Events Listings

Tatton Park plays host to a wide range of public events during the year. Our annual calendar offers a broad variety of events and includes antique fairs, classic car shows, flower shows, spectacular outdoor concerts and Christmas events.

Details of confirmed events up to December 2008 are detailed below. This list is updated weekly as new events are confirmed. You can also download a copy of the latest annual Events Guide

If a telephone number is not listed within an entry, or if you wish to obtain further information, please telephone Tatton Park on 01625 374400.

This year Tatton Park is one of the key venues supporting Cheshire's Year of Gardens '08.  For further information about Tatton's involvement in Cheshire's Year of Gardens '08, please click here.

The information below was correct at the time of press but changes may be introduced without notice.

For most events the Park's entry charge of £4.50 per car applies. This charge includes admission to the deer park and adventure playground.

Please note: National Trust members are required to pay for entry into special events and car entry to the Park.

Spring 2008
Sat 15 March - Sun 1 June Silk 'n' Threads Exhibition A display of textile artworks in the Mansion exhibition room inspired by the beauty and diversity of the county's gardens.  A perfect addition to Tatton's calendar during Cheshire's Year of Gardens. For more information call 01625 374400
May 2008
Tatton Park Biennial Tatton Park Biennial opens to the public from May 3rd to September 28th. For more information visit the Tatton Park Biennial website    Sunday 11th May NW Air Ambulance Cycle Challenge To register your interest call 0151 547 7830 or visit the North West Air Ambulance website Registration: Adults £10. Children under 16 £5 Sat 17th May and Sun 18th May The Thomas Stanley Retinue at the Old Hall Tatton is proud of its connection to the brothers who turned the tide of history at Bosworth Field.  Heroes or villains?  Hiss and boo if you wish but find out more by meeting the reenactment group who portray Lord Thomas and Sir William returning to their Tatton Manor.  12 noon to 5pm (last entry 4pm) Adult £4, Children £2, Family £10 (2 adults and up to 3 children) Old Hall Open for tours For further information tel 01625 374400 Sat 24th May - Mon 26th May Tatton Park Biennial Catalogue Launch Please visit Tatton Park Biennial website for details Friday 30th May Bothies, Bell Jars and Brussels Sprouts: An Audience with Sam Youd As part of the celebrations for Cheshire's Year of Gardens, Sam Youd, Gardens Manager at Tatton Park will share an evening of gardening 'knowhow' with both gardeners and non-gardeners alike.  The evening commences with a special opening of the garden in order to enjoy the fine display of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.  After partaking in a glass of Pimms the audience with take their seats in the wonderful setting of the Tenants' Hall whilst Sam entertains with a variety of humorous events from his own career as well as poetry and prise from various garden writings.  Drawn from over half a century of Sam's own gardening life, the evening has been designed to both entertain and inform. 6pm: Pimms in the garden 7.30pm: Tenants' Hall Tickets £20. Call 01625 374428 Sat 31st May & Sun 1st June Classic and Performance Car Spectacular with Giant Cheshire Auto-jumble The 22nd year for one of Britain's best and most popular classic car events. Over 2,000 classic, performance and vintage cars on show. Over 80 of Britain's top club displays including Jaguar, Lotus, Mercedes Benz and a special feature by the TVR car club. Massive 2 day autojumble with classic car-mart. General trade stands, children's rides and refreshments. A great day out for the family. 9am to 5pm Adults £6. Children under 12 Free For more information tel 01565 723863 or visit the Cheshire Auto Promotions website
June 2008
Sat June 7th to Sun June 15th Tatton Orchid Festival (incorporating the North of England Orchid Society annual show) Experience the best in Orchids at Tatton’s first Orchid Festival, part of Cheshire’s Year of Gardens ‘08 programme of Orchid Events. During the first weekend (June 7th and 8th) Tatton’s Tenant’s Hall will be ablaze with orchids during the magnificent two day Orchid Show. Visitors will be able to take part in workshops, watch demonstrations and browse and buy from a host of traders and exhibitors. Orchids and other botanical plants will form a spectacular display in Tatton’s Neoclassical Mansion throughout the festival. The Mansion’s exhibition room will also exhibit rare Orchid artwork and books from the Egerton’s private collection. An additional private collection of Orchid art will be on display in the Knutsford exhibition room in the Stableyard. Charges: Normal Park Entry and Mansion charges apply. Free entry to Stableyard exhibition and Tenants' Hall Orchid Show Further information can be obtained from the North of England Orchid society Opening Times: Normal Park and Mansion opening times For more information tel 01625 374400 Sunday 8th June Tatton Park Triathlon Tatton Park provides the ideal setting and environment for a new triathlon for the North West. The mere is ideal for a 1500m swim, the bike course takes triathletes through the stunning parkland and a superb undulating run provides the ideal running course. Choose from two distances: Sprint: Swim 400m, Bike 20k, Run 5k Olympic Standard: Swim 1500m, Bike 40k, Run 10k `Cheerers on' can enjoy the rest of Tatton's attractions including the  Farm, Mansion, Gardens, Shops, Adventure Playground and restaurant. For more information and to book visit the Tatton Triathlon website Wed 11th June National Garden Scheme All garden entries and donations will be given to the National Garden Scheme which helps charities such as the Queen's Nursing Institute Gardens open 10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm). Normal entry charges apply.   Sat 14th June & Sun 15th June Medieval Fayre at the Old Hall              To celebrate the 10th Medieval Fayre at Tatton in association with Plantagenet events each day will end with an even bigger and better battle. Men at arms, archers, gunners and a ragtag army of hangers-on promises an exciting and atmospheric event. Over 40 authentic merchants and skilled artisans complete a bustling travelling fair. 11am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) Adults £5, Children £2.50, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £14  Old Hall open for tours.   Sat 21st June Donkey Party at the Farm! Join us at the Farm as we celebrate the arrival of the new farm donkey, 'Frosty'.  Meet the old favourites, donkeys Dotty and Daisy.  Paint a Donkey Picture.  Help to groom the donkeys.  Meet Blossom, the Clydesdale's adorable new foal. Normal opening times and prices apply. For news from the Farm click here!   Sat 21st & Sun 22nd June Cancer Research Race for Life   Race commences at 11am. Register through the Race for Life website or tel 08705 134314 Sat 28th & Sun 29th June 1940's Weekend - The Way We Were     Tatton's role in WW11 was an important one and is celebrated during this weekend with battle reenactment and the home front. Try your hand at make do and mend, dig for victory, wartime cooking, washday and attend an evacuees' school. Dance and sing with entertainers. Displays of military and civilian vehicles. Step back in time. Why not come dressed up! The 1940s Weekend takes place at the Old Hall 11am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) Adult £4, Children £2, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £10. For more information tel 01625 374400
July 2008
Friday 4th July - Sunday 6th July The 14th Cheshire Summer Fine Art and Antiques Fair Quality fine art and antiques event featuring nationwide exhibitors specialising in jewellery, silver, contemporary art, furniture, traditional paintings, sculpture, glass, lighting, clocks and much more. Fri 12pm to 6pm. Sat 11am to 6pm. Sun 11am to 5pm Adult £5. Accompanied Child (under 16) Free. For more information contact 01277 214677 or visit Bailey Fairs Sat 5th July Illyria Open Air Theatre - Pinocchio Illyria's production is based on Carlo Collodi's macabre comic masterpiece for smart grownups and brave children and is an hysterical satire on growing up. Featuring a leading actor whose nose actually does grow and a 20 foot shark this is suitable for anyone aged 5 and over. Commences 6.30pm. Performance outside at the old Hall Tickets: Adults £10, Children £7. Tel 01625 374400 Sat 5th July & Sun 6th July Stars and Stripes Classic American Car Show The North West's premier event for lovers of all things American! Huge Fins `n' Chrome cars from the 1950s and 1960s. Corvettes, Mustangs, Cadillacs, Hot Rods, Custom Cars, Pickup Trucks, Days Vans and the famous Wall of Death. Lots of trade stalls selling American related items. Music, line dancing and refreshments. A great day out for all the family. 9am to 5pm Adults £6; Children under 12 Free Normal Park entry fee applies For more information tel 01565 723863 or visit the Cheshire Auto Promotions website Fri 11th July Theatre Set Up: All's Well that ends Well The play's central romantic figures are a young nobleman, Bertram and and orphaned commoner, Helene. Their different backgrounds cause problems with their romance. Being a comedy, Bertram comes around and all's well that ends well! Performance starts at 7.30pm Tickets £15 For more information and to book contact 01625 374400 Sun 13th July Kinderkonzert   Sat 19th July to Sun 17th August oneplace exhibition The final exhibition showing work by Andy Goldsworthy, Rob Vale, Helen Brigham, Christopher Mayo, Samantha Donnelly, Lucie Potter, Sam Clayton and Mark Jacobs. Between them they have created a diverse and important set of responses to the landscape of Tatton Park. A seminar with the residency practitioners will explore their own responses to Tatton, understanding its historic and contemporary landscape. Exhibition takes place in the Mansion steward's room Normal Mansion admission prices apply   Sat 19th & Sun 20th July Rare Breeds Weekend at the Farm Meet all our rare breed animals including Blossom the Clydesdale and Tallulah the Tamworth and help raise awareness of these endangered breeds. Normal opening times and entry charges apply Wed 23rd July - Sun 27th July RHS Flower Show Tickets now on sale! For all things gardens and gardening head to Tatton Park in July when the RHS will be celebrating its 10th show at Tatton by putting on a fabulous show with tonnes of creative ideas and inspiration. The grand finale of the summer shows, Tatton is an exciting stage for pioneering show gardens, the colourful and fun RHS/Ball Colegrave National Flower Bed competition and the popular back to back gardens. An abundance of marquees will be overflowing with artistic floral flair and `growing and showing' stands. Opportunities to shop will be delivered in spades! Tickets:                         RHS members     Public Wed 23rd                     £24                      NA Thur 24th - Sun 27th   £18                     £21 Tickets on the Day       £23                     £23 OPEN: Thu 24th – Sun 27th July 2008, 10am – 6.30pm (closes 5pm on Sunday) Wed 23rd, RHS and NT members’ only Preview Day. For further information visit the RHS website  Note: discount not valid for Preview Day tickets or with any other offers. Last date for purchase of tickets is Tuesday 22nd July.   Tue 29th July - Fri 29 Aug Summer Activities at the Farm Donkey grooming, scarecrow making, farmyard collage, paint a picture and fun quiz. Normal entry times and prices apply For further information call 01625 374400
August 2008
Sat 2nd August Halle Fireworks and Light Spectacular Concert This year's Halle Fireworks and Light spectacular programme, to be conducted by John Wilson, celebrates Cheshire's Year of Gardens '08 and will include Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker, excerpts from Wagner's Lohengrin and Grieg's Peer Gynt. In keeping with tradition the concert will incorporate a truly fantastic fireworks display sychronised to extracts from Holst's most famous Planet Suite: Mars, Saturn and Jupiter Gates open 5pm. Concert starts 8.15pm Adults £25 Groups of 10 or more £23 For more information and to book visit picnic concert website   Sun 3rd August Party! At Tatton Park Bjorn Again and The Music of Dirty Dancing! A great afternoon and evening of music with live bands playing from 5pm At 6pm get ready to party with The music of Dirty Dancing which features all the music from the cult film including Do You Love me? Be my Baby, Big girls Don't Cry and the immortal (I've Had) The Time of my Life! From 9pm legendary band Bjorn Again perform the greatest hits of ABBA Gates open at 3pm Adults £29 Groups of 10 or more £27 Senior Citizens £20 Children 5yrs to 16 yrs £20 For more information visit picnic concert website   Sun 3rd August Fun Dog Show Novelty classes plus a fun agility course £1 entry fee per class plus normal park entry charges 12 noon start Further information tel 01625 534431 Wed 6th August Rangers' Boredom Busters Stuck for ideas? Then come along for a trailer ride through the Park and go Pond dipping 10am to 1pm Adult £3, Children £2 (minimum age 5). An adult must be present with all participating children Booking essential. Call 01625 374428 Sun 10th August Viking Sunday at the Old Hall Vikings are coming....! Cestrescire Living History invade and take over Tatton's Old hall. Experience battle and domestic life. Try on armour, have a go at archery (small charge). 12pm - 5pm (last entry 4pm) Adult £4, Children £2, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £10 Old Hall open for tours For further information tel 01625 374400 Sun 10th August VW North West Car Show The largest gathering of Volkswagens, both air and water cooled, in the North of England. Specialist trade stands, autojumble, concourse with massive car club displays and cars for sale.  Children's rides and much more on the day! A great family day out! 9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm). Adults £6, Children under 16 free Normal Park entry charge applies For further information tel 0161 339 1124 or visit the VW North West website Wed 13th August Ranger's Boredom Busters Stuck for ideas? Then come along for a trailer ride through the Park and go Pond dipping 10am to 1pm Adult £3, Children £2 (minimum age 5). Adult must be present with all participating children Booking essential - call 01625 374428 Wed 15th August Illyria Open Air Theatre - The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare's play sees Falstaff falling in love, not once, but twice at the same time with two women who are actually best friends. The result is The Merry wives of Windsor!  Multiple international award-winning Illyria perform Shakespeare at his most boisterous and farcical. Tickets: Adults £10, Children £7 Tel 01625 374400 Sat 16th & Sun 17th August The 21st Tatton Park Vintage, Classic & Sports Car Show Over 2,000 Vintage and Classic cars, with up to 90 top car club displays including special events for the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club and Alvis Owners Club. Massive 2-day Auto-jumble, collectors car mart for selling or buying the car of your dreams! Lots of general trade stands, childrens' rides and refreshments. A great family day out! 9am to 5pm. Adult £6, Children under 12 Free. Normal Park entry charge applies For more information tel 01565 723863 or visit Cheshire Auto Promotions website Tues 19th to Fri 22 August Boredom Busters on the Farm Donkey grooming, make a scarecrow, meet the pigs with Lisa, visit Aunt Mary and enjoy her yummy toast in the cottage Activities start at 1pm Normal entry times and prices apply For more information tel 01625 374431 Sat 23rd to Mon 25th August             Tatton Park Country Show   The 4th Tatton Park Country Fair continues to grow. A bigger site this year allows further new attractions to be included such as the falconry village, 5 professional falconers and have a go facilities with around 100 assorted birds of prey providing a fabulous static and fly display including the Valley of the Eagles. The english Open Chainsaw competition returns.. . Open 10am to 6pm. Adults £7, Children £3 (5 - 16 yrs). Senior Citizens £6 For further information visit the Living Heritage Country Shows website. Sat 23rd August to Sun 28th September Tatton Park Biennial 2008 Exhibition Showcase Photographs by Biennial Artist Faye Claridge Mirror Pool: to travel, to dream, to wish Faye's work explores the hopes and unfulfilled dreams at Tatton Park inspired by the imported Chinese tree Emmenopterys Henryi. Haunting images show ghosts of visitors reflected alongside this tree that is yet to flower, despite being here for almost one hundred years. Mansion Stewards Room Normal entry prices apply Sat 23rd August - Sun 7 September Warrington Art Group exhibition Now in its 5th year the exhibition celebrates local art and is designed to encourage artistic talent in the community. Come along and vote for your favourite piece of work. 12pm - 5pm. Free admission to exhibition Normal park entry charges apply Mon 25 August Adopt a Farm Animal Day Brush Blossom, meet Rosie and take Tallulah to the fields. Help conserve these rare breeds by adopting a Home Farm animal.  The adoption scheme helps Tatton's essential conservation and education work. Normal entry charges and opening times apply For further information call 01625 374400 Thu 28 August to Wed 3 Sep `Nature into Art' - Floral Event Cheshire area NAFAS members celebrate Cheshire's Year of Gardens '08 by staging a magnificent display of contemporary floral sculptures throughout Tatton's mansion. Inspired by the Tatton Park Biennial, the display is entitled `Nature into Art'. Budding flower arrangers of all ages will be able to take part in practical workshops being held on the weekend of 30th and 31st in the Stableyard exhibition room. Jonathan Moseley Demonstrations The event will culminate in two grand floral demonstrations in the Tenants' Hall entitled `the Power of Leaf, Form and Flower by world renowned demonstrator Jonathan Moseley. Wed Sep 3rd -  2pm and 7pm. Restaurant open for lunch, tea and early supper. Tickets to the event include entry to both the Park and a visit to the Mansion to enjoy the NAFAS displays throughout the staterooms prior to the demonstrations. Normal entry charges and opening times apply Demonstration tickets: Standard £18; Groups £16 (12 or more); NAFAS members £15. Pre-booking essential 01625 374428
September 2008
Sun 7th September Northern BMW Festival Now in its 9th year Tatton Park plays host to the largest gathering of BMWs and Porsches in the North of England. Attractions include concourse show and shine competition, cars for sale, specialist trade stands and a children's fairground. 10am to 4pm. Adult £2, Children under 16 free For further information tel 0161 678 2088 Sat 13th September Kiddy Cook Kiddy Cook's unique cooking session encourages children to learn about `good' food and to explore new flavours in an educational and fun way. 10am to 12pm Booking essential tel 07976 619648 Sat 13th & Sun 14th September International Property Show The International Property Show in association with The Daily Mail provides a great opportunity for those looking to invest abroad to come and talk with agents, developers and builders from a wide range of countries and locations.  Whatever your budget you will be sure to find friendly and helpful advice on finding the right property for you.  Mortgage, financial and legal help will also be on hand. 10.30am to 5pm Entry free. Normal Park entry fee per car applies For further details contact The International property Show 01252 720 652 Sat 13th September Christies Walk of Hope 10k stroll to raise money for this leading cancer hospital. Walk starts at 4pm To register tel 0161 446 3400 or visit Christies website Fri 19th - Sun 21st September The 39th Cheshire Autumn Fine Art & Antiques Fair A spectacular array of beautiful antiques and works of art. Specialities include furniture for town and country homes, classic and contemporary fine art, silver, Persian rugs, jewellery, porcelain, maps and prints amongst many other items. Fri 12pm to 6pm, Sat 11am to 6pm, Sun 11am to 5pm Adult £5, Children under 16 free Tel 01277 214677 Website:  Bailey Fairs   Sat 20th & Sun 21st September American Civil War Members of the American Civil War Society are amongst the most approachable and enthusiastic re-enactors on the living history scene. Share the myth, romance and reality of the period as you walk and talk your way through their encampment. Skirmish and gunfire, bugle and drum as well as rest and recreation offer vignettes of other lives.  A great opportunity for photographers. 12pm - 5pm (last entry 4pm) Adults £4, Children £2, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £10 Old hall open for tours Sat 20th & Sun 21st September Cancer Research UK10 Race commences at 10.30am. Entry cost £17.50 To register visit the Cancer research website   Sat 27th September Kiddy Cook   Kiddy Cook's unique cooking session encourages children to learn about good food and explore new flavours in a fun and educational way 10m to 12 noon Booking essential - Call 07976 619648 Sat 27th & Sun 28th September Harvest Festival at the Farm See the steam engine running, have a go at scarecrow making, spinning, make your own corn doll and ferret racing. Once again memberes of the local Cheshire Guild of Woodturners will be on hand to demonstrate their craft, and they'll be pleased to chat with you about woodturning, discuss the processes involved and show you some of their work. For more details about the club and the work of their members see their website www.cgw.org.uk. Harvest blessing at 2pm on the Saturday only. 12pm to 5pm (last entry 4pm) Normal admission charges apply   Sat 11th and Sun 12th October Cheshire Crafts and Gifts Fair Now with a wider range of exhibitors including traditional crafts and gifts, retailers and food producers. With 50 exhibitors and lots of ideas for christmas shopping 10.30 am to 5pm Free entry (normal park entry charge per car applies) For more information contact Countrywide Events tel 01509 217444 Sat 11th Oct Kiddy Cook   Kiddy Cook's unique cooking session encourages children to learn about good food and explore new flavours in a fun and educational way 10m to 12 noon Booking essential - Call 07976 619648 Wed 15 October RHS Lecture - Unlocking the Secrets of the Japanese Garden An insight into the spectacular colouring and planting of the Japanese Garden at Tatton Park - exploring types of plants, care and maintenance of the garden with a guided tour by Gardens Manager Sam Youd 2pm to 4pm RHS members £7.95. Non members £9.95 Booking essential through RHS 08456 121253 Sat 18th and Sun 19th October Christmas Gift Fair It's an early chance to look for those special Christmas gifts for all the family. You will be delighted by ideas for presents not usually found in High Street shops! Fifty exhibitors selected from all over the country. 10.30 am to 5pm Free entry (normal park entry charge per car applies) For more information contact Countrywide Events tel 01509 217444 Sunday 19th October Tatton Apple Day Join us in the Gardens to celebrate the wonderful apple. Taste scrumptious varieties from Tatton's Walled Garden. Join in with apple games in the orchard. Learn about Tatton's special apple trees. Apple goods on sale in the shops and restaurant. Normal opening times and prices apply For more information tel 01625 374400 Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October North West Fine Food Lovers Festival For the largest selection of fabulous fine food you are ever likely to find under one roof visit the NW Fine Food Lovers festival. A gastronomic delight for all the family and the perfect showcase for a region bursting at the seams with fantastic high quality food producers. From all corners of Cumbria, Lancashire, Manchester, Merseyside and of course Cheshire we bring you everything from artisan bread to rare breed meat, handmade preserves to locally grown vegetables. With over 80 fine food producers, fascinating foodie seminars, exciting and informative demonstrations from some of the region's most talented chefs and `grow your own' gardening workshops there'll be lots do do and see. This year will also see an extension of the 2 day festival within a fantastic programme of events in and around Knutsford. For more information and tickets go to North West Fine food website Sat 25th Oct Kiddy Cook Kiddy Cook's unique cooking session encourages children to learn about good food and explore new flavours in a fun and educational way 10m to 12 noon Booking essential - Call 07976 619648 Sun 26th October Tatton Garden Society Lecture 'Crocosmias Through the Ages' by John Faley, son of Peter Foley of Holden Clough Nursery, Bolton by Bowland. 2.30 pm. For further details and prices contact Tatton Garden Society on 01477 537698 Tue 28th October to Sunday 2nd November Hallowe'en Hauntings at the Old Hall How can things be scary and so much fun? Kids, drag those terrified adults and friends along and show them how brave you are in the horrendously haunted Old Hall. Horrible History Mystery and quiz. Face painting and mask making (small charge). Groups welcome 12 to 5pm (last entry 4pm) Adults £4, Children £2 (under 4's free of charge), Family £10 Tel 01625 374400 for more information Sat 1st Nov Marie Curie Cancer Care Devoted to Life Walk - Evening Tribute Join us for this 5km walk. Commences at 5pm. Registration fee £10 Tel 0161 255 2800 or visit the website Sat 1st and Sun 2nd November The Christmas Shopping Fair Still not found what you're looking for? Another 50 exhibitors, many visiting Tatton for the 1st time, may have the answer to your search for Christmas gifts for the family. 10.30am - 5pm Free entry (normal Park entry charge per car applies) For further information contact Countrywide Events on 01509 217444 Sunday 16th November Tatton Garden Society Lecture 'Winter Colour in the Garden' by Peter Foley, nurseryman and owner of Holden Clough Nursery, Bolton by Bowland 2.30pm. Further details contact Tatton Garden Society 01477 537698 Late November - Early January Christmas and New Year party Extravaganza Fabulous themed Christmas party extravaganza in the Grand marquee. Festive 3 course silver served meal with competitions and novelties, live entertainment, disco and charity fun casino. Join us for the 14th session as we celebrate 'Moonlight on the Mississippi'. Enjoy one of the most glamorous parties in the north west for your private party, charity event, exhibition or product launch with dining for up to 1600 guests Booking available year round tel 0845 757 3043 or visit JD parties website Sat 6th Dec Kiddy Cook Kiddy Cook's unique cooking session encourages children to learn about good food and explore new flavours in a fun and educational way 10m to 12 noon Booking essential - Call 07976 619648

All details correct at time of publication.

If a telephone number is not listed above, or if you wish to obtain prices, opening times or other details, telephone the Tatton Infoline on 01625 374435. The above information was correct at the time of publishing but changes may be introduced without notice.

For most daytime events, the Park’s entry charge of £4.20 per car applies (£4.50 after March 16th 2008). This charge includes admission to the deer park and adventure playground.