Celebrating County Pride Oakham Castle Hosts Vibrant Rutland Day Festivities, Photos and Video

Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness (Left)

Celebrating County Pride Oakham Castle Hosts Vibrant Rutland Day Festivities

History came alive in England's smallest historic county yesterday as residents and visitors gathered at Oakham Castle to celebrate Rutland Day. Marked annually on September 12, the festivities brought a lively mix of medieval heritage, family entertainment, and local community spirit to the heart of Oakham.

To encourage widespread participation, Rutland County Council supported the occasion by offering free parking across all council-owned car parks throughout the county. This welcomed an influx of visitors eager to explore the day's packed itinerary, which transformed the 12th-century castle grounds into a bustling hub of activity.

A major highlight of the grounds was the presence of the Ferrers Household Medieval Re-enactment Group. Transporting crowds back to the Middle Ages, the authentic living history camp offered a vivid look beyond the battlefield. Attendees interacted with costumed soldiers, artisans, and craftspeople, gaining hands-on insight into medieval camp life, traditional trades, and domestic routines.

Families and younger visitors enjoyed a diverse array of modern and traditional entertainment. The castle lawns played host to larger-than-life outdoor games—including giant Jenga, Connect 4, and traditional horseshoe throwing.  History enthusiasts also took advantage of free guided mini-walking tours departing from the castle, which unraveled Oakham's medieval secrets and highlighted notable historical figures from the town's past.

Local food and drink played a central role in the celebration. The Castle Cottage Cafe marked the occasion with a special menu featuring a bespoke Rutland Cocktail crafted with Multum Parvo Gin, alongside the locally famous Hambleton Bakery Pippin Platter.

With the combination of sunshine, living history, and community engagement, yesterday's Rutland Day proved to be a resounding success, paying a fitting tribute to the rich heritage and enduring charm of England's smallest county.

Rutland Day 2026 Oakham Castle Oakham Rutland.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit: 
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Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

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Free Parking Across Rutland to Mark Rutland Day

Free Parking Across Rutland to Mark Rutland Day

Rutland County Council is rolling out complimentary parking across all council-owned car parks in the county on Saturday, 12 September 2026, to celebrate Rutland Day. The initiative aims to boost footfall, support local independent businesses, and encourage residents and visitors to fully immerse themselves in the region's annual showcase of heritage and community spirit.

The county-wide parking waiver coincides with Rutland's flagship celebrations hosted at the historic Oakham Castle. This year’s festivities feature a packed schedule of family-friendly entertainment, including live performances, outdoor lawn games, a dedicated medieval walking tour, and an authentic living history camp presented by the Ferrers Household Medieval re-enactment group. 

Please note that while nearby parking is free, the Oakham Castle car park itself will be closed during the event to ensure pedestrian safety.

Local leaders are encouraging attendees to turn the day into a full excursion by pairing the castle events with visits to local high streets, independent shops, and eateries across Oakham, Uppingham, and surrounding villages.

Cllr Oliver Hemsley, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, emphasized the community focus of the initiative:

"Rutland Day is a great opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our county special, and we want as many people as possible to join in. Offering free parking across our car parks removes one more barrier to visiting our towns and villages, and we hope it encourages people to get out, explore and support local shops and businesses."

Important Travel and Parking Details

• Duration: The free parking applies for the entire day on Saturday, 12 September 2026. Normal charges remain in effect before and after this date.

• Exclusions: The main Oakham Castle car park will be closed for the event. Advance parking payments made prior to the day are non-refundable.

• Signage: Temporary advisory signs will be installed in participating council-owned car parks ahead of the weekend. Drivers should check on-site notices to confirm applicable locations.

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

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

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Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

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Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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Oakham and Barmstedt Celebrate 40 Years of Friendship During Official German Twinning Delegation Visit

Oakham Mayor Cllr Martin Brookes welcomed the 

Burgermeister of Barmstedt 

to the Oakham Town Council Chamber

Oakham and Barmstedt Celebrate 40 Years of Friendship During Official German Twinning Delegation Visit

The Chairman of Rutland County Council had the pleasure of welcoming the Burgermeister of Barmstedt (Pinneberg district), Florian Rodenberg, to Oakham as part of the twinning delegation visit. Oakham Town Councils Deputy Mayor Cllr Dave Romney formally welcomed the visitors from Germany last night. This morning, Oakham Mayor Cllr Martin Brookes welcomed the Burgermeister of Barmstedt to the Oakham Town Council Chamber, along with Barmstedt Town Council Chairman Ortwin Schmidt, local residents, and members of the twinning association. Oakham's Mayor hopes our visitors have an enjoyable stay in Oakham  for the next few days. Barmstedt and Oakham and celebrating 40 years of Twinning.

The Chairman of Rutland County Council had the pleasure of welcoming 

the Burgermeister of Barmstedt (Pinneberg district), Florian Rodenberg, to Oakham

Oakham Mayor Cllr Martin Brookes welcomed 

Barmstedt Town Council Chairman Ortwin Schmidt,

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

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

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Pianist Yaroslav Oliinyk Returns to Oakham for New Neoclassical Concert

Pianist Yaroslav Oliinyk Returns to Oakham for New Neoclassical Concert

Renowned neoclassical pianist and composer Yaroslav Oliinyk is set to make a highly anticipated return to Oakham this autumn. Following the warm reception of his previous local performance, Oliinyk will take to the stage at All Saints’ Church on Saturday, 14 November 2026, beginning at 6:30 pm.

Organised with the support of the Open Arts and Wellbeing Collective, a not-for-profit community arts organisation dedicated to enriching local cultural life, this year's event promises an entirely fresh experience. Attendees can look forward to a brand-new neoclassical programme blending original compositions such as Mountain River, Last Waltz, and Time of Change with timeless classical pieces and a few special surprises.

Whether you are a returning audience member or discovering Oliinyk’s evocative, cinematic soundscapes for the first time, the evening offers an atmospheric space for reflection and inspiration.

Event Summary:

• What: Neoclassical Piano Concert with Yaroslav Oliinyk

• When: Saturday, 14 November 2026 at 6:30 pm (Doors at 6:00 pm)

• Where: All Saints’ Church, Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6AA

• Tickets: Available to book online via Eventbrite

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

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

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Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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