What's On Locally ...

Inspire Poetry Festival is back! With poetry superstars, exciting new voices and fan favourites, the week-long festival will bring inspiring poetry to venues across Nottinghamshire and beyond. Suitable for poetry devotees, newbies, and everyone in between, the week will be jam-packed with readings, workshops, exhibitions and special events. Whether you’re already an expert in haikus and sonnets or are just beginning to dip your toe into rhyming couplets, the festival is a chance to learn, explore and enjoy the beauty of poetry. Headlining the festival will be T.S. Eliot Prize-winner Don Paterson (pictured), who travels to Southwell library on Friday 24th September. One of the most highly acclaimed poets of his generation, Paterson makes a welcome return visit to Southwell to read from his numerous award-winning collections, and perhaps to throw in an aphorism or two. Also in store are poetry workshops with Sue Dymoke, Leanne Moden and Jonathan Davidson; a live Showcase by Paper Crane Poets at Beeston Library; the launch of the poetry book "Coal in the Blood"; our fascinating Poetry Place workshops and touring exhibition; as well as our annual Poetry Takeover at all participating libraries. This year’s full festival programme is available online at www.inspireculture.org.uk/poetry-festival and contains further information on dates, times and bookings. Tickets are also available from Southwell Library.

Tea, coffee, cake, tombola and more... In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support - 9.15am until 11.30am at Southwell Library

Join the latest walk...

This year’s Southwell Ploughing Match & Show takes place on Saturday 25th September at Carr Banks Farm, Farnsfield. Entry tickets are £10 in advance, available on the website and £12.50 on the gate. Children under 14 have free entry and parking is both ample and free. For further details visit the website www.southwellploughingmatch.co.uk or call the Show Office on 07748 468585

A celebratory atmosphere is still in the air from the Palace Theatre’s 100th birthday last year and honouring its origins as a cinema, there will be a sing-a-long screening of much-loved movie The Greatest Showman on Sunday 26th September at 2pm. Browse the full brochure for the sparkling new theatre season at the Palace Theatre, and book now at www.palacenewark.com. Tickets can also be booked by calling the Box Office on 01636 655755 from Wednesday to Saturday, 10.00am to 3.00pm.

For hundreds of years, children have been at the centre of music in Southwell Minster, lifting their voices at services, concerts, and on special occasions. This year, the popular event The Chorister Experience returns, presenting an opportunity for children in school years 1 & 2 to spend a morning in Southwell Minster singing with the Minster choristers, seeing the Minster organ, and having fun learning about all things Minster. Expert staff are on hand to encourage and enthuse participants, making sure they have an enjoyable and unforgettable morning. And there is more – for parents there is the opportunity to learn about what it is to be a chorister and what are the benefits for children and families. For the first time there are two events: Saturday 2nd October and Saturday 13th November, both 10.00am -12.30pm with refreshments provided afterwards. Participants are welcome at either one or both of these free events. To sign up, or for more information, please visit www.southwellminster.org/chorister-experience-day

Not the London Marathon is back for another year! On 3rd October 2021 you have the opportunity to see the beautiful countryside around Southwell. Starting at Eakring at 9am, the cross-country marathon distance will be way marked and refreshments (mainly homemade cakes) will be available every six or so miles. You can run/walk/jog or dance the distance and invite as many of your friends as you can. The money raised at the event will all be given to The Kapporet Trust who fund an orphanage in India. You can find more all the details at www.thekapporettrust.org If you would like to book on a donation can be made at www.bookwhen.com/jobyjo

Minster School is holding an Open Day event on Wednesday 6th October from 6.00pm until 8.00pm. This is an ideal opportunity for families to of students in year 5 and 6 to see what the school can offer for secondary education. There will be a welcome presentation from senior staff and an opportunity for you to ask questions. Visit the website for further details: https://www.minster.notts.sch.uk/openevent

Nottinghamshire's biggest outdoor Autumn adventure - 100 true to life moving and roaring dinosaurs!15th - 31st October

A mixture of returning favourites and new stallholders are all on the menu for this year’s Bramley Apple Festival of Food & Drink at Southwell Minster. The event which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, will return to its usual format on Saturday 23rd October from 10am – 4pm. There will be approximately 30 stalls selling a wide range of food and drink, many with an apple twist, and of course there’ll be plenty of sampling of tasty treats available too. With a host of cookery demonstrations throughout the day and the opportunity to purchase Southwell-grown Bramley apples, this is one event not to be missed. Glenn Formoy, Head of Marketing & Events says: “It’s wonderful to have the Bramley Festival back this year. It’s a real family favourite and the whole town has an extra special buzz to it on the day, which we’re really looking forward to experiencing once again.” Entry is a £3 suggested donation, with all proceeds going to Southwell Minster.

Southwell and District Lions has announced the return of its popular Carols for Everyone on Saturday 11th December. The concert, at Southwell Minster, all being well, will include the usual favourites with plenty of Christmas spirit: seasonal music, carols, and some light entertainment. https://www.southwell-lions.org/