woburn Abbey Tri For Life

Woburn Abbey and Gardens is looking ahead to a busy year following the announcement of their 2014 programme of events and exhibitions. From a World War I exhibition to a triathlon in the Deer Park, a Garden Show to a trail of Chinese Wallpapers in the Abbey, there’s something for everyone on offer.

Woburn Abbey is opening two new exhibitions on the 11th April. The first, 'Valiant Hearts: World War I - Woburn and its Stories' commemorates the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. The exhibition will tell the stories of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Bedford, Woburn Abbey itself, and people from the local area during the war. Visitors will be able to see original records and letters, and find out what it was like to train at the local garrison or be treated in the Woburn Military Hospital.

The second exhibition, 'Peeling Back The Years: Chinese Wallpaper at Woburn Abbey' will examine the decorative history of the building and give you a chance to discover the story of the 4th Duke's bedroom through its layers of wallpaper. As visitors explore the Abbey they see documents showing how these wallpapers were made, sold and hung.

Having won the Georgian Group Award for Restoration of a Georgian Garden or Landscape this year, the gardeners are continuing their plans to restore more historic features in the Gardens. The Woburn Abbey Garden Show is back for its 5th year, with a wide variety of stalls, demonstrations and talks from horticultural experts on offer. There’s also a chance to take part in a free Gardens tour every month as part of their series of ‘Come and Grow’ events.

For the more adventurous, the Cycletta or Tri For Life events offer a reason to get in shape whilst raising money for charities like Macmillan, Great Ormond Street and Rays of Sunshine. The Woburn Country Fair takes place in June with a weekend of fun filled country pursuits taking place in the appropriate surroundings of the Woburn Abbey Deer Park.

Woburn Abbey is also putting on two open air productions from the Pantaloons Theatre Company in July, with performances of ‘History of Britain' and the Shakespearian classic, 'The Tempest'.

The events calendar also includes historical re-enactments, car rallies, and gardening study days. Visit www.woburnabbey.co.uk or call 01525 290333 for more information.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Woburn Abbey & Gardens is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, ten of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England. http://www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Location

Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK 17 9WA

Just south east of Milton Keynes, Woburn Abbey is signposted from junctions 12 and 13 of the M1. It is also easily accessible from the A5.

Beaulieu's Hunt For Car Stars of TV and Film

Mr Bean's Mini

The 'flying' Ford Anglia from 'Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets'

Reliant Regal van from Only Fools and Horses

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is on a mission searching for new vehicles to join its popular On Screen Cars exhibition. If you own or know of a vehicle that has starred in a television programme or film and you would like to see it displayed alongside other car stars in the exhibition, then Beaulieu wants to hear from you!

All vehicles which have been ‘on screen’ are welcome to be put forward for consideration, from TV cop cars, to children’s favourites. Any new vehicles added to the exhibition will be joining a famous cast of vehicles from a number of different television shows and films.
The family of Harry Potter star, Rupert Grint, have loaned the Harry Potter ‘flying’ Ford Anglia for the display, which was used during the making of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.In the film, the enchanted flying car is stolen a number of times by Ron Weasley, on one occasion to rescue his friend Harry Potter from the Dursleys’ house, and on another to return to Hogwarts after the gate to Platform 9¾ is sealed by house elf Dobby.

In real life, the car’s history has been almost as exciting! In 2005 the car was stolen, but was later recovered after being dumped by the thieves, probably due to the media interest surrounding it. The Grint family bought it after this incident and loaned it to Beaulieu for display.

Sharing the spotlight with the Anglia is TV favourite, Mr Bean’s lime green mini. This particular car was used in the character's third series and made its first television appearance on 1st January 1991.

Another TV favourite on display is Del Boy’s beloved Trotter Van. Possibly the nation's most famous three-wheel vehicle, this Regal van (mistakenly referred to as a Robin) featured in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses. It was the sole transport for the Trotter family of Del, Rodney, Grandad and Uncle Albert, until Del Boy later went ‘upmarket’ and purchased a Capri Ghia.

To put a vehicle forward for consideration, please contact the PR Department, either by emailing pr@beaulieu.co.uk or calling 01590 614603.

On Screen Cars can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction, which also includes the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens. Visit www.beaulieu.co.ukfor further information.

The Treasure Houses Of England - As Seen On Screen

Pride & Prejudice filmed at Burghley

As well as being among the finest palaces, historic houses and castles in the country, the Treasure Houses of England have also provided the backdrop for some of the most memorable screen and television moments of the past quarter of a century.


From iconic television series like ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (Castle Howard) to blockbuster films like ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (Blenheim Palace) the Treasure Houses of England have become ‘stars’ in their own right.

Among the most familiar properties is Hatfield House in Hertfordshire which was used recently as a filming location for Anna Karenina with Kiera Knightly and Jude Law and the multi-Oscar-winning hit ‘The King’s Speech’ starring Colin Firth.   It’s many other credits include films from The Libertine, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, My Week with Marilyn to Clash of the Titans, Tomb Raider, Batman to more traditional costume drama with Vanity Fair.

Visit Beaulieu for ‘On Screen Cars’ to view the actual ’Flying’ Ford Anglia that featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  Also on display; Mr Bean’s notorious Mini and television’s most famous set of three wheels from Only Fools and Horses – Del Boy’s Reliant Regal.  Beaulieu is also extending its hugely popular and critically acclaimed BOND IN MOTION exhibition for 2013, an exclusive, official showcase of 50 original James Bond vehicles including cars, boats, motorbikes and jets.

Blenheim Gulliver's Travels
® 2010 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Blenheim Palace’s impressive film credits include Harry Potter, The Young Victoria and Gulliver’s Travels. Discover how it becomes transformed by Hollywood’s finest in a brand new exhibition – “Lights, Camera, Action” opening on the 9th February until 1st April.  Talks, tours and special activities will explain how the palace has played out everything from murder to mayhem and action adventure.

Pride & Prejudice filmed at Burghley

From historical films to modern movies, Burghley brilliantly brings history to life on the big screen courtesy of its original Elizabethan buildings and inspiringly eclectic interiors. Wander in the starlit footsteps of the famous who have featured in films such as The Da Vinci Code, Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth: The Golden Age and relive various movie scenes for yourself.

Castle Howard is particularly famed for its role in Brideshead Revisited, in the acclaimed Granada TV production in 1981 and again in the 2008 movie by Ecosse Films.  A new exhibition brings together the story of restoration at Castle Howard and the filming Brideshead Revisited.  In this exhibition visitors can witness the extraordinary transformation of the High South, from derelict rooms to film set, learn about the great fire of 1940 and subsequent restoration in this part of the house, and discover how Evelyn Waugh’s famous novel came to be filmed not just once – but twice – at Castle Howard. Other notably movies filmed at Castle Howard include The Buccaneers and Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties

Chatsworth recently aired a popular and prime time behind-the-scenes TV series giving the BBC authorised access to its 30,000 acre estate.  Affording a rare insight into the lives of the people who live and work there – including the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire – ‘Chatsworth’ explores the real-life relationships and everyday events in the stately home, including the £14million Masterplan restoration project.  It’s also provided locations for films such as The Wolfman, The Duchess and Pride and Prejudice.

Continuing the Austen theme, Harewood House in West Yorkshire was the setting for the mini-series ‘Lost in Austen’ .  Its unsurpassed collection of Chippendale was also the subject of the recent BBC4 TV documentary about the famed furniture maker, Thomas Chippendale.  You can also spot scenes and settings from popular television series such as A Touch of Frost, The Royal, At Home with the Braithwaite’s and Emmerdale.
Leeds Castle in Kent was used as a film location for Elizabeth Golden Age and regularly appears on television productions including The Apprentice, Celebrity Masterchef to The Antiques Roadshow.

BBC’s Countryfile continues to favour the wonderful walled gardens and Victorian glasshouses of Holkham Hall, reporting on their Community Growers’ Scheme and ‘Hot Pepper Sauce’ creation with the beautiful backdrop of one of Norfolk’s most renowned country estates.  Holkham’s award winning beach was featured in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and the Hall as a location for ‘The Duchess’ which starred Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes.

Christmas at the Treasure Houses of England

Expect a fabulous feast of festive entertainment and events this Christmas at the magnificent Treasure Houses of England.  Shop in style with magical Christmas markets and discover beautifully and stylishly decorated Treasure Houses for a unique and inspired day out, not to mention the opportunity to pick up some beautifully bespoke presents for your nearest and dearest.

Beaulieu’s Christmas Fair (16 November) in support of the Estate’s Countryside Educational Trust includes an array of quality items from food and drink to jewellery, antiques and plants.  In addition, their Christmas Celebrations (15 December-6 January) will feature carol singing in festively decorated Palace House and Victorian characters who will be on show-stopping hand to divulge fascinating details on life in a Victorian country house

Blenheim Palace’s renowned Living Crafts for Christmas (16-18 November) showcases a series of splendid creations from over 100 British designer-makers as well as hosting outdoor demonstrations of stone carving, blacksmithing, street theatre and handbell ringing. Meanwhile, the Palace will be telling the story of The Three Kings (10 November-14 December) through spectacular themed decorations, with the State Rooms decorated in glittering gold and festooned in exotic silk.

Celebrate and sample local produce at Burghley House’s free fine food market (1 December) where cheeses, meats and cupcakes are just some of the drool-worthy delights on offer.

The NSPCC Christmas Shopping Fair will be hosted by Castle Howard, which also presents its captivating Christmas Craft & Produce Market (2-4 December & 9-10 December). Relish some seasonal finery throughout the castle and grounds with family decorations, festive music, seasonal menus and weekend audiences with Father Christmas (24 November-16 December).

The Christmas celebrations officially start at Chatsworth in early November and this year’s ‘Pantomime’ theme is sure to provide plenty of fun for children and adults alike. Well known Panto characters will be found throughout the House with a tall tale to be told in every room. For something decidedly different, visit Chatsworth for their Christmas themed evenings at the farm shop (20, 22 November & 5, 12 December). Browse their various gifts, treats and Christmas produce while enjoying live demonstrations and a top seasonal tipple of mulled wine.  Chatsworth also presents a host of workshops and making events, from their floral workshop (29 & 30 November) to wreath making (5 & 6 December) sessions.   And don’t forget to bring the entire family to Chatsworth’s nativity performances, featuring adorable real animals from their farmyard (evening nativities 1, 8, 15 and 22 December at 6pm and daytime nativities 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 December).

Festive food, a crackling fire in the grate and a house dressed for a family Christmas; Harewood celebrates all that is good about the festive season with their much-anticipated Christmas Weekends
(1 December-23 December).   Immerse yourself in the magic of the house and take a tour of glorious grounds, feel the true spirit of a Harewood Christmas.

Get in the festive spirit with Music for Christmas at Hatfield (9 December).  Staged in the Old Palace, Hertfordshire Chorus - one of the UK's leading symphonic choirs - present an evening of seasonal favourites as mulled wine, coffee and mince pies will be doing the delicious rounds prior to the performance.  And don’t miss Hatfield’s Frost Fair (23 – 25 November) where you will find wonderful original and unusual crafts and gifts for the family and home.

Catch awe-inspiring splendour at Holkham Hall for their resplendent Christmas Celebrations (1, 2, 8 & 9 December). With the staterooms decorated in stunning Victorian style and cast in oh-so romantic candlelight, it promises to be a magnificent sight to behold.   Watch the cooks in the Old Kitchen as they prepare the Christmas feast and meet the traditionally clothed Victorian characters who will be filling the hall with storytelling, dancing, carol singing and tales from Christmas past; while Father Christmas welcomes children each with their own special gift.  Visit the Victorian traders selling Christmas gifts and crafts in the Bygones Museum and courtyard and indulge in tasty refreshments at The Stables Café, with mulled wine and tempting festive treats.

The lovely fellows at Leeds Castle are proud to present Christmas Past (12 -23 Dec) - a glorious celebration of the Victorian Christmas.  Come and see the incredible illuminated Woodland Walk and prepare to be amazed!  Glorious food, shops, stalls, fabulous gifts, Christmas carols, a Victorian train, Santa Claus and more.

Treasure Houses of England

• The Treasure Houses of England are 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Together they attract in excess of 2.8 million visitors annually.

• Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

• One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.

• Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The connoisseur of fine furniture, porcelain and china will find priceless examples of Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen. 

• Each house is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by beautiful parklands and gardens.

For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk