going out guide, listings, what's on, leicester, leicestershire, rutland

Here's our choice of 10 things to do this weekend in Leicester and Leicestershire (September 21, 2 and 23). Let us now if you've got any better/alternative suggestions - add your ideas in the comments section below.

It's not a scorcher this weekend but then summer (what summer?) has now officially ended and autumn is here! Check the latest five-day weather forecast here.

Competitors in last year's Race for Life at Western Park
Blake are appearing at Loughborough Town Hall
Jack Dee is at De Montfort Hall

1. EVENT: The Rockingham Castle Country Show at Rockingham Castle.

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This year's country show promises to be "the best ever". There's lots lined up including a chance to see some real-life Suffolk Punch heavy horses, birds of prey flying displays, terrier racing plus re-enactments, goat display with milking and other hands-on activities and miniature ponies.

As well as the wildlife there are arts, crafts, gift, food and drink stalls and marquees with cookery demonstrations from the events show kitchen. When: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

See the website www.rockinghamcastle.com for more details.

2. EVENT: Movie Mania at National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester.

Two days of film fun for all the family where you can meet your favourite characters from the most iconic movies of all time. Join Will Turner for Pirate School, monkey around with the Apes, lead a legion of Stormtroopers with Darth Vader. It's the ultimate weekend dedicated to Hollywood for the whole family to enjoy. There'll be some real movie stars too plus talks, workshops, displays and a chance to get some ideas on creating movie make-up. It's a fundraising event 9Make-a-Wish and Help 4 Heroes) and the Space Centre advises buying tickets in advance. When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

See the website www.spacecentre.co.uk for more details.

3. THEATRE: Finding Neverland - The Musical at Curve Theatre, Leicester.

Finding Neverland opens this weekend at Curve. The musical is based on the story of JM Barrie, who created Peter Pan and the stage show has been put together by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who chose Curve to host the world premiere. The show is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Rob Ashford. When: Opens Saturday: evening 7.30pm, matinees 2.15pm. runs until October 13.

See the website www.curveonline.co.uk for more details.

4. EVENT: Beer Festival at Great Central Railway.

Sample more than 50 real ales and ciders over three days. Either drink on the move or stand and watch the trains go by! Live music and hot food served up. When Friday to Tuesday. Friday 6pm to 11pm, Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm. £3 admission, which reduces to £1 after 8pm (Friday & Saturday) and all day Sunday. For Friends of Great Central Main Line and CAMRA members entry is free.

See the website www.gcrailway.co.uk for more details.

5. MUSIC: Blake at Loughborough Town Hall.

Classical vocal quartet Blake are in Loughborough on Sunday performing some of the greatest love songs of all time, in perfect harmony. The Brit-Award winning singers are "Four Voices in Perfect Harmony” and are returing to the Town Hall with their 2012 show. As well the romanitic love songs, the charismatic quartet will perform new material from their fourth album. When: Sunday at 7.30pm.

See the website www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk for more details.

6. FOOD: Food fortnight launch at Twycross Zoo.

Leicestershire’s food fortnight events will be launched at Twycross Zoo this weekend. The zoo is hosting a food and craft fair with more than 60 of Leicestershire’s food and drink businesses taking part. The day will include tastings, demonstrations and special promotions. When: Sunday: 11am till 4pm.

The Leicester and Leicestershire Food Fortnight runs till October 7 and includes, among other things, a pie-making festival (see below), the Quorn Bacon Roll contest, a food festival in Coalville, a Gourmet Food evening at Hothorpe Hall and lots more.

See the website www.goleicestershire.com for more details on other events taking place.

7. MORE FOOD: Pie Fest! at Market Square, in Melton Mowbray.

We know it's been mentioned above but we are proud of our pies and wanted to share that with as many people as possible. Award-winning pie makers from all over the country and some of Melton Mowbray's finest pork pie producers will come together for a weekend of pie festivities. The two-day event, which is part of Leicester and Leicestershire Food Fortnight will include entertainments, locally brewed beers and a party atmosphere going on through Saturday evening. The event takes place in Market Square at Melton Mowbray. When: Saturday, September 22, from 10am to 4pm.

See the website www.piefest.co.uk for more details.

8. OUTDOOR: Memory Walk at Abbey Park, Leicester.

A chance to get some fresh air and exercise and raise some money for a good cause. The annual Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk is taking place this weekend to help raise awareness and funds for the charity.

The Alzheimer’s Society will also be running information stands on the day, with staff on hand to offer support and advice. Meet at the bandstand to register. When: Sunday. Registration starts at 10am and the 2.5-mile walk itself starts at noon. The event is open to anyone, with registration available online or on the day.

See the website www.memorywalk.org.uk/leicestershire for more details.

9. MUSIC: Grimethorpe Colliery Band at De Montfort Hall, Leicester.

The world-famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band is in Leicester to help raise funds for the Salvation Army. The band has an international reputation for excellence on both the the concert and contest stage and has featured on film, TV and radio. When: Saturday, 7.30pm to 9pm.

See the website www.demontforthall.co.uk for more details.

10. SPORT: Race for Life at Western Park, Leicester.

At last! After being cancelled twice we're delighted to be able to add this annual and popular fundraising event to our top 10 list. There's rain forecast again for this weekend but organisers at Cancer Research UK said runs on Saturday and Sunday would definitely go ahead. When: There will be a 10k race starting at 10.30am and a 5k event at 2.30pm on Saturday, September 22. There will then be a 5k race at 11am on Sunday, September 23. At the time of typing, the organisers are still welcoming runners and are also looking for volunteers.

See the website http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org for more details.

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