Welcome to the Oakham and Rutland News
The latest updates from the vibrant heart of Oakham and Rutland.
Our new local news website is your go-to source for comprehensive coverage of everything happening in our community. From breaking news and local events to community spotlights and personal reflections, we've got you covered.
Travel Warning Issued as Heavy Congestion Hits Oakham and Rutland for the Annual Flower Show
Drivers across Rutland experienced significant delays today as the highly anticipated Rutland Flower Show officially got underway at the Rutland Showground.
The opening day brought a surge of horticulture enthusiasts to the area, resulting in heavy traffic building up around Oakham. The town's by-pass bore the brunt of the congestion, remaining extremely busy throughout the morning until lunchtime.
With thousands more visitors expected to flock to the three-day weekend event, local authorities and event organisers are warning that traffic levels are likely to remain just as heavy if not heavier on both Saturday and Sunday.
Key Road Closure Notice
Motorists are strongly advised to note a crucial local road closure affecting travel near the showground:
Lands End Way will be closed to through traffic from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday.
Top Tips for Your Weekend Journey
If you are planning to attend the flower show or are simply traveling across the county this weekend, please consider the following advice to manage your journey safely and avoid major delays:
Allow Extra Time, give yourself a much wider travel window than usual to account for sudden queues around Oakham and the approach to the showground.
Plan Your Route in Advance, check for alternative paths around the town's by-pass and familiarise yourself with local diversions caused by the Lands End Way closure.
Stay Updated, Keep an eye on local traffic reports and utilise real-time satellite navigation apps to steer clear of the worst bottlenecks.
Whether you're heading out to see the garden displays or navigating through the county, patience and preparation will be key to avoiding gridlock this weekend.
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,
Discover Oakham High Street Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk, John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
Blooming Success Sunshine and Style Mark Day One of the Rutland Flower Show 2026
Rutland Showground has transformed into a horticultural haven today as the Rutland Flower Show 2026 kicked off its highly anticipated three-day run. Shrug off any expectations of traditional British liquid sunshine, Day One was defined by glorious, unbroken blue skies and dazzling warmth, drawing many thousands of eager visitors to Oakham.
In a charming twist on typical outdoor festival sights, the sea of umbrellas unfurled across the showground weren't deployed to ward off rain. Instead, visitors cleverly repurposed them as makeshift parasols, creating a colorful canopy of shade against the baking summer rays as they strolled between the grand marquees and show gardens.
Now in its second year, the Rutland Flower Show has quickly cemented itself as one of the absolute highlights of the county's summer calendar.Building on the massive success of its inaugural event, the 2026 showcase returned bigger, bolder, and packed with an even richer lineup of national flower clubs, gardening societies, and expert horticulturists.
From early morning, crowds poured through the gates to explore:
Exquisite Floral & Produce Competitions, showcasing the absolute finest fruits, vegetables, and ornamental blooms from local and national growers.
The Rutland Garden Theatre, hosting expert talks, tips, and lively gardening Q&As.
The Brand-New "Grow Your Own Collective", a dedicated feature celebrating home food production and realistic allotment-growing methods.
Artisan Shopping & Crafts, rows of stalls featuring bespoke garden sculptures, tools, and hand-crafted goods.
While the love of gardening sat firmly at the heart of the event, the atmosphere was unmistakably that of a full-scale family summer celebration.Children who enjoy free entry to the show alongside parents and grandparents, enjoyed live music, wandering entertainers, and vibrant festival treats under the glorious Rutland sun.
As Day One draws to a successful close, organisers and visitors alike are looking forward to an equally stellar weekend ahead, with more celebrity gardener appearances, live entertainment, and breathtaking displays yet to come.
The Rutland Flower Show continues at the Rutland Showground in Oakham through Sunday. Don't forget your sunscreen and perhaps your parasol and if you do take your dog along please remember there is no shade and the marques are hot.
Disclaimer: The 3-day pass for this event was provided to me as a gift in exchange for publicity and photographs video. However, please be assured that this article fully reflects my honest opinions and has not been influenced in any way by the event organisers.
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,
Discover Oakham High Street Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk, John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
Rutland County Councillors Voting
Rutland County Council Meeting Over shadowed by Public Protests Amid Fights to Preserve County Status
Tensions boiled over at a special meeting of Rutland County Council last night, as a packed chamber and vocal crowds outside debated the future of the county's ceremonial status following a controversial Local Government Decision Announcement.
The high-stakes meeting, called to consider special motions put forward by Cllr. Lucy Stephenson and Cllr. Andrew Dinsmore, was disrupted before official business even began.
The session opened with the Chairman paying tribute to a long-serving council employee who had recently passed away. However, as the tribute was being read, the proceedings were drowned out by shouting from members of the public standing outside the building, windows were opened as all temperatures soared inside and outside the building
Due to strict fire safety regulations limiting capacity in the chamber, access had been restricted, leaving many locked out. This sparked anger among those gathered outside, with some demanding the Chairman address them directly, while others claimed they had reserved seats and complained they were being denied entry.
Protesters voiced wider frustrations, accusing the council of failing to protect local democracy and stripping away Rutland's historic identity.
In response to the growing commotion, the Chairman temporarily adjourned the meeting. When the session reconvened, the Chairman attempted to complete the tribute and hold a minute of silence, but the solemn moment was once again interrupted by a disruption.
Once order was restored, the council turned to the core agenda: addressing the impact of the recent government decision on Rutland's ceremonial status and distinct local identity.
Cllr. Stephenson and Cllr. Dinsmore pressed for decisive action, bringing forward two primary demands:
A formal requirement for the Leader of the Council to petition the Secretary of State. This demands legislative provisions to safeguard Rutland’s ceremonial county status, the ancient offices of the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, and the continued legal recognition of the name "County of Rutland," complete with a clear implementation timetable.
A call for the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The motion urged an urgent review into whether a proposed two-unitary model genuinely delivers on efficiency, financial sustainability, and local democratic accountability.
During the debate, an amendment to the proposals were accepted, while an alternative proposal brought forward by the deputy leader of the council, suggesting the local Member of Parliament should take the lead was rejected by the council. The motion's proponents emphasised that the Council Leader must take direct ownership of the fight for the full council rather than avoiding action.
Following impassioned speeches from members across the chamber, the vote was held. The motions successfully passed, mandating the Rutland County Council leader to formally write to the Secretary of State and take up the fight to preserve Rutland's historic future.
Rutland County Council Meeting Special Meeting Fights to Preserve County Status Deputy Leader, Cllr Andrew Johnson Speaks to Rob Persani, Rutland and Stamford Sound.
Rutland County Council Meeting Special Meeting Fights to Preserve County Status Cllr Lucy Stephenson Leader of the Opposition Speaks to Rob Persani, Rutland and Stamford Sound.
Rutland Council Passes Motion Challenging Government Mega-Council Plans, Welcomed by MP Alicia Kearns
Some of the residents not happy, after they were refused access
to the meeting.
Member of Parliament for Rutland, Alicia Kearns, has expressed relief following a recent decision by Rutland County Council to formally challenge government plans regarding local authority restructuring.
During a special council meeting, a Conservative motion passed requiring the council to write to the government with two primary demands:
Demand the publication of the underlying evidence used to justify forcing Rutland into a Leicestershire mega-council.
Request a clear legislative timeline to ensure Rutland's historic ceremonial status is legally preserved.
Alicia Kearns praised the outcome as a crucial shift in the council's approach to the proposed changes.
"This marks the first time the Council will stand up for us throughout this process and demand some answers rather than just going along with it all as if there’s public support for Government plans," Kearns stated.
She noted that a counter-motion put forward by the Liberal Democrats which she argued would have absolved the council of taking action was ultimately voted down by the chamber.
Despite the positive outcome regarding the motion, Alicia Kearns voiced strong concerns over logistical issues and attendance at what she described as the biggest change to Rutland since the 1970s.
Alicia Kearns expressed disappointment that 12 out of the 27 councillors failed to attend the meeting.
Reports indicated that numerous residents were turned away and refused entry to the chamber.
Compounding the public access issues, the council failed to ensure the online live-stream of the meeting was operational.
(Editor's note: It is important to note that it is not normal for Rutland County Council to hold a full council meeting during the month of August. Many of the members who were absent had previously booked holidays before this special meeting was called, and two councillors are currently very unwell. A full video recording of the meeting will soon be published by Oakham and Rutland News)
Reflecting on the relationship between her parliamentary role and local governance, Alicia Kearns emphasised the importance of a unified front while maintaining rigorous oversight.
"Ultimately, I’m just relieved to finally have the council and I working on a more similar page," Alicia Kearns said. "It is our shared duty to stand up for our communities, and it’s always better for us to do it together, but I will make no apologies for scrutinising the council and holding them to account when they fail to fight for us and make my work representing us to Government harder."
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,
Discover Oakham High Street Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk, John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
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