Now that spring has finally sprung, more and more events are starting to take place across Hinckley.
This April, residents and visitors to the town can enjoy an Easter bunny hunt, a community cafe in award-winning surroundings, an art exhibition, numerous opera events for Hinckley Opera Festival and much, much more.
Here is our What’s On Guide with all the key dates for your diary this April...
Community Cafe in the Park
Wednesday April 3rd, 10.00am - 1.00pm
Hollycroft Park
Enjoy a coffee in award-winning surroundings at the Hollycroft Park Community Cafe, which is based in the Pavilion. This month’s cafe sees a special performance from the Nuneaton Ukulele Band.
Social Sewing
Thursday April 4th – 6.30pm
The Sewing Cafe, Upper Castle Street
Crafters and passionate stitchers can enjoy this sociable, monthly get together at The Sewing Cafe. Sew and chat and make the most of the space and sewing machines - you can bring along a current project, or start a new one. Tickets cost £3 per person, with tea and coffee provided. There is also a daytime Social Sewing event held on Friday April 5 at 10.30am-1pm.
Moules Night
Friday April 5th, 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Petite Chouette Cafe Bar, Regent Street,
Join family-run Petite Chouette for a relaxed, fairy-lit evening. Enjoy award-winning mussels from the River Ex. Tickets cost £12 per person. Message the cafe on Facebook to book.
Hinckley Opera Trail
Saturday April 6th, 10.00am - 12.00pm
Hinckley Town Centre
As part of Hinckley Opera Festival, Hinckley town centre will be alive with the sound of music as the principals, chorus and guests of Stanley Opera take to the streets and the shops as part of our great Opera Trail. Five leading singers will be performing their favourite operatic arias in appropriate locations across Hinckley.
Children will be able to collect stamps on a specially-produced opera trail card to prove that they have heard all five singers and collected another five clues from shops in town. A complete set of ten clues will give them the chance to win a great prize. Members of the Stanley Opera chorus will also be carrying out a ‘flash mob’ and popping up unexpectedly in one or two locations in town during the morning. The Opera Trail is supported by Hinckley BID.
Gardening in the Park
Saturday April 6th, 10.00am - 12.00pm
Hollycroft Park
Green-fingered residents are invited to take part in the community gardening event at the award-winning Hollycroft Park. gardeners are asked to meet on the path behind the bandstand. There is also a free, pop-up event - Art in the Park - from 11am-1pm with Julia from The Drawing Room. Artists or art lovers are asked to bring their own paper and pencils and meet in the Hollycroft Park pavilion.
Come and Sing
Saturday April 6th, 2.00pm - 5.00pm
United Reformed Church
The Hinckley Opera Festival is offering music lovers the chance to come and sing with musical director, Janet Bacon, and chorus members from Stanley Opera. You will be provided with music and words and, under the baton of Janet Bacon, you will practice three pieces of music.
At the end of the afternoon, there will be a short performance of the pieces. It will be video recorded for posterity and made available to download from the opera festival website. Come and Sing is kindly supported by Tesco Bags of Help. The event is free to take part in. For more information, visit https://www.hof2019.co.uk.
An Audience With Wynne Evans
Saturday April 6th, 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Concordia Theatre, Stockwell Head.
As part of Hinckley Opera Festival 2019, enjoy an evening of singing and chat with well-known opera and TV personality Wynne Evans, as well as internationally-renowned baritone Michael Dewis.
Wynne Evans is known for his role as the Italian tenor Gio Compario in the GoCompare insurance adverts on television. He is also a top operatic tenor, having sung leading roles with Welsh National Opera, Opera North, Scottish Opera, Opera Lyon and at the Royal Opera House.
Tickets to the event cost £15. For more information, visit https://www.hof2019.co.uk.
The Marriage of Figaro
Sunday April 7th, Tuesday April 9th, Thursday April 11th, Saturday April 13th, 2.30pm - 5.00pm
Concordia Theatre
Enjoy a rousing production of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, held by Stanley Opera as part of the Hinckley Opera Festival.
First performed in Vienna in 1786, The Marriage of Figaro was an instant success, thanks to its bubbling overture, brilliantly crafted arias and numerous comic scenes.
Figaro is about to marry Susanna, but she reveals that their lord and master, the Count Almaviva, still believes that he can have his wicked way with her before her happy day. Unfortunately, there’s double trouble for Figaro. He previously borrowed money from the ageing housekeeper, Marcellina, and promised to marry her if he failed to repay her. Now she shows up, with the law on her side, determined to get her man.
Can they manage to foil the Count? Is it too late for Figaro to escape the amorous clutches of Marcellina?
Packed full of fabulous music and terrific comic twists and turns, The Marriage of Figaro is widely regarded as the greatest comic opera of them all.
For more details about ticket prices and discounts, visit https://www.hof2019.co.uk.
Mind Exhibition
Monday April 8th to April 24th, 8.30am - 5.30pm
Atkins Building and Gallery
Art lovers can browse this impressive group exhibition by six artists who are working towards a BA honours degree in Fine Art.
The exhibition is called Mind because the title links all the different ideas and the concepts from the six artists, ranging from exploring the subconscious, cultural identity and the time pressures of modern life. Mind features short films, sculpture and paintings, with a selection of the pieces available to purchase.
Lunchtime Recital
Monday April 8th, 1.00pm - 1.50pm
St Mary’s Church
As part of Hinckley opera Festival 2019, listen to a lunchtime recital by Ukrainian lyric soprano, Anastasiia Golovina, and Belarusian pianist Maya Irgalina. Programme to be confirmed. Tickets cost £5.
There are also further recitals on April 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. See the Hinckley Opera Festival website for further information.
Listen While You Lunch
Friday April 12th, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Hinckley Library
Come along to Hinckley Library’s series of monthly lunchtime talks: ‘Listen While You Lunch’. The talks fall every third Friday of the month and tickets very often sell out fast. This month’s talk is called Leicestershire Ladies and is being held by David Bell.
You are welcome to bring along your lunch for the session and a tea/coffee is included in the price of £3 (for library members) and £4.50 (for non-members). Booking is essential, so please pre-book your ticket from the Help Point at Hinckley library or call 0116 305 2500.
Oh, Buttons! Tutoring - Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
Sunday April 14th, 1.00 - 3.00pm
Oh, Buttons!, COPAH Studios, Holliers Walk
Understand how to set up and use the functions of your sewing machine, from stitches to feet. You will finish by creating a pincushion for your machine. Skill Level: Beginner – has a little experience with using a sewing machine. Tickets cost £25, with refreshments and fabrics included. Bring your own machine. Please contact Hannah for details on 07493 622479.
German Nights at The Cafe
Friday April 12th, Saturday April 13th, Friday April 26th and Saturday April 27th
The Cafe, Upper Castle Street
Back by popular demand, The Cafe is bringing German cuisine to tantalise tastebuds in Hinckley. Guests can pick from dishes including peppered mackerel mousse, German salami, Bratwurst, goulash and black forest gateaux. Tickets cost £18 for two courses and £23 for three courses. To book, call 01455 890238 or message The Cafe on Facebook.
Hinckley Choral Union Presents Beethoven’s Mass in C
Saturday April 13, 7.30pm
United Reformed Church, The Borough
A performance by the choir, soloists and the University of Leicester Sinfonia. Tickets cost £10 (accompanied under 16s go free) and can be purchased via Emily on 07792 836111or by emailing hinckleychoralunion@gmail.com.
Matt Ford Presents Sing, Sing, Swing
Sunday April 14th
Concordia Theatre
Put on your best dancing shoes for this celebration of Frank Sinatra and other swing legends. Tickets cost £19 and can be purchased via the theatre box office on 01455 615005, or by visiting www.concordiatheatre.co.uk.
Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea
Monday April 15th to Friday April 26th
Buttercream Tearoom, Hansom Court
Celebrate Easter with Buttercream’s popular afternoon teas for little people. The Afternoon Tea consists of finger sandwiches, crisps, carrot & cucumber sticks, scone with jam & cream, mini dessert, cake and a soft drink. The food, tables and Tearoom will all be Peter Rabbit Themed, and everyone can have their picture taken with a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit. The cost is £8.50 per child. Please contact the Tearoom on 07955 678325 to make a booking. (Note: The Tearoom is closed on Easter Monday).
Hinckley BID’s Annual Easter Bunny Hunt
Tuesday April 16th to Tuesday April 23rd
Hinckley Town Centre (various locations)
The ever-popular BID Easter Bunny Hunt will be hopping back into Hinckley this April. The free, family-friendly hunt will be taking place in the town centre between Tuesday 16th April and Tuesday 23rd April. Simply follow the clues to find the Easter Bunnies on ten shop windows throughout the town - all correct entries win an Easter egg, and will also be entered in a prize draw for a £50 gift voucher. For more details or for entry forms, visit our website or call Hinckley BID on 01455 698494.
Armed Forces Coffee Morning
Wednesday April 17th, 10.00am - 12.00pm
There Green Rooms, St Mary’s Road
Older veterans and their spouses, carers, widows and widowers are all welcome to this friendly coffee morning, which is led by Age UK and supported by the Borough Council. You’ll receive a warm welcome, as well as free cake and refreshments. Contact Michaela on 0116 261 4606 or joiningforces@ageukleics.org.uk for more information.
'Stripy Honey…Is Very Yummy’ Theatre Production
Wednesday April 17th, 10.30am - 11.30am
Hinckley Library, Lancaster Road
'Stripey Honey …Is Very Yummy' is a touching and funny story of how tigers, bees and honey collectors learn to live and play together.
Featuring new music, dance and puppetry, Mashi theatre’s playful and colourful style takes you on an adventure to the Indian jungle, where tigers and honey bees struggle for survival. This performance is suitable for adventurers aged 5 plus and their grown-ups. Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited. Tickets cost £5 each or £15 for a family of four. Book by telephone on 0116 305 2500 or in person at the library.
Good Friday March of Witness
Friday April 19th, 11.00am
Hinckley town centre and Argents Mead
Join in this walk to remember Jesus’ crucifixion and celebrate the promise of new life in Christ. Procession leaves from St. Peter’s Church at 11am to arrive in the Market Place at 11.30am. Refreshments to follow at 12pm at the United Reformed Church. Organised by Hinckley and Burbage Churches Together.
Plant Swap / Sale
Sunday April 21st, 10.00am - 12noon
Hollycroft Park
Are you out and about in your garden? Please remember to pot up any plants you are dividing and bring them along to the plant swap/sale - get in quick, this event proved to be extremely popular last year! Meet at the bandstand.
Oh, Buttons! Tutoring - Patchwork Cushion Cover
Thursday April 25th, 7.45pm - 9.45pm
Oh, Buttons!, COPAH Studios, Holliers Walk
Learn how to create a simple but effective cushion cover with a 3x3 square patchwork front and an envelope back. Skill Level: Beginner – has a little experience with using a sewing machine. Tickets cost £35 with refreshments and fabrics included. Please contact Hannah for details on 07493 622479.
Gourmet Cheese & Wine Evening
Friday April 26th, 7.30pm - 11.00pm
Petite Chouette Cafe Bar, Regent Street
Petite Chouette invites you to a gourmet cheese and wine evening. Four wines and cheeses have been carefully selected. Guests will start with a delightful boutique Champagne, before moving on to an innovative and new Sauvignon Blanc and a Premier Cru Burgundy, before finishing with a sumptuous sweet wine from Burgundy. A great opportunity to try some of the finest wines and cheeses France to offer - all in the heart of Hinckley! Tickets cost £50 per person. Please message Petite Chouette on Facebook to book.
St George’s Day Event and Scout Parade
Saturday April 27th, 10.00am - 2.00pm
Hinckley town centre and Argents Mead
Celebrate a great, patriotic day in Hinckley, with flags lining the streets, activities, demonstrations, theatre and stalls. All performances and activities are free.
There will be entertainment and activities for the whole family, including Morris dancing, Punch and Judy, Jigabit ceiliah band, children’s crafts and activities, face painting, free giveaways and Snappy the dragon. All activities are free.
St George and patriotic fancy dress is also encouraged, with a prize available for the best costume.
As in previous years, the Hinckley District Scouting Association will also be parading through the town with representatives and flags from groups across the borough, totalling nearly 300 children and young people. The parade will leave Argents Mead at 1.15pm.
Oh, Buttons! Tutoring - Learn to Sew - Full Day Workshop
Sunday April 28th, 10.00am - 4.30pm
Oh, Buttons!, COPAH Studios, Holliers Walk
Learn to sew with a machine. Over six hours, you will understand the fundamentals of how a machine works, how to sew for construction and use these skills to create something to take away. Skill Level: Novice – absolute beginners. Tickets cost £80 with refreshments and fabrics included. Bring your own lunch. Please contact Hannah for details on 07493 622479.