Honouring Our Maritime Heroes Merchant Navy Day at Oakham Castle, Oakham, Rutland, 3rd September 2026

Merchant Navy Day 2024

Honouring Our Maritime Heroes Merchant Navy Day in Oakham

This Thursday, 3rd September 2026, the community of Rutland will gather at the historic Oakham Castle to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy.

In recognition of their vital role in our nation's history and their ongoing contribution to our prosperity and security, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, alongside Rutland County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr David Wilby, invite the public to attend a formal flag-raising ceremony.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 3rd September 2026

Time: 10:30 am

Location: Grounds of Oakham Castle, Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DR

Why We Observe Merchant Navy Day

Merchant Navy Day is a poignant occasion to reflect on the "Fourth Service." While often operating out of the spotlight, the Merchant Navy is the backbone of the United Kingdom's economy. These seafarers are responsible for transporting the vast majority of our food, fuel, and goods.

Beyond their daily economic contributions, we honour those who have served during times of conflict. Throughout both World Wars and subsequent operations, Merchant Navy personnel faced extreme peril at sea to ensure vital supplies reached our shores. Their courage and resilience have been—and remainintegral to our national identity.

The flag-raising ceremony at Oakham Castle serves as a meaningful opportunity for Rutland residents to stand together in appreciation of these maritime heroes. Whether you have a personal connection to the sea, a family history of service, or simply wish to show your support for our Armed Forces and merchant mariners, your presence is welcomed.

By raising the Red Ensign, we ensure that the sacrifices and service of merchant seafarers are never forgotten. We hope to see you there as we commemorate this important day in our local calendar.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

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Braunston Road, Oakham, Rutland, Co-op Closed Following Dramatic Early Morning ATM Theft

Residents in Oakham have been met with a scene of significant disruption this morning at the Co-operative supermarket on Braunston Road, which remains closed following a brazen ATM heist in the early hours of Friday, July 3.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 3:00 am, when the shop’s cash machine was forcibly removed from the premises. The raid has left the front of the supermarket with noticeable structural damage, forcing the store to remain shuttered to the general public while investigators conduct their work.

The store manager arrived at the scene shortly after 4:30 am to begin liaising with the authorities, a visible police presence has remained on-site, with official cordons established to protect the integrity of the crime scene. These restrictions include the rear footpath accessible from Kings Road, several members of the public have been ignoring the safety measures, frequently ducking under the police tape. Police are urgently requesting that residents respect these boundaries to ensure both their own safety and the progress of the ongoing investigation.

Despite the significant setback, the store staff have remained on-site, demonstrating a commitment to serving their local customers. Having received their scheduled delivery of newspapers early this morning, employees have set up a makeshift service point outside the front car park.

At this time, there has been no official word regarding when the store will be able to undergo repairs and resume normal business operations. Residents are advised to avoid the immediate area of the Braunston Road Store until the police investigation has concluded and the cordon is removed.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

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UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

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Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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Swing, Stalls, and Celebration: Armed Forces Day at Cutts Close Park, Oakham, Rutland, 28th June 2026

by Martin Brookes

An extraordinary day of celebration, reflection, and toe-tapping rhythm is coming to Oakham.

On Sunday, 28th June 2026, Cutts Close Park will serve as the spectacular backdrop for Rutland’s Armed Forces Day. Organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, this poignant community event honors the dedication of our service men and women with an afternoon packed with entertainment, military-themed attractions, and sensational live music.

As part of the town’s popular "Bands in the Park" summer season, the afternoon features a headline double-bill of magnificent live music live from the historic bandstand:

Alan Jackson: Kicking off the afternoon's musical performances with a wonderful vocal repertoire.

The Rutland Big Band: Bringing the sophisticated, nostalgic sound of the golden swing era directly to the park.

From the iconic arrangements of Glenn Miller to the smooth stylings of Frank Sinatra, audiences can expect a powerful, brassy, and impeccably sharp performance. It is the ultimate celebration of big band jazz, perfectly matching the patriotic and proud atmosphere of the day.

Beyond the music, Cutts Close will be bustling with life. Dr Sarah Furness and local organisers have brought together a wide array of attractions to ensure visitors of all ages have a memorable day.

While full details of the displays are being finalised, the park will feature an assortment of charity stalls, local food and drink vendors, and family-friendly activities designed to support and celebrate the wider armed forces community.

As with all Oakham Town Council summer bandstand events, entry to the park to enjoy the music is completely free.

Sunday, 28th June 2026

Main big band music performances run from 2:30pm to 4:30pm (with park attractions open earlier in the day).

Cutts Close Park, Oakham, Rutland (LE15 6DR)

Admission: Free

Pack your deck chairs, dust off your picnic hampers, and head down to Cutts Close to experience an unforgettable mix of community pride and world-class swing music

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

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https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/rutland-sports-and-fitness

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ukoakhamtownofculture2028

Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

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Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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Man Charged After Leicestershire Police Officer Struck by Car in Oakham, Rutland

A 30-year-old man is due to appear in court tomorrow morning following an incident in which a police officer was struck by a vehicle in Oakham town centre earlier this year.

Ndricim Jakupi, of no fixed address, faces multiple charges connected to the confrontation, which took place on the High Street on Monday, January 26. During the incident, a Leicestershire Police officer was hit by a car, sustaining cuts and grazes.

Following a police investigation, authorities charged Jakupi with assault by beating of an emergency worker, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

In addition to the driving and assault offences, Jakupi has also been charged with stalking. Police confirmed that this is an unrelated charge stemming from a separate reported incident in Hertfordshire.

Jakupi has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Monday, June 15.

Man Arrested Months After Leicestershire Police Officer Struck by Car in Oakham Rutland

A five-month police investigation has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man after a Leicestershire Police officer was hit by a car in Oakham town centre earlier this year.

The arrest follows an incident that took place shortly after 3:10 PM on Monday, 26 January, on Oakham's High Street.

According to police reports, two officers approached a grey Honda CRV that was parked illegally. When they attempted to speak with the driver, the man refused to engage and instead drove directly toward one of the officers.

The vehicle struck the officer, forcing him onto the bonnet before he landed on the pavement. Fortunately, the officer escaped serious injury, sustaining only minor cuts and grazes.

Before fleeing the scene, the Honda collided with two stationary vehicles. The car was later found abandoned on Harrington Way the same day.

Following extensive enquiries, officers made an arrest this morning (Saturday, 13 June). The suspect has been detained on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) and remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby praised the persistence of the investigative team while highlighting the severity of the incident.

"For the past five months, officers have continued to work to identify and locate the person responsible for this incident," DI Willoughby said. "Luckily the officer was not seriously injured, but this doesn’t take away from the fact that he was driven at and hit by a car in order for the man to evade police."

"Today we have made an arrest in connection with the offence and the man in custody will now be questioned."

Leicestershire Police are still appealing to the public for any further information. Anyone who can assist with the ongoing investigation is urged to contact police by calling 101 or reporting online at www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference 26*50240.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

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Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

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The George Inn Cinema Now Open, Oakham, Rutland

The George Inn Cinema Now Open, Oakham, Rutland

THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER..

You can now experience what could 

possibly be the smallest 

Dolby Atmos cinema in the world at 

The George Inn in Oakham. 

With just 12 seats, it is designed for intimacy and precision, 

offering a uniquely personal and immersive experience unlike any typical cinema.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

Tickets £10 normally £15

Private hire £120 normally £162

Available from now until the 14th June

So you can keep up to date with “What’s On” 

the film showings will be released each month, 

featuring the latest films and screening times. 

The schedule will be available on our website and socials, 

in print at reception, and sent via email to everyone subscribed 

to the George mailing list.

www.thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk

See What's On 

www.thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk/the-george-inn-cinema

BOOKING

www.thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk/the-george-inn-cinema

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/rutland-sports-and-fitness

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ukoakhamtownofculture2028

Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

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Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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Classic Wheels Makes a Triumphant Return to Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland, Photographs

By Martin Brookes

The sound of roaring V8 engines and the gleam of impeccably polished chrome took over the Rutland Showground today as Classic Wheels made its highly anticipated return. 

Far from just a standard, static vehicle display, today’s event delivered a full-throttle celebration of engineering history and deep-seated personal passion. From early morning onwards, the spacious grounds filled with an eclectic mix of machinery spanning decades and continents. Walking through the vast rows of exhibits felt like stepping directly into a time machine, with more than a thousand meticulously maintained vehicles offering a rich timeline of motoring heritage to satisfy every imaginable taste.

In one corner of the field, impeccably restored vintage automobiles from the golden age of motoring took center stage, reminding attendees of an era when cars were as much about artistic craftsmanship as they were about basic transport. Nearby, the atmosphere shifted to the high-horsepower spirit of American muscle, where the popular "Big Boy Toys" section delivered heavy-duty chrome, iconic silhouettes, and massive, rumbling engines from across the Atlantic.

The diversity extended well beyond traditional four-wheelers. Two-wheel legends enjoyed a massive turnout today, showcasing everything from sleek, retro urban scooters to rugged, custom-built motorcycles. 

Classic Wheels proved to be a multi-generational, full-day experience by seamlessly blending automotive excellence with a stellar lineup of live entertainment. Music fans gathered around the main stage all afternoon to enjoy a wave of nostalgic sounds. Motown and Northern Soul star Malcolm Fovargue teamed up with Soul Sister Sandra. Later, the crowd laced up their dancing shoes as The Rewinders took the stage. The powerhouse four-piece band, featuring former members of Edison Lighthouse, The Berries, and The Yarebeats, had the showground twisting and shouting to a vibrant medley of iconic 1960s hits.

The excitement wasn't just contained to the ground displays, as the skies and the main arena provided their own high-octane thrills. Visitors kept their eyes firmly glued upward for a Spitfire flypast courtesy of the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team. Adrenaline levels spiked during the Extreme Bike Battle. This stunt show fused multiple cycling and motorcycling disciplines into an ultimate action spectacle, where world-class performers pushed their physical limits to execute jaw-dropping tricks and flips that left the crowd completely spellbound.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/rutland-sports-and-fitness

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ukoakhamtownofculture2028

Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

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Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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