Save the dates as popular outdoor events return for 2018
Dragons, jousting, cinema under the stars, family fun, live music and fireworks are all back as part of Tamworth Borough Council’s 2018 programme of outdoor events.
The council’s Arts & Events team has been working hard to create another fantastic programme of entertainment for Tamworth residents and visitors to the area to enjoy this year.
Dates for the 2018 calendar have now been confirmed and they are all listed here for people to add to their diaries.
St George’s Day – Saturday April 21
The outdoor events programme kicks off with the return of the massive St George’s Day extravaganza on Saturday, April 21. This huge family event has become known across the country, attracting thousands of visitors for wall-to-wall medieval-themed fun, including live jousts, a living history encampment and endless family activities. Back by popular demand, this year sees the return of the five-metre animatronic red dragon that delighted crowds in 2015.
Dosthill Park Outdoor Theatre – Saturday June 23
Outdoor theatre will be back in Dosthill Park for a third year after successful performances in the community location for the previous two years. Entertainment will be provided by Quantum Theatre with a delightful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Reluctant Dragon. This enchanting tale of bravery, friendship and adventure is perfect for the whole family.
Summer bandstand concerts – June to September
Local bands, singers and musicians will take to the historic Castle Grounds Bandstand for a series of weekend performances throughout the summer. Audiences will be able to enjoy picnics in the park accompanied by a variety of music to suit all tastes. Dates and full details of the programme will be announced nearer the time.
Outdoor Cinema – Saturday August 4
Audiences will again be able to enjoy classic movies on a big screen in the picturesque outdoor setting of the Castle Grounds. The open air cinema has been a big hit in Tamworth for the past five years and is usually quick to sell out. Movie lovers are again being given the chance to choose the two films that will be shown this year. A shortlist of classic movies can be voted on via the Tamworth Arts and Events Facebook page between January 18 and January 25.
We Love Tamworth – Saturday September 1
This popular family event is back on September 1st bringing fairground rides, stalls, games, inflatables, a dog show, children’s zone and much more to the Castle Grounds in a celebration of the people and organisations who make Tamworth a great place to live and visit.
Fireworks – Saturday November 3
The free fireworks event is always one of the most popular on the town’s calendar, but this year will be extra special as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary in the current format. The whole family will be able to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment, including fire performers, face painting, a sparkler zone, family activities, food stalls, fairground rides and an impressive display of fireworks.
Christmas Lights Switch On – Sunday, November 25
Another jam-packed day of festive fun for the whole family has been planned to start the Christmas season in style. Starting at 1pm, festivities will include a programme of live music, a festive market, nativity, St Editha’s Church Christmas Tree Festival, dance performances and more.
For more details of the Tamworth Arts and Events programme visit www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk.
As well as all the entertainment organised by Tamworth Borough Council, the Castle Grounds is also home to a number of external activities which return year on year. These include the Gate Gallop, Tamworth Food Gusto Festival, the Lucky Stars line dancing event and the new Tamworth Fake Festival.
For more details on all events taking place in Tamworth please visit www.visittamworth.co.uk/whats-on, where organisers can request to list events free of charge.
Cllr Joy Goodall, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Environment and Culture, said: “Tamworth has become known across the region and even across the country for its outdoor events – many of which are provided for residents and visitors to enjoy free of charge. We remain committed to ensuring we provide a variety of fun and affordable entertainment and activities for families and have extended the arts and events budget this year to enable the programme to continue at the level and quality that people have come to expect.
“The Arts and Events team have been working hard to bring together another packed and varied programme and all the popular events are back. We hope people save the dates and come along to join the fun.”
Visitor numbers to the annual programme have risen over the last few years and are expected to exceed 60,000 this year. As well as the outdoor events organised by Tamworth Borough Council, the Castle Grounds has also been booked by more than 30 external hirers for events throughout 2018.
