Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art">ART</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/04/Talos-Gallery-Dawn-Benson-Twos-Company-Bronze-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33141" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/04/Talos-Gallery-Dawn-Benson-Twos-Company-Bronze-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/04/Talos-Gallery-Dawn-Benson-Twos-Company-Bronze-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/04/Talos-Gallery-Dawn-Benson-Twos-Company-Bronze-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/04/Talos-Gallery-Dawn-Benson-Twos-Company-Bronze.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The summer exhibition at <a href="https://www.talosartgallery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talos</a> sculpture garden is in full swing, and it’s well worth a visit. This year’s list of exhibitors is impressive to say the least, with the likes of Bryn Parry CBE, Judy Boyt and Caroline Wallace. In fact, this is a great chance to see Wallace’s bronze of Elizabeth II on her favourite horse, which was commissioned for the Platinum Jubilee. Entry is free and there’s no need to book, unless you&#8217;re hankering after a private tour. Check out our write-up, <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/art-alert-muddy-checks-out-talos-gallery-and-sculpture-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>We’re excited to see <a href="https://www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marlborough Open Studios</a> return for 2024. This is a boom year for the art festival, with over 60 studios and exhibitors throwing open their doors across North Wilts. You’ll find everything from prints to sculpture, jewellery, ceramics and painting. Studios are open on selected dates, 6-28 July.</p>



<p>Another goodie for sculpture fans. Messums is currently exhibiting works by Elisabeth Frink and Bridget McCrum, two sculptural geniuses of the last century. The pair were childhood friends, and the showcase sheds a light on their shared passion and mutual respect. Check it out <a href="https://www.messums.org/exhibitions/elisabeth-frink-and-bridget-mccrum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Classic-Ibiza_David-Evans-Photograph.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33751" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Classic-Ibiza_David-Evans-Photograph.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Classic-Ibiza_David-Evans-Photograph-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Classic-Ibiza_David-Evans-Photograph-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">David Evans</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’re up for this year’s <a href="https://www.classicibiza.co.uk/bowood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classic Ibiza</a>, it’s a case of fastest fingers first. Saturday 21 July is already a sell-out, but there are a few tickets left for Friday 19. The added bonus is that you get the entire weekend to recover. This is a chance to hear over 40 dance anthems performed by the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra, plus live vocalists and headline DJs. Think Moby, Massive Attack and Technotronic, along with an epic laser light show. Bring a picnic, a bottle of fizz and wear your dancing shoes. Glow sticks optional! &nbsp;</p>



<p>For a blues fest, head to Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on 18 July, when The Chicago Blues Brothers are coming to town. If you didn’t catch them in the West End, this is well worth the trip – expect the very best in Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Country and Motown with a few surprises and lots of lunacy thrown in for good measure. <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/music/chicago-blues-brothers-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tickets</a> from £32.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/08/Fulltone-orchestra-e1719957869475-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31588" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/08/Fulltone-orchestra-e1719957869475-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/08/Fulltone-orchestra-e1719957869475-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/08/Fulltone-orchestra-e1719957869475-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/08/Fulltone-orchestra-e1719957869475.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you fancy a musical extravaganza, Devizes’ <a href="https://fto.org.uk/festivals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fulltone Festival</a> is a must. A vast orchestra hits the town’s green for two days of live music, including bands, solo singers, an 85-strong choir and of course The Fulltone Orchestra themselves. If you haven’t heard them, it’s a hard recommend from us. There are loads of local food and drink producers, or you can pack your own picnic. <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/fulltone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tickets</a> are incredibly reasonable too – it’s £45 for a day, or for an extra £10 you can dip in and out all weekend. Under 14s are free with a paying adult. See <a href="https://fto.org.uk/festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to book.</p>



<p>Did you miss your chance to see Chris Martin et all on tour? Head to The Hall in Bradford on Avon to see Ultimate Coldplay in action. It might not be the real deal but, as tributes go, these guys have a fierce reputation. Plus you’ll be in an epic setting (this Jacobean estate is pretty fab) for a fraction of the price. If Abba’s more your bag, head over there on 20 to catch Abba Re-Bjorn (geddit?) in action. <a href="https://moultontrust.org/events-at-the-hall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tickets</a> £16.</p>



<p>Swap your gardening gloves for your gladrags, and whizz over to Arundells in Salisbury on 12 July, to see <a href="https://schmusic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Schmoozenbergs</a> in action. They’ll be playing their special brand of electrifying gypsy jazz, while Prosecco and picnics are positively encouraged. The gardens are pretty gorgeous too. <a href="https://arundells.org/events/jazz-in-the-garden-the-schmoozenbergs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tickets</a> cost £18 for adults and £12 for under 14s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink">FOOD &amp; DRINK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Diatomists.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Diatomists.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Diatomists-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Diatomists-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is a great shout for wine lovers. The <a href="https://www.diatomists.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diatomists</a> are heading to Glove Factory Studios on 18 July, and they are on a mission to shake up sherry&#8217;s image. They&#8217;ll be bringing everything from crisp Palominos to bold Olorosos. Co-founder Antonio and his team are exploring every corner of southern Andalucia in search of winemaking excellence, and dedicated to shaking up sherry’s image. There will be tastings (of course), alongside nibbles from <a href="https://www.glovefactorystudios.com/food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Herb at The Field Kitchen</a>. Antonio will also be taking wine orders on the night. You’ll find tickets here,</p>



<p>Can’t face cooking on a Friday night? Local fave <a href="https://www.bigbangpizza.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang Pizza</a> comes to Ansty PYO on 5 and 19 July. Nestled just below Wiltshire’s rolling downs, this makes a dreamy spot for a Friday night food fest.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Cocktails.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Cocktails.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Cocktails-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Cocktails-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy a cocktail or two? Parade House is throwing a cocktail party with live jazz, soul and swing on 20 July. You can order dinner too, including Thai red curry, slow-cooked beef and chicken and pistachio pappardelle. <a href="https://ticketscandy.com/e/cocktail-night-at-ushers-bar-with-charlie-greenwood-5341" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tickets</a> £10, and your first drink is on the house. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-al-fresco-fun">AL FRESCO FUN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Garry Jones</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you haven’t already nabbed your spot at WOMAD 2024, get a wiggle on before tickets vanish. The feelgood festival (25-28 July) promises to be pretty spectacular, with recently-revealed acts including DJ Paulette and Tank &amp; the Bangas, who will be bringing their funk rhythms all the way from New Orleans. This is a fab one for the kids, with a super child-friendly vibe. Under 13s go free and <a href="https://www.womad.co.uk/book-festival-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickets</a> are still available, but sharpen those elbows!</p>



<p>It&#8217;s all go at Salisbury races this month. Top billing has to go to Roman Kemp’s DJ set on 27 July – racing kicks off at 6pm, then the former Capital radio host begins his set at 8:30pm. Alternatively, head over there on 13 July for the 21<sup>st</sup> Ladies’ Evening, when racing will be followed by live music from <a href="https://aftersunband.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aftersun</a>. For info and tickets, see <a href="https://www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Adventure-Cinema-at-Bowood-house.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33752" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Adventure-Cinema-at-Bowood-house.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Adventure-Cinema-at-Bowood-house-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Adventure-Cinema-at-Bowood-house-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Blockbusters are coming to Bowood this month, with a series of al fresco movie nights from 26-28 July. Pack a picnic and pick from Top Gun, Mamma Mia or Pretty Woman. Tickets are racing out the door though, so get in quick. You can snap up your spots <a href="https://www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens/bowood-house-gardens-whats-on/adventure-cinema-2/?gclid=CjwKCAjwitShBhA6EiwAq3RqA8OrD4mSfWIlPjkEXEtXafbKcnzIjx0rdLWdBGeFxHK8L5jL-dAk_xoCJwkQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>Meanwhile Trowbridge is also getting in on the cinema action. On 28 July there’s a movie extravaganza at the town’s park pond, with a triple bill. Choose from Frozen, Jurassic Park or The Greatest Showman – you’ll find tickets <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/outdoor-cinema-featuring-frozen-jurassic-park-the-greatest-showman-tickets-865877020477" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>In need of a reset before the kids break up? Church Farm Estate is throwing a wellness day on 15 July, and the glorious outdoor pool is open for action (yippee). You’ll find meditation, sound healing sessions, talks on gut health and fitness, plus oodles of fresh, healthy food. Tickets cost £120, find out more <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct2In_qsdx1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre-cinema-amp-dance">THEATRE, CINEMA &amp; DANCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Valentine-Colasante-Guillaume-Diop-Don-Quixote-pas-de-deux-choreography-Rudolf-Nureyev.-Photo-Alice-Pennefather.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33748" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Valentine-Colasante-Guillaume-Diop-Don-Quixote-pas-de-deux-choreography-Rudolf-Nureyev.-Photo-Alice-Pennefather.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Valentine-Colasante-Guillaume-Diop-Don-Quixote-pas-de-deux-choreography-Rudolf-Nureyev.-Photo-Alice-Pennefather-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Valentine-Colasante-Guillaume-Diop-Don-Quixote-pas-de-deux-choreography-Rudolf-Nureyev.-Photo-Alice-Pennefather-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Valentine Colasante and Guillaume Diop, image by Alice Pennefather</figcaption></figure>



<p>From 25-28 July, the crème de la crème of the dance world will star at Hatch House, in a four-day ballet extravaganza. Expect a heady mix of classical, neo-classical and contemporary styles, all in the 17<sup>th</sup> Century walled garden. The star-studded spectacle ­– organised by Matt Brady, director of the Covent Garden Dance Company – includes gourmet meals with paired wines. For more info and booking see<a href="https://www.coventgardendance.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here</a>. Heads up! There’s also a children’s open rehearsal afternoon on 24 July, in aid of the Dicky Buckle Fund. It’s free for children and a suggested £20 donation for adults, but places need to be reserved. Check it out <a href="https://www.dickybucklefund.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Mousetrap-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33763" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Mousetrap-resized.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Mousetrap-resized-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/The-Mousetrap-resized-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’ve never seen Agatha Christie’s iconic whodunnit, you’re in for a treat. The Mousetrap is at Salisbury Playhouse until 6 July, on its 70<sup>th</sup> anniversary tour. Expect to find a killer on the loose and several suspicious strangers, all snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. What could possibly go wrong? Tickets from £21, book<a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/play/the-mousetrap-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here</a>.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, over at Cleeve House, Macbeth is embarking on his dastardly deeds, courtesy of Shakespeare Live. Come early and pack a picnic, so you have the chance to make the most of the gorgeous gardens before the performance. The show runs until 6 July, <a href="https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/the-mousetrap-70th-anniversary-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickets</a> from £21.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s 25 years since The Full Monty hit our screens, and now a new adaptation is coming to Swindon Arts Centre. This iconic comedy about unlikely male strippers is guaranteed to be a laugh – you can catch it 10-13 July, tickets <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/swindon-arts-centre/en-GB/event/other/chocolate-theatre-the-full-monty-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p>


It’s July! 20 fab things to do in Wiltshire this month

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