Round & About Magazine

Tag: event

  • One of the UK’s most prestigious equestrian events returns for 2026

    One of the UK’s most prestigious equestrian events returns for 2026

    Get ready for four days of thrilling equestrian action at Windsor Castle when the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 showcases international competition, family fun, shopping, and the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix.

    Held annually since 1943, the Royal Windsor Horse Show returns to the private grounds of Windsor Castle this summer, delivering four days of world-class equestrian competition.

    Taking place from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th May 2026, the show will feature FEI international show jumping, driving, and endurance, alongside national showing classes, military demonstrations, equestrian exhibitions, and interactive experiences for families – with details to be announced.

    The event culminates on Sunday with the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix, showcasing the world’s finest horse-and-rider combinations.

    If you fancy some downtime away from the action, head to one of the shopping areas to browse more than 150 artisan stalls, equestrian brands and lifestyle shops on site.

    Around the showground, a variety of food outlets will offer something for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

    This year, the show supports charity Warrior Equine, shining a spotlight on the life-changing power of equine therapy for Armed Forces personnel, veterans and emergency services workers.

    And new for 2026, take part in an exclusive competition, designing the next iconic Royal Windsor Horse Show Scarf.

    One lucky winner will have their design printed on a limited-edition run of RWHS scarves and receive a full four-day membership, giving them the chance to attend the show and experience the event firsthand.

    For more information or to book, visit rwhs.co.uk.

  • Thame Players Theatre hosts free Open Day in February 2026

    Thame Players Theatre hosts free Open Day in February 2026

    Whether you’re interested in acting and directing, sound and lighting, costumes and makeup or front-of-house, Thame Players Theatre invites you to experience it all at its free Open Day this February 2026.

    Curious to see what goes on backstage at the theatre? Thame Players invite you to take an exclusive peek behind the curtain and discover how a production really comes together.

    Taking place on Saturday 7th February 2026, you’ll see how the theatre works first-hand – from front of house to backstage – and meet some of the volunteers who are behind every show that’s put on at Thame’s dedicated theatre.

    During your visit, you’ll be able to chat with members of the friendly team about a wide range of roles, including acting and directing, sound and lighting, backstage and set building, costumes and makeup, and front of house.

    You’ll also find out how to get involved and receive hands-on training – whether you’re interested in treading the boards, using your technical or DIY skills, helping with costumes and props, or greeting audiences as they arrive to see a show.

    Wayne Gibson, Open Day Coordinator at the Thame Players, said: “The theatre is made up of a community of people with different skills who make the magic happen. We’re looking forward to welcoming anyone and everyone from Thame and the local area, when there’ll be opportunities to find out what’s involved in putting on a show and how the theatre ticks.

    “You’ll discover what we do and how we do it – from acting and directing to set building, sound and lighting. You’ll learn a lot, and it’ll be a fun experience too.”

    For more information, visit the Thame Players website.

  • Henley Royal Regatta returns for 185th year in 2026

    Henley Royal Regatta returns for 185th year in 2026

    See world-class rowing at one of the best-known boating competitions in the world, when the 185th annual Henley Royal Regatta returns this June and July 2026.

    A highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and social season, Henley Royal Regatta returns for a week of racing action, featuring elite rowing and riverside celebration – making for a quintessential British experience.

    When is Henley Royal Regatta 2026?

    Henley Royal Regatta takes place from Tuesday 30th to Sunday 5th July 2026.

    What is Henley Royal Regatta?

    Featuring over 400 head-to-head races across categories including Club, Student, Junior and Premier Senior crews, Henley Royal Regatta offers six days of international rowing, which sees competitors race over a 2,112-metre stretch of the River Thames.

    With thousands of spectators cheering on the rowers year after year, the event is a unique blend of competition, ceremony and British summer style.

    Along with the racing, expect an electric atmosphere featuring Champagne bars, seated lunches, afternoon teas and fine dining.

    Into the evening, riverside bars and venues fill with DJs and live bands, dancing, cocktails and sunset views.

    What is the dress code?

    Dress codes depend on where you’re watching from.

    For the Stewards’ Enclosure, think formal such as a lounge suit, blazer with tie, dress or skirt below the knee – no bare midriff or shorts.

    The Regatta Enclosure requires smart but flexible attire such dresses, jumpsuits and linen suits, along with clean and appropriate footwear.

    Whereas smart-casual summer clothes are fine for the riverbank and public areas.

    When did Henley Royal Regatta start?

    Henley Regatta was founded in 1839 by local rowers and townsmen who wanted to promote amateur rowing at a time when the sport was rapidly growing in England.

    They wanted to launch a high-quality, fair competition on a straight stretch of river – and Henley’s reach was ideal.

    It became “royal” when Prince Albert first attended in 1846; in 1851, he formally granted royal patronage.

    Reputation grew over the years, and the regatta became a fixture of Britain’s social and sporting elite, blending top-level sport with ceremony and tradition, now forming one of the world’s most prestigious rowing regattas.

    What’s new for Henley Royal Regatta in 2026?

    New for 2026, three Women’s quadruple sculls events have been introduced to the racing schedule in the Intermediate, Club and Student categories respectively.

    Women can now compete in 14 events, with 10 new events added since 2017 – paving the way for an equal number of Open and Women’s events at the 2027 Regatta, achieving gender parity by event for the first time.

    Outgoing Committee member, Guin Batten, said: “My first race at Henley was over 30 years ago in the single sculls at the Premier level, back then I could only dream of the idea that a female sculler could experience Henley from school, to university, to club and beyond. Today I’ve seen that dream become reality.”

    When are tickets on sale for Henley Royal Regatta?

    Tickets go on sale on Friday 13th April 2026.

    For more information or to book tickets, visit Henley Royal Regatta’s website.

    Image © Benedict Tufnell \ Henley Royal Regatta.

  • Hampshire Hobbits tale to theatre tour

    Hampshire Hobbits tale to theatre tour

    Liz Nicholls

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    Originating at The Watermill Theatre last year, director Paul Hart’s The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale promises to be the theatre smash of next year

    The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will embark on a new journey as this timeless tale unfolds in this critically acclaimed and breathtaking theatrical production, playing Theatre Royal Plymouth from 4-11 October 2025. This is an exclusive UK presentation of this award-winning production, following its seasons in Chicago, Auckland and Australia, with tickets on sale from Tuesday 22nd October at Theatre Royal Plymouth

    Originating at The Watermill Theatre in 2023, and told from the Hobbits’ perspective, director Paul Hart’s production is a unique theatrical interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy. Hart and the original creative team evolved the acclaimed production to play larger venues. The enhanced production played a highly successful season during the summer of 2024 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and will play upcoming seasons in Auckland, New Zealand and this November, then Sydney, Australia from January 2025, with additional Asia Pacific dates to follow.

    With a UK cast, the show will return to British audiences at Theatre Royal Plymouth before embarking on a European tour presented by People Entertainment Group, with details to be announced soon. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is performed live by a 32-strong ensemble of actors and actor-musicians.

    The production features a score by international composers A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical), with book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna (Maddie, La Cava) and Matthew Warchus (Groundhog Day).

    As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, he gifts his nephew Frodo his most precious belonging – a gold ring. This fateful moment launches Frodo on a legendary and perilous quest across Middle-earth to the darkest realms of Mordor to vanquish evil with his loyal Fellowship.

    As producer Kevin Wallace said, “Paul’s wonderful production, invites us all to become Hobbits in the company of Hobbits, celebrating Bilbo Baggins’ birthday as this incredible journey begins.”

    The original 2023 production, which sold out its 12-week run at The Watermill Theatre, won a WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best Regional Production’, and scooped eight Broadway World Awards, garnered 4- and 5-star reviews, with critics praising its innovative use of projections, puppetry, and live music. The production has been described as ‘exhilarating’ and ‘rewarding’ for both long-time fans of The Lord of the Rings and newcomers to the story. The following year, having evolved to include an ensemble of 30, The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale had its U.S. premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where it was described as ‘a must see’ and ‘a visual marvel’.

    The show will make its New Zealand premiere at The Civic Theatre in Auckland, running from 5 November to 1 December 2024, and will then, with an Australian cast, head to Australia for a limited season at the State Theatre in Sydney from January 7, 2025, with further dates to be announced soon.

    Kevin Wallace continues, “This production began its journey at The Watermill, realised by an exceptional creative team led by Paul Hart and, in collaboration with our colleagues at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, they went on to thrill US audiences with the US Premiere at The Yard Theatre in Chicago. Together with Middle-earth Enterprises and GWB Entertainment, we are thrilled to bring it back to the UK, where it will play exclusively at Theatre Royal Plymouth before heading to Europe. It’s been an incredible experience seeing performers from each production make these roles their own, and we look forward to this new chapter, once again with a British company.” 

    Fredrica Drotos, Steward Brand & Licensing at Middle-earth Enterprises adds that “bringing this production to audiences across the globe has been a privilege and a delight, and now, A Musical Tale embarks on another adventure, touching home in the UK briefly before setting off again with an immensely talented cast and crew, poised to infuse each and every performance across the continent, with a palpable purity of spirit.” 

    James Mackenzie-Blackman, CEO of Theatre Royal Plymouth said, “We are incredibly proud to be hosting The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale as the exclusive UK venue in 2025. This production has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and we are excited to bring it to Plymouth. It’s a truly unique theatrical experience, combining music, storytelling, and a multi-skilled ensemble of performers. We can’t wait to share this production with our audiences before it embarks on its European tour.” 

    Director Paul Hart says, “To tell this most epic and beloved story onstage, we had to start small and think big. Very much like a Hobbit! What began as an intimate production at The Watermill has grown into something larger than we ever imagined, traveling across continents and captivating audiences with its music and storytelling. It’s been an exhilarating journey, and I am thrilled to bring the show back to the UK before we embark on the European tour. Each night, we create this world anew, and I hope audiences leave feeling a little more like the Hobbits we all have within us—hopeful, wide-eyed, and daring to do the impossible.” 

    For more information on all worldwide productions, visit www.lotrmusical.com. 

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  • Windsor Local History Group open day

    Windsor Local History Group open day

    Liz Nicholls

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    You’re all invited to find out more about this friendly group, between 11am & 4pm on Saturday, 2nd November

    Now in its fourth exciting year, the WLHG’s annual open day offers visitors a valuable opportunity to engage with the remarkable heritage of Windsor and surrounding towns and villages.

    This free event is open to everyone and will take place on Saturday 2nd November at Windsor Baptist Church, Victoria Street, SL4 1EH. Please tell family, friends, colleagues and any individuals who would enjoy learning more about the local area.

    Maps, photographs, letters, videos and other artefacts provide fascinating cultural snapshots of these communities, some of which began as early as Saxon and Norman times.

    ++ Hot off the press ++!!

    The latest edition (No. 38) of Windlesora, WLHG’s regular publication, is now available – still only £5! – and will be on sale along with past Windelsora editions, local reference books and other publications and materials. Please feel free to take along your own memorabilia too – the group would be delighted to hear your stories and learn about any research!

    For more information, please visit Windsor Local History Group – a living resource

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  • Catch wondrous Willie Dowling live

    Catch wondrous Willie Dowling live

    Liz Nicholls

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    Book your tickets to see Willie Dowling perform The Simpleton in Bracknell and Milton Keynes

    Witnessing Willie Dowling perform live is far more than just watching a sequence of great songs played well.

    His self-deprecating and acerbic wit that precedes each song is as funny as many of the comedy greats that he has worked with.

    A musical director and session musician of high regard, Willie has toured extensively and recorded with artists as diverse as Midge Ure, Shane MacGowan, Sinead O’Connor, Dr Hook, The Wildhearts, Hot Chocolate, Andy Taylor and the Quireboys among others. Willie has fronted, written and produced albums for his previous bands, had Top 40 hit singles, appeared on Top of The Pops and TFI Friday and performed on the major festival stages in the UK and worldwide. He was the founder member of influential rockers The Grip, mid1990s ‘quick-flash and gone’ Honeycrack, followed by SugarPlumFairies, Jackdaw4 and The Dowling Poole. Willie Dowling is also a renowned composer for film and television in a wide variety of styles and genres. He wrote songs and underscore for the return of the legendary satirical puppet show Spitting Image, and over the years has worked on many other TV shows and films for such luminaries as Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Stephen Fry, Rik Mayall, Lenny Henry, Alexander Armstrong, Ben Miller, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, and many more.

    Willing Dowling has written a musical that performed in London’s West End. As a key participant in the Tony Hawks best seller One Hit Wonderland, Willie produced and recorded with such nobility as Sir Time Rice & the late Sir Norman Wisdom. The result of this strange cocktail was a chart hit in Albania!

    Recently he composed acritically acclaimed album of classical music inspired by memories of his upbringing in the North East of England – Reflections on Northumbria. Living in a converted mill in rural France now, Willie and his wife live the Good Life of near agricultural self-sufficiency.

    You can see Willie Dowling perform The Simpleton on tour as special guest to Cats In Space on 2nd October in Southampton, as South Hill Park Arts Centre & Wilde Theatre on 16th October and at The Stables in Milton Keynes on 11th December.

    For more info visit williedowling.com 

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  • Vintage vehicles at Woodcote Rally

    Vintage vehicles at Woodcote Rally

    Heritage transport at its very best is on display at Woodcote Rally, July 13th & 14th, and as Andy Crockett tells us the event has much more to offer too

    The Woodcote Rally is a festival of steam, vintage and veteran transport with entertainment for all the family.

    We have a wide range of exhibits including large and miniature steam engines, stationary engines, cars, motor bikes, tractors, military, models and commercial vehicles. During both days, the exhibits will display in the main arena and there will be separate tractor working area.

    We have a large craft marquee with a range of hand-crafted goods and an enticing food area. Outside the marquee is the country area where you can watch demonstrations of traditional country skills including wood turning, stick making, hedge laying and willow weaving. We also have a wonderful birds of prey display and a children’s petting farm.

    There’s a range of trade stands including jewellery, metal artwork, garden furniture, tools, clothing and accessories, die cast models and food products including gluten free.

    In the children’s entertainment area there’s a face painter, entertainer and circus skills workshop. The funfair is a great attraction for all ages.

    During both days live bands will play on the main stage and continue long into the evening. By the stage you’ll find CAMRA’s famous Festival of Ale and, new for this year, an additional marquee selling a range of alternative drinks to real ale such as lagers, craft beers, spirits and wines. In this area you’ll find a range food stalls to satisfy all tastes. Look out for the Round & About logo on your beer cups.

    All of these attractions combine to make the Rally South Oxfordshire’s premier event of its kind. Since 1964, the Rally Committee has donated a total of £532,000 to local charities and other deserving organisations.

    This year’s event will be held over the weekend of 13th and 14th July. The Rally is located about 10 miles north-west of Reading on the A4074 Reading to Oxford Road. We are in a new field off Church Lane, Ipsden, OX10 6BZ. The What 3 Words location is “less.hoped.pens”. The car parks and entrances will be well sign posted from all directions.

    Public transport is available to the site on the X40 Thames Travel bus service between Oxford and Reading which runs about every 30 minutes. There are bus stops (both ways) just by Church Lane with a short walk to the Rally site from there. (Check the bus website for times).

    Please visit us at The Next Woodcote Rally for further details.

  • A Night at the Musicals 2

    A Night at the Musicals 2

    After the success of last year’s fundraising event, Fiona Cox and friends are again taking you on a musical journey

    Expect a spectacular evening of musical entertainment at The Croft Hall in Hungerford on Saturday, 29th June.

    Get ready to be transported into the magical world of musicals as talented performers take the stage to bring your favourite songs to life.

    Following last year’s sell-out smash-hit show, singers and musicians from MTW Gold and friends will delight with songs from the West End and Broadway.

    From show-stopping numbers to heartwarming ballads, this event promises to be a night to remember. So grab your friends, family, and musical-loving buddies and come along for a night filled with laughter, joy, and toe-tapping tunes.

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of musical theatre up close and personal! There’s also a raffle to buy tickets for with some great prizes up for grabs.

    Bring a picnic and enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment from 7.30pm. Doors open 7.15pm.

    Tickets £15 plus booking fee. Book at tinyrul.com/mtwgold2

    Profits go to SAYes Mentoring, a charity which trains mentors to support youth in transition. Find out more about their work at SAYes Mentoring

  • Sports Marketing In The Digital Age

    Sports Marketing In The Digital Age

    The digital age has brought about a significant change in the way sports marketing operates. Sports brands, events, and athletes have had to adapt to the new digital landscape to reach their audiences effectively. The challenges and opportunities of sports marketing in the digital age are many and varied, and the following article will explore them in detail.

    Cheltenham Racing Festival

    One example of the challenges and opportunities of sports marketing in the digital age is the Cheltenham Racing Festival. This annual event, held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England, is one of the most significant events in the horse racing calendar. The festival takes place over four days, with the Cheltenham racing dates set for March 14-17. The festival attracts a wide audience, including horse racing enthusiasts, punters and causal observers.

    One of the biggest challenges facing sports marketers at the Cheltenham Racing Festival is the sheer scale of the event. With tens of thousands of people in attendance and millions more watching online and on TV, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and make an impact. However, with careful planning and a strategic approach, there are many opportunities to engage with fans and create memorable experiences.

    Social Media

    One way that sports marketers can take advantage of the digital age is by leveraging social media to connect with fans before, during, and after the event. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide a powerful way to build buzz, share news and updates, and engage with fans in real time. By creating compelling content and leveraging influencer partnerships, sports marketers can generate excitement and drive engagement in the run-up to the event.

    During the event itself, sports marketers can use a variety of tactics to create memorable experiences for fans. For example, offering free merchandise, exclusive access, or VIP experiences can help to build loyalty and create positive associations with brands. Live streaming and social media activations can also be effective in engaging fans who are unable to attend in person.

    Tradition and Innovation

    Another challenge facing sports marketers at the Cheltenham Racing Festival is the need to balance tradition and innovation. While horse racing has a rich history and culture, sports marketers must also embrace new technologies and trends to stay relevant and engaging. For example, using augmented reality or virtual reality experiences can help to bring the excitement of the races to live in new and innovative ways.

    Finally, sports marketers must also be mindful of the importance of data and analytics in the digital age. By tracking engagement metrics, analysing audience behaviour, and monitoring sentiment, sports marketers can gain valuable insights into what is working and what is not. This can help to inform future campaigns and improve the overall effectiveness of sports marketing efforts.

    Bottom Line

    Sports marketing in digital age presents both challenges and opportunities for marketers looking to promote their brands and products at events like the Cheltenham Racing Festival. By leveraging social media, creating memorable experiences, embracing innovation, and using data and analytics, sports marketers can engage with fans in new and exciting ways and drive long-term brand loyalty. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the key to success will be staying flexible, adaptable, and always willing to try new things.

  • Chawton House virtual gardens

    Chawton House virtual gardens

    Celebrate gardens of all shapes and sizes with two days of talks, Q&As, interviews and readings… all online, and all for free

    ‘Get out’ and enjoy Chawton House’s virtual garden festival this weekend on May 30th and 31st at this garden event like no other.

    The 400-year-old manor house was owned by Jane Austen’s brother Edward who gave his mother and sisters the nearby bailiff’s cottage, which became Jane Austen’s House Museum.

    The event will bring you an exciting programme inspired by the Chawton House gardens and collections. Gardening talks and tips, botanical workshops, discussions with heritage gardeners, and a chance to take part in a virtual ‘best in show’ competition on Instagram will all feature.

    Find out more about what it takes to manage a country house garden, the inspirations behind them and the team managing the gardens at Chawton House.

    Learn about the extraordinary botanical women such as Elizabeth Blackwell who was also the inspiration behind their herb garden.

    Take a virtual walk on Chawton House’s Jane Austen Garden Trail and find out more about Jane Austen and her love for gardens. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask any questions that you might have as the Chawton House team share tips throughout the weekend to use in your own gardens.

    Just register for your free weekend ticket and Chawton House will send you the full programme and line up. All content is free excluding their online creative writing workshops. There is a cost of £5 per session with festival sign ups given priority booking.

    To find out more

    Click here