BLENHEIM PALACE EVENTS CALENDAR 2021

BLENHEIM PALACE EVENTS CALENDAR 2021 - Blenheim Palace has announced its 2021 events programme, packed with a host of exciting days out for when lockdown lifts, as well as virtual tours and talks in the meantime.

There will be something for all ages to enjoy this year at the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage site, which is set to host stars of the food, music, automobile and gardening worlds, and launch a brand-new show for dog lovers.

Alongside all the activities, visitors will be able to enjoy 2,000 acres of beautiful 'Capability' Brown landscaped Parkland, with inspiring views, walking trails, historic monuments and a variety of wildlife. Or just relax in the beautiful Formal Gardens, including the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and Churchill Memorial Garden.

Visitors to Blenheim Palace can even visit the Temple of Diana – the romantic spot where Churchill proposed to his beloved Clementine. Families will love the Pleasure Gardens – a miniature train takes visitors to the Adventure Playground, Butterfly House, Lavender Garden and the Marlborough Hedge Maze.

Virtual Blenheim Palace, January – March

Blenheim Palace's doors may be closed during lockdown, but with its new online tours and talks programme, virtual visitors can still enjoy and explore its magnificent interior from the comfort of their own home.

A series of virtual tours, talks and interviews – such as 'Churchill and the Big Screen' – will see the Palace's historian, Antonia Keaney, speaking to a number of special guests on different subjects, offering a unique opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories about the Palace and its people.

Each live session costs £5 and will run for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Subscribers are invited to ask questions during the event via the online Q&A tool, or submit questions in advance.

Alternatively, there is the option to watch screened recordings of the popular summer series of talks and interviews for free. blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/virtual

Cecil Beaton Photography Exhibition, 1 May – 1 August

From May to August, the Palace will be hosting a range of iconic photographs by British fashion and portrait photographer, Cecil Beaton, who was best known for his elegant photographs of high society. Highlights will include striking portraits of Barbara Streisand and Audrey Hepburn.

Summer Jaguar Festival, 16 May

Calling all petrolheads! Gear up for the return of the Summer Jaguar Festival at Blenheim Palace, celebrating 60 Years of the iconic British car brand and other Jaguar anniversaries.

The Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club and Jaguar Drivers' Club will be coming together to host a day of celebration with more than 1,500 Jaguar cars on display. As well as the cars, there will be celebrity guests, food stalls and live music – everything for a great day out.

Nocturne Live, 17 – 20 June

The sixth edition of Nocturne Live was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19, but Blenheim Palace's much-loved series of summer concerts is back this year with an all-star line-up:

Thursday 17 June: David Gray – White Ladder 20th Anniversary, plus James Morrison and Nerina Pallot
Friday 18 June: Simple Minds, Deacon Blue and We Are Caezar
Saturday 19 June: Lionel Richie, Macy Gray and Rob.Green
Sunday 20 June: UB40 feat. Alie & Astro; Jimmy Cliff and Aswad

Tickets are on sale now at nocturnelive.com

Blenheim Palace Flower Show, 25 – 27 June

This annual three-day gardening extravaganza celebrates the very best of horticulture and the outdoor lifestyle. A must-visit for enthusiasts and professionals alike, join over 300 exhibitors showcasing everything for the home and garden, plus crafts, fabulous food, floral art displays and more. The 2021 show will be officially opened by Prue Leith at 10am on Friday 25 June.

A riot of colour and fragrance, the 20,000 square foot Grand Floral Pavilion forms the centrepiece of the show and features the UK's finest nurseries and growers giving expert advice and gardening ideas. New for 2021 will be 'Gardener of the Day', including Q&A sessions with Nick Bailey and Frances Tophill from BBC's Gardener's World.

Admission to the show includes entry to the Park and Gardens, so visitors can make a day of it exploring Blenheim Palace's Formal Gardens and 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown Parkland. blenheimflowershow.co.uk

Battle Proms Picnic Concert, 3 July

This quintessentially British summer celebration is a feast of music, fireworks, Spitfire, cannons – and cavalry! Built between 1705 and 1722, the name Blenheim originates from the 'Battle of Blenheim', and The Battle Proms befittingly takes place overlooking the iconic Column of Victory in the stunning Palace grounds.

There will be a 2-hour orchestral programme with brilliant entertainment, so pack a picnic and join the party! battleproms.com/venues/blenheim-palace

Paws at the Palace, 3 – 4 July

To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, All About Dogs – the UK's largest festival devoted to dogs and their owners – is launching a brand-new show at Blenheim Palace. Bring your dog to Paws at the Palace for two days of family-friendly canine fun, including exciting arena displays, dog training expertise, shopping, and fun competitions where visitors' dogs can win a rosette.

There will be a huge range of products on offer, with around 150 exhibitors covering everything from pet food and treats, diet and health advice, toys, health supplements, coats, grooming products, photography and more. blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/paws-at-the-palace

Pre'50 American Auto Club Rally of the Giants, 11 July

Set in the Parkland against the magnificent backdrop of Blenheim Palace, Rally of the Giants is a must-visit family-friendly event for anyone with an interest and passion for American motorcars, trucks and military vehicles.

This celebration of classic American vehicles will welcome over 400 automobiles, including some of the finest examples to be found anywhere in Europe - dating from the early years of 20th century motoring through to the present day. blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/rally-of-giants

Blenheim Palace Food Festival, 20 - 22 August

One for the foodies! Set within the stunning grounds of the Palace, this gastronomic weekend is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and indulge your passion for great food and drink with a host of top chefs and producers.

Over 170 regional food and drink exhibitors are set to join in the foodie fun, and visitors will be able to sample products from artisan bakers, craft brewers and international cuisine, plus handmade sweets and ice cream.

The Talks & Tastings Hub will have a full programme of free talks and demonstrations from top chefs and producers. Last year's line-up included Raymond Blanc OBE, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Celebrity MasterChef Champion, Angellica Bell. There will also be a host of family-friendly activities on offer in the Palace grounds. fantasticfoodfestivals.co.uk/blenheim

Blenheim Palace Triathlon, 11 – 12 September

The iconic Blenheim Palace Triathlon will return this year, welcoming competitors and spectators to the surroundings of Blenheim Palace to take part in one of the most spectacular triathlons in Europe, set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Super Early Bird Entries are open now: blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/triathlon

All event dates are subject to change.

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Set in over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough's triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.