Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

All the Fun of the Fair Funfair Returns to Cutts Close, Oakham, Rutland.

by Martin Brookes, orneditor@post.com

The vibrant lights and sounds of the fairground are returning to the heart of Oakham this week. Residents and visitors can expect the familiar skyline of Cutts Close to transform as the annual funfair begins its much-anticipated residency.

Following a bustling weekend for the town which recently played host to the 20th edition of the Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic the funfair provides a perfect continuation of the spring festivities.

The fair is currently setting up and will be open for five days of family-friendly entertainment.

Opening Day: Thursday, 30th April 2026

Final Day: Monday, 4th May 2026 (Bank Holiday Monday)

Located in Cutts Close Park, just a stone's throw from Oakham Castle, the fair traditionally brings a mix of high-adrenaline rides for thrill-seekers and classic attractions for younger children. While specific ride lineups vary, visitors can typically look forward to:

Traditional Favorites, Dodgems, the Waltzer, and Carousel rides.

Family Games, Hook-a-duck, coconut shies, and arcade-style stalls.

Fairground Treatts, Candy floss, hot donuts, and burgers.

Opening Times (Typical)

While official hours can vary based on weather and footfall, funfairs in Cutts Close generally follow a schedule similar to:

Weekdays: From 5:00 PM

Weekend & Bank Holiday: From 1:00 PM

Note to Visitors, Cutts Close remains a popular spot for families, and the fair is expected to be particularly busy over the Bank Holiday weekend. Local parking may be limited, so walking from the town center is advised.

Whether you're looking to test your nerves on the latest white-knuckle ride or simply soak up the nostalgic atmosphere with some popcorn, the Oakham Funfair is set to be the highlight of the May Day weekend.

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"An Act of Love" Dying Matters Rutland to Launch New Digital Bereavement Guide

Planning for the end of life is often described as a daunting task, but a local charity is aiming to make it "Dead Easy."

Dying Matters Rutland (DMR) has announced the upcoming launch of a practical online bereavement guide, set to be unveiled at their free community event, "Dead Easy: A Practical Guide to the Inevitable," on May 6, 2026, at the Rutland Showground.

The initiative sees DMR collaborating with AfterLoss, a secure UK-based digital platform. The tool is designed to act as a digital architect for one’s final wishes, allowing users to organize financial details, legal documents, and personal preferences in one centralized, secure location.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, who serves as the patron for DMR, emphasized that early preparation is a gift to those left behind.

"We never know when we will die, but we all know that we will," Dr. Furness stated. "Planning ahead is an act of love. It is so helpful for your loved ones if they can easily find important financial and legal information... without that, they will have to plough through your belongings at a very difficult time."

Dr. Furness highlighted several critical areas where residents can take control, ensuring that changes in relationships (such as new partners) are legally recognised to avoid devastating financial exclusions. Making clear, written decisions regarding medical care and end-of-life treatment preferences. Keeping National Insurance numbers, NHS details, and pension information in one accessible place.

The launch event is designed to break the taboo surrounding death and provide residents with the tangible tools they need to organize their affairs with confidence.

Date Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Time 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Venue The Rutland Showground, Oakham

Cost Free (Registration required)

Support Transport can be arranged for those in need

DMR is a registered charity dedicated to fostering open, honest conversations about death and bereavement. Under the patronage of the Lord-Lieutenant, the organisation works to ensure that every resident in the county has access to the information and support they need to face the inevitable with peace of mind.

Register Today: Residents can sign up for the event and access the new digital tools via the Dying Matters Leicestershire and Rutland website.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Local Hero Miles Jupp Returns Home for Museum Fundraiser

By Susan Shaw

Kindly submit all event details to susanshaw@post.com.

The Rutland County Museum is set for a night of wit, nostalgia, and community spirit as Oakham’s own Miles Jupp returns to his roots for a special fundraising event. On Saturday, May 16, the renowned comedian and actor will take the stage to support the "Friends of Rutland County Museum & Oakham Castle."

Known to many for his illustrious career across TV and radio comedy, Miles is perhaps most known to the local area through his time at Oakham School. This upcoming evening promises a unique peek behind the curtain of his success, as he sits down for a conversation with a very special guest: Dave Smith.

The pairing is a poetic one; Dave was the drama teacher at Oakham School who first sparked Miles’ interest in the performing arts. Together, they will recount the hilarious milestones of Miles' career and his journey from a local schoolboy to a household name.

What makes this event even more remarkable is Miles’ generosity. He has agreed to waive his usual fee to ensure that every penny raised goes directly toward the museum’s ambitious new project.

The funds generated from the evening will support the creation of a series of Roman exhibits within the newly enlarged museum. It is a fitting cause for an evening centered on history both personal and local.

Event Details at a Glance

Date Saturday, 16 May

Venue Rutland County Museum

Doors Open 6:30pm

Start Time 7:30pm

Ticket Price £25 (Includes a glass of wine

Tickets are expected to sell quickly given the intimate venue and the star power involved. Those wishing to attend can purchase tickets through the following outlets:

Online via 'wegottickets'
In person at the Museum Reception
In person at Oakham Wines

Whether you are a fan of Miles Jupp’s sharp comedy or simply wish to see our local museum flourish, this is an evening not to be missed. It’s a chance to celebrate local talent while building a lasting legacy for Rutland’s Roman history.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Community Spirit Shines Bright for Braunston May Fayre 2026

By Susan Shaw

Kindly submit all event details to susanshaw@post.com.

The village of Braunston-in-Rutland is once again preparing to trade its usual tranquility for a day of vibrant celebration. On Monday, May 4th, from 10am to 4pm, the annual Braunston May Fayre returns, promising a quintessential family day out that blends traditional charm with lively local entertainment.

Visitors can expect the village to be a "whirl of activity." Cedar Street will be lined with a thriving street market, while the historic church will host talented local artisans for a dedicated craft market. For those seeking classic village fun, the Village Hall and "Games on the Green" will offer everything from a bouncy castle and fairground rides to the perennial favorites: the coconut shy and skittles.

The excitement this year is bolstered by an incredible lineup of raffle prizes, generously donated by local businesses. If you haven’t secured your tickets yet, they will be available on the day. Highlights of the "Grand Raffle" include:

A £125 dinner for two at No.23 in Uppingham.

£100 vouchers for local favorites such as Hambleton Hall, The Olive Branch, and Hitchens Barn.

A luxury Fortnum & Mason hamper, courtesy of James Sellicks Estate Agents.

All proceeds from the day support vital causes, the Braunston Church Repair Fund, the Mount Group RDA, and the Oliver Liddar Foundation.

The entertainment schedule is packed from start to finish. The Uppingham Jazz and Soul Band and local favorites Parafinalien will provide the soundtrack on the Street Stage, while the Rutland Youth Dance Academy (RYDA) will perform outside The Blue Ball.

No May Fayre is complete without its traditions; the Crowning of the May Queen takes place at 12:45pm, followed by a procession. Later in the afternoon, the village will gather for Maypole Dancing at 3:15pm.

For animal lovers, the Canine Fun Day & Dog Show near the Village Hall remains a high point of the event. Meanwhile, down at the river, the "famous" Braunston Duck Racing culminates in the Quack National at 2:30pm. (Organisers have kindly noted that no real ducks are harmed in the process)

Guests won't go hungry, with a diverse range of food from Farmer Lou, The Chilli Guys, and Gino’s Ice Cream. The Blue Ball will be serving Punjabi street food, and the Village Hall will provide the essential "Braunston experience": teas, coffees, and a legendary selection of home-baked cakes.

Main streets will be coned off. General parking is available on Brooke Road (£2 for the day). Use What3Words: branching.culling.clashes or clapper.others.recover.

Disabled Parking: Available in Hanbury Gardens (What3Words: returns.dunk.stroke).

Volunteers: The committee is still looking for helping hands for everything from "duck rescuing" to cake baking. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to the organisers.

As always, the event is subject to the British weather, so keep an eye on the official Facebook page for live updates. Whether you're there for the jazz, the dogs, or the home-made cake, Braunston looks forward to welcoming you to the best Monday of the year

https://www.facebook.com/BraunstonMayFayre

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Monday, April 27, 2026

2026 Rutland CiCLE Classic Crossing Oakham By-Pass Close to the finish line. Video

VAN ZANDEN SPOILS ARMSTRONG’S PARTY IN OAKHAM THRILLER, 2026 Rutland CiCLE Classic.

In a dramatic finale that saw victory snatched away in the final 50 metres, Dutchman Otto Van Zanden (Azerion Villa Valkenburg) secured the first road race win of his career at the 2026 Rutland CiCLE Classic.

The opening round of the Rapha Super-League lived up to its reputation as "Britain's Belgian Classic," delivering a grueling five-hour test over the dusty farm tracks of Rutland and Leicestershire. Van Zanden triumphed from a three-man breakaway, narrowly beating Tom Armstrong (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) by half a wheel in a sprint on the Oakham finish line.

The race rolled out of Oakham High Street under dry conditions that quickly turned the course into a dust-bowl. The early stages were marred by a significant incident behind the leaders, with approximately 80 riders reportedly caught up in a major crash, forcing a temporary neutralisation of the race.

Once the action resumed, Van Zanden’s Azerion Villa Valkenburg squad asserted their dominance. The Dutch outfit controlled the front through the Stuart Shaw laps, with Van Zanden showing his strength early by sweeping both contested King of the Windmill sprints.

The race splintered for good with 65 kilometres remaining. Van Zanden and Magnus Lorents Nielsen (Atom 6) forced a gap, followed shortly by a solo bridge from Tom Armstrong. By the time the trio hit the final 15-kilometre circuit in Oakham, they held a commanding lead of over two minutes.

Inside the final kilometre, the cat-and-mouse games began:

Van Zanden led the group out, refusing to give up the front.

Nielsen was the first to jump, but was quickly covered.

Armstrong launched his move with 50 metres to go, appearing to have the win in the bag.

However, in a stunning display of late-race endurance, Van Zanden clawed his way back to Armstrong’s shoulder and surged ahead in the final bike-length.

Local Results and Standings

Behind the lead trio, Oliver Dawson (JAKROO Handsling) claimed a career-best fourth place by winning the bunch sprint, followed closely by Sam Walsham of BC East Midlands.

Top 5 Results

Pos	Rider	Team	Time
1st	Otto Van Zanden	Azerion Villa Valkenburg	05:06:03
2nd	Thomas Armstrong	Wheelbase CabTech Castelli	s.t.
3rd	Magnus Lorents Nielsen	Atom 6 - Cycleur de Luxe	s.t.
4th	Oliver Dawson	JAKROO Handsling Racing	+1′19″
5th	Sam Walsham	BC East Midlands	s.t.

While Van Zanden takes the early lead in the Rapha Super-League, Armstrong is effectively the "man to beat" for the overall title, as Azerion Villa Valkenburg are not scheduled to compete in the remaining rounds. The series moves next to the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix on May 10.

Rutland International CiCLE Classic Events Oakham Rutland 2026 Photos

Rutland International CiCLE Classic Event Oakham Rutland 2026 Photos

The race was started by The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Sarah Furness, Rutland County Councils Leader Christine Wise, Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns and Oakham's Town Crier at 11am.

The race is due to finish back here in Oakham at 3.15pm +