Burns Night Dinner, Safari Bar
2026-01-24 19:00 - 23:45 UTC | VO Polo Club, Ashley Road, Middleton, Market Harborough, United Kingdom
An unforgettable evening celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns!
🎉 What’s Included:
* 7pm arrival drinks accompanied by live bagpipes
* A traditional 3-course Burns Night dinner
* Piping in and Address to the Haggis
* Live poetry performances
* After-dinner dancing to finish the night in true Scottish style
📍 The Safari Bar, Middleton
💷 £55 per person – Tables of 8 or individual tickets available. Contact the venue for larger tables.
🎟️ Book now: www.thesafaribar.co.uk/burnsnight
Put on your tartan for a night of culture, food, music, and celebration! 🥃✨

The Bones in the Car Park
2026-02-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Ashley Village Hall, 7 The Maltings, Ashley, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8HW, United Kingdom
It’s Richard III and all the goings on in a Leicester car park! Come along to Ashley Welland Valley WI’s open meeting to hear all about it from David Andrews, a journalist who was working for BBC Leicester at the time of the excavations.
This is an open meeting and everyone (men and women) is most welcome to attend. The cost for visitors is £5 to include refreshments.
Please contact ashleywellandvalley@gmail.com for more information.

Planning meeting
2026-02-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
Cottingham Parish Council Planning Committee is holding a planning meeting to discuss the request for permission in principle (PIP) for 6 self-build houses on Rockingham Road, just opposite the old shoe factory (Burghley House).
The meeting is open to the public to come share their views, so you are welcome to come along and have your say.
You can view the planning application (Reference: 25/02223/PIP) on the Northants County Council Planning Portal here: https://publicaccess.northnorthants.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T8RFARIU04900&activeTab=summary
The deadline for comments is 23 February.

An Evening with OH BROTHER!
2026-02-28 19:00 - 21:30 | Cottingham School Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XB, United Kingdom
This popular musical trio will be performing at Cottingham School Hall on 28 February.
Three musically mischievous siblings – Alan, Peter and George – bring you a foot-tapping, heartwarming belnd of bluegrass, ballads, vaudeville and folk. With golden harmonies only brothers can muster and a few orginals tucked up their sleeves, they’ll whisk you through over 50 years of shared stories and songs. Expect toe-tapping tunes, laugh-out loud moments and even a singalong or two…what could possibly go wrong?!
The bar will be open in the Village Hall, but you are also welcome to bring your own tipples and nibbles.
Tickets are £10 from TicketSource Please follow this link:
An Evening with Oh Brother! at Cottingham C Of E Primary School event tickets from TicketSource or call 0333 666 3366.

Wine Tasting - Planet Pinot SOLD OUT
2026-03-07 19:00 - 23:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
This event is SOLD OUT.
The next wine tasting event at the Village Hall will be focus on a range of wines derived from the pinot grape.
The organisers hope to maintain the price at £25 each, but due to increasing prices may need to increase this to £30 per person. Prices will be confirmed in due course.
Ticket numbers are limited, so if you are interested please contact Jan Robertson on janathome246@gmail.com,
All profits will go to improvements to the Village Hall.

Saturday Night Live! Cottingham Church
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:30 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Street, Cottingham, LE16 8XU, United Kingdom
With the village pub currently closed, we’d like to invite you to come up to Cottingham Church for this fun social evening, with live music from Welland Valley musicians.
You are welcome to sing along, or if you want to just sit and listen, dance in the aisles or enjoy a drink with your friends and neighbours, that’s fine too!
There’ll be beer and wine available to purchase (CASH ONLY). Please feel free to bring our own nibbles and soft drinks.
Tickets are £10 each from Angela Preston-Jones on email cottinghamchurch@gmail.com or WhatsApp 07594 682671.
The bar will be open from 6.15pm, to give you time to get your drinks in and get settled before the music starts
All profits will go to the St Mary Magdalene new loo project.

How to be a professional gatecrasher
2026-04-01 20:00 - 21:00 | Ashley Village Hall, 7 The Maltings, Ashley, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8HW, United Kingdom
35 years ago, Suzi Feldsted accidentally gatecrashed an event. She so enjoyed it that she’s been gatecrashing on a regular basis ever since! Nothing illegal but all jolly good fun.
Suzi wil be talking to the Welland Valley WI about the ordinary and celebrity people she’s met along her 35 year gatecrashing adventure.
Suzi’s talk starts at 8pm and ithere’s a £5 fee for non-members. Non-members are also welcome to come along a bit earlier at 7.30pm for the WI General meeting. This is a great opportuity to find out a bit more about your local WI and what they get up to! April is the start of the WI’s new year, so if you join now, you’ll make the most of your £54 membership fee! You can find a full programme of events below, and online at Ashleyvillage.co.uk.
For more information, email ashleywellandvalley@gmail.com

Faure's Requiem, Cottingham Church
2026-04-03 15:00 - 16:00 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Street, Cottingham, LE16 8XU, United Kingdom
A free performance of Faure’s Requiem as part of the Good Friday service at Cottingham Church, sung by the Welland Valley Benefice Choir led by Darren Oliver, with the newly reconditioned church organ being played by Phillip Millward. All welcome.

Police Surgery
2026-04-08 09:30 - 10:30 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Store and Cafe, 2 Corby Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XH, United Kingdom
From Northamptonshire Police
Officers from your local neighbourhood policing team will be holding a community surgery from 9.30am to 10.30am at the Village Store and Cafe on 8 April.
Please come along and speak with officers about any concerns you may have about crime and policing in your area.
– Tell us about local crime and anti-social behaviour concerns
– Share information about what’s happening in your area
– Get crime prevention advice and find out more about local policing priorities
Everyone is welcome and it would be great to see you there.
Please note engagements are subject to cancellation due to operational demands, but we’ll always do our best to keep you informed.

Harmoni yoga classes
2026-04-21 13:00 - 14:15 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
New yoga classes starting down at the Village Hall.
They are £8 each and you can pay on the day by cash, card or bank transfer, but please email Jacqui in advance on harmoniwellbeing@gmail.com so she knows how many people to expect.
She recommends you bring a yoga mat, bottle of water and a blanket/cushion for added comfort during relaxation.

Save the Royal George - Public Meeting
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
Public meeting to discuss options and ideas for saving the Royal George for the community.

Mary's Coffee Morning
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
Mary Freestone is holding her Annual Coffee Morning at the Village Hall on 25 April.
Entrance is £5 to include a slice of cake and tea/coffee. There’ll also be homemade biscuits, cakes for sale, a nearly new tabletop sale and a raffle. All proceeds will go to the St Mary Magdalene Church New Loo Project.
Everyone welcome.

Bellringers Tower Open Day
2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:10 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Street, Cottingham, LE16 8XU, United Kingdom
Cottingham Church will be taking part in a tower open day on 16 May, organised by the Kettering Branch of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.
St Mary Magdalene is one of 24 local churches that will be open for visiting campanologists to come and ring the bells.
Cottingham Church will be open for just over an hour, from 11am to 12.10pm, and the church bells will be ringing throughout this period.
There may be additional vehicles in the village around this time, especially down Church Street,Thank you in advance for your co-operation and support.
The money raised from the open day will go to fund the restoriation of the bells at St Botolph’s Church, Stoke Albany.

Village Store Shareholder AGM
2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
The 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of Cottingham and Middleton Village Shop and Café Ltd will take place at the Village Hall on 19 May.
To conduct the meeting and carry out the necessary business, the meeting must be quorate, so the Shop Committee strongly encourages as many shareholders as possible to attend the AGM, or to complete the voting paper that will be sent to all shareholders three weeks before the meeting.
Voting papers will also be available at the shop from 28 April to 18 May, and there’ll also be a box in the shop for completed voting papers.

Open Mic @ Village Hall
2026-05-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
It’s back! By popular demand, we’ll be holding another Open Mic event at the Village Hall on Saturday 23 May.
Whether you’re a singer, poet, comedian, or storyteller — the mic is yours!
Join us for a night of raw talent, good vibes, and unforgettable performances.
There’s no entrance or performance fee.
The bar will be open from 6pm and the performances start at 7pm.
Bring your friends, your voice, and your courage. Drinks flowing. Applause guaranteed.
For more information or to book a slot, please contact George on 07891 159155 or email grwrconsultingltd@gmail.com.

Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra Spring Concert
2026-05-30 19:00 - 21:00 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Street, Cottingham, LE16 8XU, United Kingdom
We are delighted to announce the return to St Mary Magdalene Church of Market Harborough’s Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra.
Following a sellout concert in Summer 2024, this nationally acclaimed orchestra will be returning with a varied repertoire to suit all musical tastes, from classical music, jazz, swing and big band favourites to modern pop and film music.
Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra features six different types of saxophone, from the sopranino to the bass sax, and makes a truly rousing sound.
Tickets are £12 to include a glass of fizz and nibbles (£6 for under 16s).
To book, please contact Angela on cottinghamchurch@gmail.com, or WhatsApp to 07594 682671.
All profits will go to the church ‘new loo’ project.

Zumba - free demo session
2026-06-01 18:30 - 19:30 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
Join Sarah of Kings Fitness for a free one-off demo session, full of fun, feel-good Zumba class packed with easy dance moves and great music (and refreshments)!
No experience is needed, just come along, get moving, and enjoy yourself. There will be a short demo, which you are welcome to join in with and its a great chance to meet each other and to ask any questions you may have.
Perfect for all fitness levels, it’s a great way to boost your energy, get fit, and meet friendly faces in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Bring water, wear comfy clothes, and get ready to have fun!
Please follow the link below to book your place:
https://kingsfitness.simplybook.me/v2/#book

Wine tasting - Sip The Unexpected SOLD OUT
2026-06-06 19:00 - 23:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
Join us for our next wine tasting event, sampling a number of wines from grapes and/or countries not yet explored.
An evening of suspense and mystery, we will be tasting the Secret Seven (all to be revealed on the night) along with appetising nibbles and a cheese table.
All profits go towards Village Hall related improvements.
Tickets are £25 from janathome246@gmail.com

Free Mature Drivers Information Events
2026-06-12 | Corby Fire Station, Phoenix Parkway, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 5DT, United Kingdom
Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance (NSRA) is hosting two free to attend Mature Drivers Information Events at Corby Fire Station on Friday 12 June, from 10am-12.30pm and from 1pm-3pm.
The NSRA is a partnership between Northants Fire and Rescue, Northants Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Kier and the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
The sessions include free refreshments, a road traffic collision demo by the local fire crew and a road safety presentation tailored for drivers aged 60+. There’ll be fire safety advice, safety advice from the North Northants Community Safety Officer and driving advice from The Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Please click on the links below to book your space (through Eventbrite):
Friday 12 June, 10am to 12.30pm
Friday 12 June, 1pm to 3pm

Valley Voice 'Seasons' Concert, Medbourne Church
2026-06-14 15:00 - 17:00 | St Giles Church, Medbourne, Main Street, Medbourne, United Kingdom
The Welland Valley Voice Community Choir will be performing at Medbourne Church at 3pm on 14 June.
Please see the poster for details.

Brickfield House Open Gardens
2026-06-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Brickfield House, Rockingham Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XS, United Kingdom
Brickfield House at the top of Rockingham Road is opening its gardens again as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).
Entry is £5 (free for children), in support of Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK, the Carers Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and the Queen’s Nursing Institute.
Tea, coffee and cake available.

Pull Up A Chair
2026-06-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Store and Cafe, 2 Corby Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XH, United Kingdom
Since suggesting a get together for widows and widowers in the April village newsletter, a number of people have shown an interest in meeting up.
Anyone who has lost a partner knows that it leaves you with a number of challenges. Talking in general is valuable and can help you come to terms with a death or end of life diagnosis. Everyone’s grief is different, and the group isn’t intended as a ‘lonely hearts’ forum, but as a safe space for expression and an opportunity to share experiences which may help others going through the same journey, no matter how recent or how long ago.
‘Pull Up A Chair’ is open to anyone who is widowed to have a coffee with others in the same situation as you. We appreciate some will feel ‘it’s not for me’, but we never know when we just need someone to chat to when life throws us yet another curve ball.
The first get together will be on 23 June at 2pm in the Village Store, while the shop is closed to the public.
If you’d like to come along or to find out more, please contact Paula Orton on 07771 546346 or email paula.orton50@yahoo.co.uk

Milliner to the Stars, Ashley WI
2026-06-27 14:30 - 16:30 | Ashley Village Hall, 7 The Maltings, Ashley, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8HW, United Kingdom
A special event from the Ashley Welland Valley WI. Come and hear a fascinating talk from Milliner to the Stars, Louis Mariette.
Louis founded his company in Chelsea and it’s a go-to destination for custom-made hats and headpieces. Clients include Kate Moss, Joan Collins, Jerry Hall, Dannii Minogue, Paris Hilton and Isabell Kristensen, to name but a few.
Tickets are £15 for non-members. To book, or for more information, please contact Wendy Martin on ashleywellandvalley@gmail.com, mobile 07801 194560, by 13 June.
Please dress smart, and don’t forget your hat!

Cottingham & Middleton Summer Fete
2026-07-11 12:00 - 17:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
Get ready for a fun-filled day of music, games, food, and community spirit!
Expect classic fete favourites — from homemade cakes and craft stalls to raffles, live entertainment, and plenty of laughter. Bring your friends, family, and picnic blankets — it’s going to be the event of the summer! ☀🎶
Spread the word and let’s make this year’s fete the best one yet!

24 Carat Jazz, Cottingham Church
2026-08-16 15:00 - 17:10 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Street, Cottingham, LE16 8XU, United Kingdom
By popular demand, the 24 Carat Jazz trio is returning to St Mary Magdalene Church to perform as part of the ‘Sunday Sessions’ series.
Featuring Jane Smith on vocals and tenor sax, John Deane on piano and Kevin Griffiths on double bass, this popular trio plays easy listening jazz and swing favourites from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra, to name but a few.
Tickets are £10 each to include a glass of fizz and canapés.
Please get your ticket in advance so we know how many to cater for. Contact Angela on cottinghamchurch@gmail.com, or Whats App to 07594 682671.
All profits will go to the Cottingham Church New Loo project.
Doors open at 3pm and the music will start at 3.30pm. The perfect way to spend a laid back Sunday afternoon!

Fish & Chips Quiz
2026-11-21 18:30 - 22:00 | Cottingham and Middleton Village Hall, Berryfield Road, Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8XY, United Kingdom
Ant Lixquorish will be retrning to the Village Hall with his popular quiz night, in aid of church funds, accompanied by a fish and chip supper.
Please put the date intoyour diary. More information coming soon.

Tapestry, saxophone concert, St Mary Magdalene
2027-04-18 15:00 - 17:00 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Street, Cottingham, LE16 8XU, United Kingdom
We are delighted to welcome saxophonist Samuel Beddard and pianist Jo Foote back to St Mary Magdalene Church for their new perfomance project TAPESTRY.
Presented as part of the church’s ‘Sunday Sessions’ concert series, TAPESTRY weaves together folk stories through a rich programme of music from across the globe, utilising a diverse range of different saxophones to explore a variety of cultural voices. For each venue, Samuel and Jo curate a unique programme centred around a specific theme to take the audience on a one-of-a-kind historical globetrotting adventure through music.
This is Samuel and Jo’s second recital tour, and many of you may have had the opportunity to hear their outstanding first concert, ‘What Shapes a Soul’ at teh church in August 2025.
Concert details
Doors open at 3pm for a glass of fizz and canapes, which are included in the £10 ticket price. The music starts at 3.20pm and will finish around 5pm, with a 20 minute interval. For tickets, please contact Angela Preston-Jones on email cottinghamchurch@gmail.com, mobile 07594 682671. Profits from the concert will go to the church ‘new loo’ fund.
Performer biographies
Samuel Beddard is a London-Midlands based saxophonist, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, specialising in music influenced by classical, folk and jazz styles. He has performed across the country, both as a soloist in venues including the De Montfort Hall, Leicester, and as an ensemble member, notably with the award-winning Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra in tours across the Midlands. Samuel initially studied under saxophonist Gerard McChrystal, and currently studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Christian Forshaw. Samuel’s debut recital project, Saxophony, celebrated the musicians of his formative years in an acclaimed one-off concert in Rugby. Samuel is also an experienced arranger and a keen educator, working with the Leicestershire Schools Music Service and the Junior Guildhall in London. For more information, please see samuelbeddard.co.uk.
Jo Foote was born in Lancashire, and studied piano, recorders and flute from the age of six. She went on to study music at Manchester University, specialising in piano performance and accompanying. After moving to Rugby 19 years ago, Jo has been involved with many aspects of the local music scene, including repetiteur work with operatic and choral societies, directing music for local theatre productions, and working with young people through the local music service, schools and St Andrew’s Parish Church. She performs and accompanies regularly in the local area, and is currently chair of the long-standing Rugby Musical Union. Jo also sings alto in Sine Nomine Choir, and is the founder of Rugbylele, Rugby’s premier ukulele band. She has a busy freelance piano teaching practice and is a lecturer in performing arts at Warwickshire College.
