October is a genuinely good month to be out and about in this part of the world. The leaves are turning, there is a pleasing nip in the air, and the calendar across Stamford and Rutland is packed with things worth leaving the house for. From a candlelit evening inside one of England’s great Elizabethan houses to outdoor cinema under the autumn stars, here is our pick of what
is on this month.
Burghley by Twilight | 1, 2 and 3 October | Burghley House, Stamford | 6pm–8pm | £30 per person
This one always sells out, and it is not hard to see why. As the sun goes down over Burghley House, the State Rooms are lit by soft candlelight and carefully positioned lamps, and the frescos and collections that fill the house take on a quality you simply cannot replicate in daylight. Classical musicians perform throughout the rooms as you wander, with a lute and hurdy-gurdy, harpist, recorder and violinists all adding to the atmosphere. Prosecco is served in the Old Kitchen and the Great Hall, and the Orangery restaurant opens exclusively for the evening.
If you have never visited Burghley after dark, this is the event to change that. Tickets are £30 per person and must be booked in advance. Visit burghley.co.uk/events/burghley-by-twilight to book.
Adventure Cinema at Burghley Park | 9–11 October | Burghley Park, Stamford | From £8.75 (child) / £11.50 (adult)
Three evenings of outdoor cinema in the grounds of Burghley House, with a fully Halloween-themed programme that covers the full range of ages. Friday night brings The Lost Boys, the cult 1980s vampire classic, for those who want something with a proper bite. Saturday afternoon offers Coco, the Pixar film, followed by an evening screening of Hocus Pocus. Sunday rounds things off with a family double bill of Room on the Broom and Zog, and then The Nightmare Before Christmas as the light fades.
Bring blankets and wrap up well. Street food and a bar will be on site for each screening. Tickets are sold through the Adventure Cinema website, and booking fees apply. Visit adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/burghley-house to book.
Russell Watson: an intimate evening | Saturday 10 October | Stamford Corn Exchange
The tenor Russell Watson, known to many as ‘The Voice’, brings his touring show to the Stamford Corn Exchange this month. The intimate scale of the venue suits the occasion well — this is rather different from hearing him in an arena.
Contact the Corn Exchange box office for ticket availability: 01780 766455, or visit stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.
The Pirates of Penzance | Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 October | Stamford Corn Exchange
The Stamford Gilbert and Sullivan Players are back with their annual production, this year performing The Pirates of Penzance. This is exactly the kind of local amateur theatre that punches well above its weight, and the company has a long history of delivering polished, entertaining performances. Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous work is full of catchy songs, comic characters and broad farce, and it makes for a wonderful autumn evening out for anyone who enjoys proper musical theatre done with love.
Tickets through the Corn Exchange box office: 01780 766455, or visit stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.
The Burghley Halloween Trail | From 17 October | Burghley House and Gardens | Included with general admission
From 17 October through to 1 November, Burghley House runs its seasonal Halloween Trail through the house and gardens. Included in the standard admission price, the trail is designed with families in mind and gives children something to follow and discover as they explore the grounds. With half-term falling in this window, it is a handy option for a day out that keeps younger visitors engaged.
Check the Burghley House website for opening times: burghley.co.uk/events/the-burghleyhalloween-trail.
We Will Rock You | Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 October | Stamford Corn Exchange
The Seaton Starlights bring their production of We Will Rock You to the Corn Exchange for four nights across half-term week. The Queen-backed musical is loud, energetic and enormous fun. A good one for older teenagers and parents alike.
Tickets from the Corn Exchange box office: 01780 766455, or visit stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.
Brian Bilston: How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside | Wednesday 28 October | Stamford Corn Exchange
Brian Bilston has been described as the poet laureate of Twitter, and his shows are a rather unexpected pleasure — funny, warm, absurdist and a good deal more entertaining than ‘poetry evening’ might sound on paper. This visit to the Corn Exchange sees him performing material from his latest book. If you have never caught him live before, this is a good opportunity to see what the fuss is about. Not one for young children, but ideal for anyone who likes words used cleverly and comedy that does not go for the obvious.
Visit stamfordcornexchange.co.uk for tickets.
October Comedy Club — headlined by Chris McCausland | Friday 30 October | Stamford Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange’s monthly comedy night rounds off October with a strong line-up, headlined by Chris McCausland. A familiar face from television panel shows and now one of the most in-demand stand-ups on the circuit, McCausland is a sharp, assured performer who always delivers a good evening. The Comedy Club format means support acts fill out the bill before the headliner takes the stage.
Tickets from the box office: 01780 766455, or visit stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.
Beastly Boring Tours at Burghley | Running until 31 October | Burghley House, Stamford
If you have not yet caught one of Burghley’s Beastly Boring Tours, October is your last chance before the season ends. These guided tours of the house take a deliberately irreverent angle, drawing out the stranger, funnier and more gruesome details from Burghley’s five centuries of history. The name is firmly tongue-in-cheek — past visitors have consistently found them anything but. A good option for adults and older children who want something a little different from a straightforward house tour.
Check the Burghley website for remaining tour dates and booking: burghley.co.uk/events/beastly-boring-tours-atburghley.
October is a fine time to be living in or around Stamford and Rutland. The crowds of summer have eased off, the countryside looks its best, and there is plenty going on without having to travel far. Get out and enjoy it.
