November is a good month to be out and about in this corner of the East Midlands. The clocks have gone back and the evenings draw in early, and the area responds the way it always does: fireworks, village fayres, comedy nights, a few very good concerts and the first proper Christmas markets.
We have pulled together twenty things happening between Stamford, Oakham, Uppingham and the villages in between. They range from a day out at Burghley to a talk about garden plants in a Methodist church hall. Dates, times and prices come from the organisers, but it is worth checking their websites before you set off, as plans can change.
Greetham Valley fireworks night | Date: Sunday 1 November | Location: Greetham Valley Golf Club, Greetham, Rutland
The club near Oakham stages its annual fireworks evening with a finale display, food and refreshments, and music and entertainment for children. Tickets are £10 per adult, £5 per child and £25 for a family. It is an easy way to start the month with the whole family, and only a short drive from Oakham or Stamford. Start times and tickets are on the Greetham Valley website.
Rich Hall: Chin Music | Date: Wednesday 4 November, 8pm | Location: Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, Broad Street, Stamford
The American comedian is sharp, fast and largely improvised, and his shows tend to go wherever the audience gives him an opening. This one is strictly for over 14s, with swearing and adult content, and the theatre will not admit younger children even with an adult. Tickets are available through the Stamford Corn Exchange.
Think Floyd | Date: Thursday 5 November, 7.30pm | Location: Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, Broad Street, Stamford
This tribute band plays The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here in full, then adds a selection of other Pink Floyd tracks from the Syd Barrett years through to The Division Bell. It is a good night out for anyone who grew up with the records. Book through the Stamford Corn Exchange.
Rutland Night 10k | Date: Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 November, from 5.30pm | Location: Rutland Water, Sykes Lane, Oakham
Rutland Water looks different after dark, and this event is the reason to go and see it. Walkers take the course on the Thursday evening, with runners on the Friday and Saturday. The route follows the lit shoreline and is open to all abilities. Entry for the running nights was listed at £26. Details and booking are on the Pacesetter Events page.
Whissendine fireworks | Date: Friday 6 November, gates open 5.30pm, fireworks at 7pm | Location: Whissendine Sports Club, Melton Road, Whissendine
A proper village bonfire night. There is a roaring bonfire, a licensed bar, burgers and hot dogs from the barbecue, and music from Disco Steve before the display starts. Children get a glow stall, hot chocolate and sweet treats. Early bird tickets can be bought online using the QR code on the poster, or from the Mace village shop in Whissendine (cash only). More on the Discover Rutland listing.
Strictly Come Murder! at Tolethorpe Hall | Date: Saturday 7 November, 7pm for a 7.30pm start | Location: Tolethorpe Hall, just outside Stamford (across the border in Rutland)
Tolethorpe is best known for its summer Shakespeare season, but this autumn the hall is also hosting murder mystery dinners. This one takes place after the long-running TV show Seriously Dancing has been halted by the discovery of its presenter, Bruce Falseteeth, dead backstage. Tickets are £75 per person and include a welcome drink, a three-course meal and a mystery to solve. It is for over 18s only. Book through Tolethorpe or call the box office on 01780 917240 (10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday).
Martin Harley | Date: Saturday 7 November, 7.30pm | Location: Stamford Ballroom, Stamford Arts Centre, St Mary’s Street, Stamford
The singer-songwriter is known for heartfelt songwriting and skilled musicianship, and this gig is in the Ballroom at Stamford Arts Centre. It suits anyone who fancies an evening of live music in the middle of town. Tickets and details are on the Stamford Arts Centre website.
Burghley gardens and adventure play, extra weekends | Date: 7 and 8 November, and 14 and 15 November | Location: Burghley House, Stamford
Burghley’s main season ends on 1 November, but the gardens and adventure play area reopen for two more weekends. It is a good excuse for a wrapped-up family walk around the Sculpture Garden and the Garden of Surprises. The usual garden hours are 10am to 5pm, so check the Burghley website for admission prices and any changes before you go.
Smith & Sniff | Date: Tuesday 10 November, 7.30pm | Location: Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, Broad Street, Stamford
Jonny Smith of The Late Brake Show and Richard Porter of Sniff Petrol host one of the UK’s most popular car podcasts. Their live show is part conversation, part audience questions and part detours nobody planned. You do not need to be a petrolhead to enjoy it, though it helps. See the Stamford Corn Exchange for tickets.
Hardy Plant Society talk: the ornamental garden through the seasons | Date: Tuesday 10 November, 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) | Location: Uppingham Methodist Church, Orange Street, Uppingham
Louise Nicholls is a professional gardener who looks after the walled garden at Thenford Garden and Arboretum in Oxfordshire. She will talk about how an ornamental garden changes through the year, and she is bringing plants to sell. Visitors are very welcome at £5 each (£3 for members), including refreshments. The town car parks are free in the evening. Details are on the Oakham What’s On listing.
Live comedy night at The Barnsdale | Date: Friday 13 November, 8pm | Location: The Barnsdale, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham
Three comedians from television, radio and the UK circuit take the stage: Dan Antopolski, Tony Cowards and Carey Marx. Tickets are £25, and you can have supper in the Orangery beforehand if you want to make a proper evening of it. Book through The Barnsdale.
Christmas pressed flower workshop: cards and gift tags | Date: Saturday 14 November, 2.15pm | Location: Stamford Arts Centre, St Mary’s Street, Stamford
A hands-on afternoon making Christmas cards and gift tags with pressed flowers. It is a calm, creative way to get ahead on the festive preparations, and you go home with something you made yourself. Booking is through the workshop’s Eventbrite listing, which you can find via the Stamford Arts Centre website.
Neoclassical piano concert with Yaroslav Oliinyk | Date: Saturday 14 November, 6.30pm | Location: All Saints’ Church, Oakham
Yaroslav Oliinyk returns to Oakham with a new programme of original piano music, new arrangements and a few surprises. The church makes an atmospheric setting for an unhurried evening. Tickets are £20 and the full details are on the Discover Rutland listing.
Santa Paws at The Wisteria Hotel | Date: Sunday 15 November, 11am to 3pm | Location: The Wisteria Hotel, Oakham
Bring the dog to meet Santa and go home with a special gift. There is mulled wine and mince pies to buy, and prizes for the best dressed dogs. Children are welcome too. Tickets are £6.50 per dog and per child. More at the Discover Rutland listing.
Noel Fitzpatrick: Medicine and Music | Date: Friday 20 November | Location: Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, Broad Street, Stamford
The vet and television presenter talks about the lessons he has learned from animals, then shows off his unexpected talent for singing, with a few of his favourite rock songs played live. It should appeal to animal lovers and anyone who enjoys a good story. Check times and book through the Stamford Corn Exchange.
Oakham Christmas lights switch on | Date: Sunday 22 November, 12 noon to 5pm | Location: Oakham town centre
The town centre fills up for the start of the festive season, with Santa’s sleigh, family entertainment, food and drink, shopping, a bouncy castle and fair rides. It is a good one for families, and for anyone who wants to start Christmas shopping on the High Street. More on the Discover Rutland listing.
Uppingham Fatstock Show | Date: Wednesday 25 November | Location: Uppingham, Rutland
This long-running agricultural show is staged by a committee from the local farming community. It was revived by local farmers in 1949 after a gap during the Second World War, and it still puts livestock, land and local pride centre stage. It is a chance to see rural life up close, and a nice contrast to the Christmas rush. Details are on the Love Uppingham website.
Burghley Christmas Fair | Date: Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 November | Location: Burghley House, Stamford
Burghley’s courtyards and grounds fill with festive chalets, pagodas and marquees for what is billed as the region’s largest Christmas fair, with well over 150 stalls. There are artisan gifts, mulled wine, raclette, crepes and a lit Victorian carousel. Standard tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for children aged 3 to 15, with free standard parking. A festive afternoon tea in the Great Hall costs £49.50 and must be booked in advance. Tickets are on the Burghley website.
Edith Weston Christmas Fayre | Date: Saturday 28 November, 10.30am to 3pm | Location: Edith Weston, Rutland
The village fayre returns with a range of professional gift and artisan stalls, including some new ones this year. There is food, Christmas ordering and village produce made by the many people who bake and make locally. Children are well catered for too. See the Discover Rutland listing for more.
Christmas at the Railway: Santa Specials | Date: From Saturday 28 November (also Sunday 29 November, running through to Christmas Eve) | Location: Nene Valley Railway, Wansford, a few miles east of Stamford
The Nene Valley Railway’s Christmas experience starts at the end of the month. It is a festive family outing aboard a heritage train, with a visit from Santa. Ticket details and dates are on the Discover Rutland listing.
Get out and enjoy it
There is plenty here to fill the diary, from big days out to a quiet evening in a village hall. If you have lived around Stamford and Rutland for a while, you will know that the best bits of the calendar are often the smaller ones. Wrap up warm, support the local organisers, and enjoy the month.
