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Midday Melodies Oakham School's, Upcoming Lunchtime Concert Series, All Saints Church Oakham Rutland.

If you are looking to brighten up your midweek routine with some exceptional live music, All Saints Church in Oakham is the place to be this June. Oakham School’s talented young musicians are continuing their popular "Music at Lunchtime" series, offering the local community a wonderful opportunity to enjoy high-quality performances in a beautiful setting.

All concerts take place on Wednesdays at 1:40 pm.

Here is the exciting lineup of talented soloists you can look forward to seeing throughout the rest of the month:

Wednesday 10 June: Abigail Stran (violin)

The June lineup kicks off with a classical string performance as Abigail Stran takes the stage to showcase her skills on the violin.

Wednesday 17 June: Tomas Dickinson (piano)

Mid-month, the focus shifts to the keys. Tomas Dickinson will take over the afternoon slot to deliver what promises to be a captivating solo piano recital.

Wednesday 24 June: Natalie Doh (piano)

Closing out the June concert series is another talented pianist. Natalie Doh will perform the final lunchtime recital of the month, bringing the summer series to a grand finale.

Event Details at a Glance:

Location: All Saints Church, Oakham

Time: Wednesdays at 1:40 pm

Admission: Open to the public

Whether you are a classical music aficionado or simply looking for a peaceful, inspiring way to spend your lunch break, these short afternoon recitals are the perfect mid-week escape. Mark your calendars and come support these fantastic young performers.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

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A Season of Creativity Oakham School’s Arts and Performance Showcase, Oakham Rutland

As the academic year draws to a close, Oakham School is set to host an extraordinary lineup of music, drama, and dance performances throughout June 2026. From sweeping orchestral masterpieces and high-energy jazz to beloved theatrical productions, the upcoming schedule highlights the incredible dedication, passion, and hard work of the school's talented students.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the spectacular events capturing the creative spirit of the Oakham community.

Theatrical Highlights & Drama Productions

Lower School Production: Matilda The Musical Jr.

Dates: Tuesday 16 June – Friday 19 June
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Ticketing: Advanced booking required via the Drama box office.

The drama season kicks off with the Lower School's staging of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr.. Based on the beloved book, this musical tells the story of a brilliant young girl with an extraordinary mind and a vivid imagination. Filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable songs, the production follows Matilda as she stands up against her parents and the fearsome headmistress Miss Trunchbull, proving that even the smallest person can make a big difference. (Book by Dennis Kelly, Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin).

Summer Dance Showcase

Date: Thursday 25 June | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Admission: Free (Tickets not required)

Celebrating the end of the academic year through movement, the annual Dance Showcase promises an energetic performance bursting with color, creativity, and talent. Audiences can expect a wide range of styles and routines that honor the vibrant and uplifting achievements of Oakham’s dancers.

Drama End of Year Performance

Date: Friday 26 June | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Admission: Free (Tickets not required)

Bringing the drama department's year to a triumphant close, this final performance highlights a diverse selection of styles and highlights from shows performed throughout the year. It stands as a testament to the dedication, passion, and artistic journey of the students.

Musical Extravaganzas

Summer Celebration Concert

Date: Friday 19 June | 7:00 pm
Venue: Chapel
Admission: Free (Booking details apply)

Conducted by Steve Foster, John Mountford, and Toby White, this concert brings together the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Choir. The program celebrates the ensemble rehearsals undertaken throughout the academic year. Musical highlights include Schubert's early masterpiece Symphony No. 3, D.200, Robert Buckley's upbeat swing tune Jitterbug!, and Shostakovich's Two Pieces for String Quartet.

Big Band in Concert

Date: Thursday 25 June | 7:45 pm (Doors open at 6:45 pm)
Venue: Marquee, Doncaster Close
Admission: £25

Always one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Big Band returns to the stage in the Doncaster Close marquee for an evening of fantastic live music. Featuring two sets of classic jazz, soul, and pop numbers, there promises to be music to suit all tastes.

Notice: Guests are welcome to pack a picnic for the 30-minute interval and buy drinks from the marquee bar. Seats and tables (which seat 10) are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and booking deadlines apply.

Leavers' Concert

Date: Friday 26 June | 8:30 pm
Venue: Chapel
Admission: Free (Tickets not required)

Closing out the season, Oakham's graduating Form 7 musicians take to the stage one last time in a concert dedicated to presenting their musical talents. The evening offers a beautiful variety of instrumental and vocal performances, celebrating everything these leavers have achieved during their time at Oakham School.

Direct Ticket Booking Links

For events requiring advanced ticket purchases or reservations, please use the direct links below:

For All Music Concerts: Book tickets directly online through https://wegottickets.com/oakhamschoolmusic/ Alternatively, you can email boxoffice@oakham.rutland.sch.uk.
For All Drama Productions: Book tickets directly online through https://www.ticketsource.com/queenelizabeththeatre For general drama enquiries, contact theatretickets@oakham.rutland.sch.uk.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

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Tuesday, June 02, 2026

From Welford Road to The Rec Oakham’s Will Begy Takes on Grueling Six-Marathon Challenge for MND

An extraordinary feat of endurance is underway as local student and sportsman Will Begy tackles a grueling 232km ultra-running challenge to raise £10,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) support and research.

On Monday, 1st June 2026, Will laced up his running shoes at the Welford Road stadium the home of Leicester Tigers. His destination? The Recreation Ground ("The Rec") in Bath, just in time to watch the Tigers take on Bath Rugby on Saturday, 6th June.

The epic journey, dubbed "Road To The Rec," requires Will to run a full marathon every single day for five consecutive days, followed by a final half-marathon on match day.

For Will an alumnus of Oakham School and a active player for both Oakham Cricket Club and Oakham Rugby Club when home from university—the motivation for this punishing challenge is deeply personal. It was sparked by the recent, heartbreaking news that former Leicester Tigers and England rugby captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

"Growing up as a huge Leicester Tigers fan and as an Oakham boy, the recent news of Lewis Moody’s diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has had a profound impact on me," Will shared on his fundraising page.
"Lewis has always been a huge inspiration, not just as a rugby player, but as a person, and this challenge is my way of helping raise awareness and vital funds to support those living with this devastating disease."

MND is a progressive, fatal neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, gradually stripping individuals of their ability to walk, talk, eat, and ultimately breathe. By taking on this challenge, Will joins a passionate, rugby-led community that has fiercely rallied behind MND fundraising over recent years.

The Road To The Rec The Breakdown

To successfully connect the two iconic rugby grounds, Will's itinerary demands immense physical and mental resilience:

Monday, 1st June Mattioli Woods Welford Road (Leicester)

Departure 42.2 km (Marathon 1)

2nd – 5th June Continuous daily marathons through the English countryside 42.2 km daily (Marathons 2-5)

Saturday, 6th June Final push to The Recreation Ground (Bath) Arrival 21.1 km (Half-Marathon)

Total Leicester to Bath 232 km

Incredible Community Support

The hometown response has already been overwhelming. As Will hits the tarmac, the community has rallied behind him. He has already smashed through the halfway point of his target, raising over £5,000 before even taking his first stride out of Leicester.

With five days of relentless running ahead of him, Will is pushing hard to reach his ultimate goal of £10,000. Every pound raised will go directly toward providing vital resources for those living with the disease and funding the search for a cure.

How You Can Help

You can follow Will’s journey, read updates on his progress, and back his incredible cause by visiting his official crowdfunding page on JustGiving https://www.justgiving.com/page/william-begy-roadtotherec

Whether you are a Tigers fan, a resident of Oakham, or simply inspired by a young man pushing his body to the absolute limit for charity, your support can help Will cross the finish line in Bath with £10,000 in the bank for the MND community.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

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Rutland County Council (RCC) has officially launched its 2026 Call for Sites exercise

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter

not affiliated to the BBC LDRS Service

Rutland County Council (RCC) has officially launched its 2026 Call for Sites exercise, opening a vital window for landowners, developers, and community stakeholders to put forward land for future development.

The submission window opened on Monday, 1st June 2026, and will close promptly at 4:00 PM on Friday, 31st July 2026.

This exercise comes at a critical juncture for the county. Following recent updates to the government’s National Planning Policy Framework, Rutland’s long-term housing targets are evolving, making the identification of sustainable, viable land more important than ever.

A Critical Caveat Past Submissions Will Not Carry Over

If you have previously submitted land for consideration, take note prior submissions are no longer valid for this round.

Even if a site was submitted during the 2022, 2023, or 2025 Call for Sites cycles or highlighted during the ongoing Local Plan process it must be resubmitted now.

Important Notice: If a site is not formally resubmitted during this 2026 window, it will be completely excluded from the Council's upcoming assessments.

What Submitting a Site Means

Participating in the Call for Sites is an exploratory and analytical step. It is important to understand the scope of the exercise:

No Guarantees: Submitting a piece of land does not mean it will automatically be allocated for development in the final Local Plan, nor does it guarantee that planning permission will ever be granted.

Evidence Base Building: The information gathered during this window will be rigorously assessed for technical suitability. Accepted submissions will form a core part of the Council’s official Evidence Base, helping map out where sustainable growth could logically happen over the coming decades.

How to Submit Your Site

A separate submission form must be filled out for every individual site being put forward. RCC has provided an online portal equipped with helpful guidance notes and contextual help boxes to streamline the process.

To complete a submission, you will need to provide concrete details regarding:

Exact site location and boundaries

Proposed future use (e.g., residential, commercial, mixed-use)

Current ownership status and immediate availability

Existing planning context and known environmental or physical constraints

Anticipated delivery timescales

Before uploading any files or filling out the application, applicants are strongly advised to review the Council's Privacy Policy. Because this data directly informs a public-facing Local Plan, all submitted site details and responses will be made available to the public.

You can access the portal and log your submission directly on the Call for Sites 2026 | Rutland County Council web page.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions regarding land eligibility, technical constraints, or the online form itself, you can reach out directly to the Planning Policy Team:

Email: localplan@rutland.gov.uk
Phone: 01572 720 902
Address: The Local Plan Team, Planning Policy, Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, LE15 6HP

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Summer Under the Stars Tolethorpe Hall Unveils Spectacular 2026 Theatre Season, Twelfth Night, One Man, Two Guvnors, Treasure Island and Animal Farm

The open-air theatre tradition at Tolethorpe Hall is gearing up for an unforgettable summer. The Stamford Shakespeare Company (SSC) has officially announced its highly anticipated 2026 line-up, promising an eclectic mix of classic comedy, high-seas adventure, hilarious farce, and thought-provoking drama.

The upcoming season will run from 10 June to 29 August 2026. Theatregoers can look forward to four distinct productions set against the gorgeous backdrop of one of Europe’s finest open-air theatres.

This year’s programming strikes a perfect balance between timeless classics and modern adaptations, ensuring there is something for every kind of theatre lover:

Twelfth Night: The Stamford Shakespeare Company returns to its roots with one of Shakespeare's most beloved romantic comedies. Expect a whimsical tale of mistaken identity, unrequited love, and vibrant eccentricities.

One Man, Two Guvnors: Richard Bean's smash-hit British farce brings chaotic, laugh-out-loud comedy to the Tolethorpe stage. Follow the frantic, food-obsessed Francis Henshall as he desperately tries to keep his two contrasting employers from meeting.

Treasure Island: High-seas adventure arrives in Rutland. This classic tale is set to captivate audiences with swashbuckling action, memorable characters, and atmospheric staging.

Animal Farm: Presented by the talented Tolethorpe Youth Drama, George Orwell’s powerful allegory comes to life in a striking adaptation by Tatty Hennessy. Set against a rugged, corrugated backdrop, this production promises a gritty, thought-provoking performance by the region's rising stars.

Set Sail with an Exclusive "Treasure Island" Offer

For families and adventure seekers planning their summer outings, there is an extra incentive to book early.

The production of Treasure Island noted as suitable for ages 10 and up is offering a generous group discount. By using the promotional code FLINT2026, theatregoers can receive 25% off when purchasing 4 or more tickets for any Treasure Island performance.

Whether you are planning a romantic evening out with a picnic on the lawns or a thrilling family night to witness Captain Flint's legacy, booking early is highly recommended.

Season Dates: 10 June – 29 August 2026
Box Office: 01780 917240
Online Bookings: tolethorpe.co.uk

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https://limitlessgymoakham.com/

From Oakham to the World Stage, Local Powerlifting Star Secures World Silver Medal

Georgina Harrison World Silver Medal

A remarkable athletic achievement has put the town of Oakham firmly on the international sporting map after 22-year-old powerlifter Georgina Harrison secured a silver medal at the World Powerlifting Bench Press Championships in Warsaw, Poland.

Georgina Harrison earned her highly coveted place on the world stage earlier this spring after winning the British Bench Press Championships in March. Representing Great Britain at the World Championships on May 27th, she produced an outstanding, podium-worthy performance. Weighing in at just 56.59kg, Georgina Harrison managed to bench press an incredible 100kg—nearly double her own body weight rightfully earning her second place in the world within her competitive weight category.

The stellar result marks a massive milestone in Georgina Harrison’s powerlifting career, while simultaneously highlighting the rapid growth and success of strength sports within the local community.

Georgina Harrison trains locally at Limitless Gym in Oakham. Although the facility only opened its doors in January 2026, it has already established itself as an absolute powerhouse for competitive athletes. In less than six months of operation, the gym’s training culture has yielded astonishing results, producing two British champions, three European Championship qualifiers, and now a World Championship silver medalist.

Members of the local fitness community attribute this rapid-fire success to the gym's elite training environment. The facility boasts some of the most advanced strength and conditioning equipment in the region, paired with a comprehensive recovery centre that features a sauna, cryotherapy, compression therapy, and dedicated massage rooms. This dual focus on high-intensity training and meticulous physical restoration has allowed local athletes to safely optimise their performance.

The tight-knit community at Limitless Gym has showered Georgina Harrison with praise, celebrating the relentless work ethic, discipline, and dedication that led to her world-class standing.

“To place second in the world is an incredible accomplishment,” the gym's owner stated. “Georgina has worked tirelessly for this result, and everyone at Limitless Gym is immensely proud of what she has achieved.”

With British titles, European qualifications, and now a silver podium finish on the world stage, the future looks exceptionally bright for both Georgina Harrison and the wave of talent emerging from Oakham's newest sporting success story. As Limitless Gym continues to expand its reach, Harrison's medal stands as definitive proof that world-class talent can thrive in local communities when raw hard work, expert coaching, and elite facilities come together.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

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