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.

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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.