Out & About
Buckingham gets prepared from BuckLitFive
Buckle up for the biggest year yet. BuckLitFive is coming to town!
Spanning five days from Wednesday 10 June to Sunday 14 June in Buckingham, BuckLitFest 2020 will be the most audacious festival yet, cementing its place in the nation’s annual lit-fest line-up, and providing a warm welcome to iconic authors, big thinkers, poets and aspiring writers alike.
Featuring more than 35 events over five days, visitors can expect to see an expanded line-up that has previously attracted speakers such as Freddie Forsyth, Victoria Hislop, Terry Waite, Luke Jennings, Elif Shafak, Jacqueline Wilson, Ben Okri, Roger McGough, Antonia Fraser and Louis de Bernieres.
Now in its fifth year, the Buckingham Literary Festival has grown year on year welcoming thousands of visitors to its many and varied talks.
Set up in 2015 by a small group of friends dedicated to their mission to bring something completely new to the beautiful market town of Buckingham, it continues to enthrall and delight. Visitors will soon become familiar with the University of Buckingham, where many events are held, but will also have the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of this historic town.
Festival Director, Christopher Woodhead says: “We’re delighted to be returning for another year of what is fast shaping up to be something extraordinary. We couldn’t do what we do without our dedicated band of volunteers, partners and sponsors, and I’m particularly excited to welcome the first Bard of Buckingham to this year’s Festival.”
A recent addition to Buckingham’s cultural landscape, Dean Jones, Partnerships and Outreach Manager, University of Buckingham was recently sworn in as the inaugural Bard of Buckingham and has ambitious plans for the role.
Dean says: “I’m so excited about this collaboration. It’s going to be a busy year and I’ve got big news coming soon. I want to tap into the creative heart of Buckingham, bringing together poets of all ages in a celebration of all that’s good about our town.” The creative talent continues with the re-securing of artist-in-residence Gino Ballantyne whose pencil and chalk sketches will once again illustrate the daily Festival events as they unfold.
Prepare for a magical New Year’s Eve at Tewinbury’s exquisite Tythe Barn, where rustic charm meets understated luxury. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mimram Valley in Hertfordshire, this exclusive celebration promises an evening of indulgence, joy, and unforgettable memories.
The Perfect Celebration
The festivities begin with a sparkling Champagne reception, accompanied by an array of exquisite canapés. Guests will then be treated to a carefully curated four-course meal, perfectly paired with fine wine to tantalise the taste buds. The evening continues with live entertainment, providing the ideal soundtrack to dance your way into 2025 with loved ones.
As the clock approaches midnight, toast to the New Year in the enchanting ambience of Tythe Barn, a space renowned for its blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. With its exposed wooden beams and festive decor, this venue offers an intimate yet vibrant setting for a truly memorable night.
About Tewinbury
Tewinbury is not just a venue; it is an experience. Located in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, this 700-acre estate provides a tranquil escape just a short journey from the hustle and bustle of London. Only 30 minutes by train from King’s Cross, Tewinbury feels a world away with its idyllic surroundings and refined country charm.
The estate is renowned for its farm-to-table dining, luxury lodges, and bespoke experiences, making it a sought-after destination for both celebrations and retreats. Tythe Barn itself is a jewel in Tewinbury’s crown, offering a beautiful setting steeped in history and brimming with character.
Whether you are a local or travelling in from further afield, Tewinbury provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories this New Year’s Eve.
Event Details
- Date: 31st December 2024
- Venue: Tythe Barn, Tewinbury, Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB
- Tickets: £165 per person (includes Champagne reception, canapés, four-course meal, wine, and entertainment)
- Time: Evening
Make Your Booking
Tickets are limited for this exclusive event, so secure your place early to avoid disappointment. Book online at tewinbury.co.uk/event/new-years-eve-at-tythe-barn or contact the team directly at 01438 717793 or reservations@tewinbury.co.uk.
Henley-based, WH Brakspear & Sons, is delighted to announce that it is currently purchasing the freehold interest in The George Public House, a beautiful, 16th century, Grade II listed inn located in centre of the idyllic Bedfordshire village of Maulden.
The George was taken over by Maulden villagers, Julian and Emma Smith, in 2011. The couple bought and completely refurbished the then derelict pub whilst sensitively renovating its many original architectural features using local contractors, Kingshall Estates UK Ltd.
Departing owner, Emma Smith says,” The pub was a wreck when we bought it, but we replaced everything from the plumbing, electrics and the layout, built a new carpark and created a two-bed flat for a tenant. We then commissioned talented Birmingham-based, pub interior designers, Spencer Swinden, to create contemporary and cosy spaces to drink, eat and stay to a high spec.”
Now a thriving community hub, The George has a light and airy public bar, restaurant with 120 covers, a private function room seating 18-24 and seven, boutique-style, en-suite guest rooms housed in cottage style accommodation overlooking its landscaped beer garden with an attractive dining terrace, and currently has planning permission to build five additional bedrooms.
Tom Davies, Brakspear CEO commented, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The George at Maulden. It will be a fantastic addition to our estate. We don’t have many pubs in Bedfordshire, so we are really excited to be there, especially with the proposed Universal Studios development so close by.”
Having run the pub since 2016, Julian and Emma are leaving the pub in really good shape. “It’s been an amazing journey, particularly as we had no previous experience in hospitality when we started out.” says Emma. “We’ve absolutely loved every minute of our time at The George, but Julian and I are now ready to move on to our next adventure, which we’re currently deciding on. “The tenants will just be able to just jump straight in and run it with a wonderful, enthusiastic team of 40 staff ready to support them,” says Emma Smith.
“Our vision is to retain The George as a community hub whilst also offering a wonderful place to relax, stay and dine if visiting from further afield,” says Brakspear’s Business Development director, Gerard Winder. “Brakspear is now looking for a new tenant with experience of the area and who can fit in to a local pub with a loyal following and a strong background in food and beverage to be able to operate a quality informal operation on a tenancy agreement”.
The George lies eight miles south of Bedford and 13 miles from Luton. The market town of Ampthill is 2 miles away. Surrounded by the ancient Maulden Wood and halfway along the Greensand Ridge Walk, the area is a popular tourist destination with Centre Parcs, Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Abbey Deer Park and Woburn Golf Club close by. The proposed Universal Studios site is three miles away. The nearest train station is Flitwick with direct mainline services to London St Pancras.
The George Inn, 6 George St, Maulden, Bedford MK45 2DF, https://www.thegeorgemaulden.com
