Featured Events in Retford in June, 2025 (August Updated)

Angela Anwyl, Author will be hosting an event at Retford Library in Retford on June 11, 2025. The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with the acclaimed author and gain insights into her literary works. The address for the venue is 17 Churchgate, Retford, DN22 6PE. Tickets for the event are priced at £8.83. Don't miss this exclusive chance to meet Angela Anwyl and delve into the world of her captivating storytelling.

Nottinghamshire crime novelist Stephen Booth is the author of 18 novels in the best-selling Cooper and Fry series, set in the Peak District. His books have won awards on both sides of the Atlantic and are translated into 16 languages, including Russian and Japanese. Stephen will talk about his life as a crime writer and what draws many thousands of readers into his fictional world - particularly the popularity of his two Derbyshire police detectives, Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, and the Peak District locations which inspire his books. Stephen's books will be available to purchase at this event. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

Angela's research into music making in Retford has covered the Victorian and Edwardian periods and beyond. She will talk about three very significant musicians in this period, Hamilton White, John Rowland and Millicent Ward. Between them they give a considerable insight into a wide range of music making, but they are the tip of a considerable iceberg. Angela will also be talking about concerts, church music, the beginnings of the operatic group and the North Nottinghamshire Musical Competitions, choirs, a music shop, teaching music and a local band. Angela's books will be available to purchase at this event. Cost: £7.50 plus £1.33 booking fee. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

HEROIC OR TRAGIC? Adrian Gray tells the story of two Retford people who left the town ‘to do great things’ and died as a result – one in an ancient castle dungeon, the other on a disease and cannibal-infested island. Two ordinary people with extraordinary lives, but were they heroic or tragic? You can decide, but they deserve greater recognition in the town where they lived. Adrian's books will be available for purchase at this event. Cost: £7.50 plus £1.33 booking fee. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

Lucie Lovatt, a talented playwright, will be showcasing her latest work at Retford Little Theatre in Retford on June 13, 2025. The event promises an evening filled with captivating storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this up-and-coming playwright's work come to life on stage. Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at £11.55. Make sure to secure your seat for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Lucie Lovatt reignited her writing ambitions at forty. KILL THY NEIGHBOUR, her first full-length play, premiered at Theatr Clwyd and Torch Theatre in 2024. Lucie has worked in West End theatre for many years as a creative producer, previously for Sonia Friedman Productions and now for Second Half Productions. Lucie is an alumna of the Royal Court Theatre’s Young Writers’ Programme and completed an MA in Dramatic Writing at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Lucie grew up in Retford and attended King Edward IV school and during that time was a keen member of Retford’s Little Theatre. Cost: £10 plus £1.55 booking fee. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

Annie Charme will be discussing her work and writing life. Annie describes her books as real, raw, racy romance. She loves representing plus size women and spreading body positivity with her curvy heroines and protective inked heroes who love every inch of them. Annie is an avid reader of romance novels and felt that curvy full-figured women were not featured enough in this genre. This inspired her to write her books which have been successful on both sides of the Atlantic. The event will include the opportunity to buy Annie's books. The ticket price includes a cocktail or mocktail and nibbles. Cost: £25 plus £2.80 booking fee. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

Attend the upcoming event featuring Annie Charme, a renowned Romance Author, taking place on June 13, 2025, at The Sherwood by kook in Retford. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of romance as Annie Charme shares her insights and experiences. The event will be held at 18 Churchgate, Retford, DN22 6PQ. Tickets are priced at £27.80. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most esteemed authors in the genre.

News UK journalist, Jess Wilson will be joining us to discuss the power of words to change the world and successful press campaigns that have resulted in change. Jess is Associate Editor of Fabulous Magazine and works across newspaper, magazine and digital formats. She has worked on a number of campaigns for The Sun that have changed our perceptions and responses and helped to create a new and improved status quo. Cost: £10 plus £1.55 booking fee. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

Our Ice Cream Sundae sessions give you the chance to create the Ice Cream of your dreams, with the best Ice cream around! You choose from our selection of flavours of Cow shack Ice cream, then choose your 'extras' such as brownie pieces, cinder toffee, Meringue, Strawberry, Cherry, chocolate curls, caramel curls, fudge pieces and many more, finally choose a suace - chocolate, caramel, pistachio, coffee and lots of fruity flavours. We will bring it all to you with a Sundae glass and you can layer up your ice cream and flavours to create the ultimate dessert... and then eat it of course! Information Source: The Chocolate Kitchen | eventbrite

Join children's writer Bethany Walker for a fun morning of silly stories and awesome activities, inspired by two of her books: Do Lions Hate Haircuts? and Olly Brown, God of Hamsters. Come along and style a lion's hair, or make a spaceship for a hamster, or both! Bethany Walker is the author of four funny children's books. Before becoming a children’s writer, Bethany was a teacher and then a museum educator, working in some very weird and wonderful places. She lives in Lincolnshire with her husband, children and a rapidly increasing number of stick insects! Suitable for children aged 6+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Beth's books will be available to purchase at this event. Cost: £5 plus £1.13 booking fee. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

Paul Thompson, singer and co-author of Jake Thackray’s acclaimed biography, shares his passion for the comic genius of the late, great singer-songwriter from Yorkshire. Jake was a true original who became famous in the late sixties through his countless TV and radio appearances, singing his hilarious, satirical, irreverent, poetical and poignant songs. Paul performs them lovingly on Nadine, a guitar once owned and named by Jake, and also gives fascinating, colourful insights into the Yorkshireman’s extraordinary life. Cost: £12.50 plus £1.75 booking fee. Information Source: Retford Book Festival | eventbrite

Mac-Fest at Gamston Wood Farm Welcome to Mac-Fest ! Join us at Gamston Wood Farm for an evening full of music and laughter. There will be 2 local bands performing; Propeller and KEGS. A licensed bar and pop-up food vans will be on site to ensure everyone is hydrated and fed! A charity auction and further activities will follow General Admission is £20 per ticket (plus booking fee) General Admitssion Aged 3 to 18 is £5 per ticket (plus booking fee) Aged 3 or below is Free On-site camping is available at a separate cost - £5 per unit/plot (plus booking fee) The proceeds of the event are to raise vital funds for MacMillan Cancer Support Gates open from 4pm with the first band starting at 6pm All ages welcome! Information Source: Ben Silcock, Emily-Jane Silcock & Tim Silcock | eventbrite