Celebrate 250 Years of Jane Austen with Emma Thompson at the Historic Heckfield Place

To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of literary icon Jane Austen, the elegant Heckfield Place is hosting an extraordinary evening with acclaimed actress, screenwriter, and producer Emma Thompson on Saturday, 31 August, from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.

Set against the backdrop of one of Hampshire’s most beautiful Georgian estates—just moments from Austen’s former home in Chawton—this one-of-a-kind celebration will begin with an exclusive screening of Sense and Sensibility. The beloved 1995 adaptation, written by and starring Thompson, remains one of the most celebrated cinematic tributes to Austen’s work.

Following the screening, guests will be treated to a rare and personal reading from Thompson’s own diary entries, penned during the making of the film. These reflections offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process and the emotional journey of adapting one of Austen’s most cherished novels. A live Q&A session will round off the evening, offering audience members the chance to engage directly with Dame Emma in an intimate and inspiring setting.

Heckfield Place, with its exquisitely restored Georgian architecture and lush surroundings, offers the perfect setting to honour Austen’s legacy. Nestled in the very landscapes that once stirred her imagination, the estate provides a rich sense of place and history for this unique cultural celebration.

Whether you’re a devoted Austen reader, a lover of British cinema, or simply drawn to exceptional storytelling and heritage, this evening promises to be truly unforgettable.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 31 August 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Location: Heckfield Place, Hampshire

Book Your Place Now:

Spaces for this special event are limited.
Reserve your tickets at HeckfieldPlace.com

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Darkness descends. Shadows flicker. And something deliciously dreadful is stirring in the heart of Oxfordshire.
This October, the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace transform into a spine-tingling Halloween wonderland like no other. Running from 23rd October to 2nd November 2025, the fifth edition of this after-dark Halloween trail promises an eerie, immersive experience for brave families, thrill-seeking couples, and daring groups of friends.

Here’s what visitors can expect from the Palace’s most hauntingly brilliant trail yet.

Step into a Haunted World of Light, Shadow and Story

Forget traditional trick-or-treating—Blenheim Palace’s Halloween Trail invites guests to journey through haunted dungeons, twisted tombs, and mysterious mausoleums. Carefully crafted installations, gothic light projections and eerie soundscapes transform the parkland into an interactive experience that blends theatrical storytelling with unexpected thrills.

Visitors will encounter spectral lights dancing across ancient walls, strange characters emerging from the mist, and whispered secrets hidden in every corner.

All-New Frights for 2025

Returning for its fifth year, the trail introduces new installations and attractions designed to shock and surprise. Among this year’s eerie highlights are:

• The Carnivorous Garden, where nature bites back

• The Demon Barber, with a chilling reputation

• Alien Visitors, offering an unsettling twist

• Towering spiderwebs stretched across centuries-old oaks

As dusk deepens, the trail grows more intense. Families with younger children may prefer earlier time slots, while after-dark adventurers can embrace the full theatrical fear factor.

Devilishly Good Food and Wicked Treats

Between frights, guests can pause to indulge in festive food and drink. The trail’s food village offers warming treats and hot seasonal drinks set against the illuminated silhouette of the Palace. From gourmet hot dogs and flame-grilled burgers to devilishly good hot chocolate and mulled toddies, there’s something for every appetite.

A Historic Setting with a Darker Side

Halloween at Blenheim is not just about scares—it’s about storytelling. Dominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim Palace, said:
“Halloween at Blenheim Palace is a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in our beautiful park and gardens as you’ve never seen them before. With exciting surprises and spine-tingling thrills along the way, this is certainly an experience not to be missed.”

Set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s vast grounds, this event offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience the estate after dark—transformed into a gothic dreamscape.

Perfect for Families, Friends and First-Time Fright Seekers

Designed for a wide audience, the Halloween trail offers an accessible yet immersive evening for all ages. The experience is tailored to be spooky rather than terrifying, with different zones offering varied levels of intensity. Whether guests are visiting with children or planning an adult escape, there’s something here for everyone.

Timed entry helps manage crowd levels, ensuring a relaxed and safe experience for all. The earlier slots are ideal for younger families, while the later times are perfect for those looking to experience the trail in full nocturnal effect.

Trail Info and Tickets

What: Halloween at Blenheim Palace – Outdoor Illuminated Trail
When: 23rd October to 2nd November 2025
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL

Ticket Prices:
Adult tickets from £18.00
Child tickets (ages 3–16 years) from £12.50
Family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) from £57.00
Parking: £10.00

Timed entry applies. Booking in advance is strongly advised due to limited capacity.
Food and drink sold separately.

For full pricing, ticket information and bookings visit:
https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/halloween-at-blenheim-palace.html

Tickets:
https://tickets.blenheimpalace.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=BLHALL25

Henley Festival, the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, is proud to unveil its 2025 RISE Stage line-up – a bold platform championing outstanding new talent in music and visual art.

Running from 9–13 July 2025, Henley Festival returns to the beautiful banks of the Thames, where rising stars in music and art will share the spotlight alongside icons such as Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum.

At the heart of the Festival’s creative mission is RISE by Henley Festival — a charitable programme supporting and promoting the next generation of musicians, visual artists, and backstage professionals.

Music to Discover: Emerging Artists on the 2025 RISE Stage

This year’s RISE Stage, presented by Westcoast, features an eclectic line-up of emerging musical talent, blending genres including R&B, jazz-pop, folk, and indie.

⭐ Westcoast RISING Star Award Winner:

• Hetta Falzon – A 20-year-old Manchester-based singer-songwriter channelling jazz, classical and pop into a distinctive soundscape of emotion and honesty.

RISE Musicians Performing at Henley Festival 2025:

In the run-up to the event, we will be reviewing and spotlighting each RISE musician.

• Leila McKenzie – Welsh-Jamaican singer fusing UK garage, R&B and pop with striking vocal energy.

• Darcy Winter – Jazz-pop singer crafting bass-rich, soulful songs with poetic lyrics.

• Jonny Morgan – Indie Americana artist and AMA Emerging Artist of the Year.

• Naima Adams – London-based R&B vocalist blending layered vocals with emotional storytelling.

• Conor McLain – Irish singer-songwriter closing the RISE Stage with uplifting acoustic soul.

• Tony Mac – Indie singer-songwriter with deeply personal lyrics and powerful vocals.

• The White Lakes – High-energy indie rock band known for their youth-driven, genre-bending style.

• High Windows – London-based indie-pop band blending soaring vocals with synth textures.

Each of these artists brings a fresh voice to the UK music scene. Their performances offer festivalgoers a rare chance to witness breakthrough acts before they rise to wider acclaim.

Raoul Orzabal (Winner) – London-based painter known for digital-influenced landscapes and intricate geometry.

New for 2025: Visual Art Talent on Show in the Audi High RISE Gallery

In a further expansion of its RISE programme, Henley Festival launched the RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize, recognising UK-based visual artists in the early stages of their careers.

2025 RISE Visual Arts Prize Winners:

• Raoul Orzabal (Winner) – London-based painter known for digital-influenced landscapes and intricate geometry.

• Curtis Chan (Runner-Up) – Hong Kong-born artist layering nostalgia and memory through acrylic and watercolour.

• Susan Kellaway (Runner-Up) – Award-winning UK painter spotlighting vibrant, subversive depictions of the female form.

Their work will be exhibited at the Audi High RISE Gallery, a key visual art destination within the Henley Festival

As well as the RISE Stage, the full Festival experience includes:

• Floating Stage Headliners: Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Haçienda Classical, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum

• Comedy at the Paradiso & Riverside: Ed Byrne, Ivo Graham, Matt Forde, Alistair McGowan and more

• Visual Arts: Dozens of galleries and installations throughout the festival grounds

• Jazz, Swing, Cabaret & Global Music: Across multiple tents and stages

• Family-Friendly Events: Playdate @ Henley Festival with theatre, music and hands-on activities for children

From spectacular music to stunning riverside views, fine dining, fireworks and late-night dancing, Henley Festival offers something truly unique for every guest.

Tickets and info: www.henley-festival.co.uk