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.
Alicia Kearns MP to Deliver Anti-Reorganisation Petition to Downing Street
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, is heading to 10 Downing Street to hand-deliver a major petition opposing controversial government plans for local authority reorganisation.
The protest centers on the Government's sweeping proposals to break up local governance across Rutland, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire.Under the scheme, Rutland County Council is slated for abolition, with England's smallest county and the Harborough villages being forced into a sprawling rural Leicestershire authority serving more than 578,000 residents.Simultaneously, Stamford and South Kesteven are set to be absorbed into a massive Lincolnshire council structure, while several Harborough villages (Thurnby, Bushby, Scraptoft, and Stoughton) are designated to be taken over by Leicester City.
Alicia Kearns and local campaigners argue that the changes prioritise urban centers like Leicester and Lincoln while treating rural communities, market towns, and villages as an afterthought.Thousands of residents have backed the pushback, signaling widespread local discontent over the potential loss of hyper-local democratic representation and distinct community identities.
Following the 2:00 PM delivery at Number 10, Kearns is scheduled to take the matter directly to the floor of the House of Commons later that evening. Alongside local councillors, the MP has signaled that further challenges including potential legal action remain on the table to halt the overhaul.
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.
Alicia Kearns MP officially opened The Rutland Hub at Cornerstone House on Melton Road, marking a vibrant new chapter for community life in Oakham.
Operated by the Oakham Baptist Church, the newly launched facility aims to serve as a versatile gathering space for local residents, groups, and families. The grand opening festivities drew people from across the county to tour the updated building, which features dedicated multi-use rooms.
The celebratory launch day featured a packed schedule of community events, including the Official Ribbon Cutting, performed by local MP Alicia Kearns to formally open the hub.
A morning cake baking contest and an afternoon coffee-tasting challenge. There were complimentary treats and community socialising.
Located next to the Oakham Baptist Church, the venue (previously known as the Hub & Spoke and originally The White Lion pub) will offer regular daytime amenities, rental spaces, and ongoing programming designed to strengthen local connections.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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