Derry Hill Digest

Circus week, climbing and hands-on science

Thursday 20 August · View online

Two smiling children riding in a miniature off-road vehicle

Mini Rovers driving comes to Bowood on 29 and 30 August. Image/source: Mini Rovers.

Top Updates

The circus returns to Calne after ten years

John Lawson's Circus pitches up at Beversbrook Sports Field from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August. Performances are at 3pm and 7pm on Thursday and Friday, 2pm and 5pm on Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday; see the Calne circus dates and booking information.

Book a place on Bowood's climbing wall

Children aged six and over and adults can try the portable outdoor climbing wall at Bowood House & Gardens on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August. Half-hour slots run from 11am to 4pm and cost £5, with a day ticket also required; book an outdoor climbing slot. Children must have an adult with them.

Potions and electricity at Calne Town Hall

Fun Science brings two hands-on holiday workshops to Calne Town Hall: Potions on Tuesday 25 August and Electricity on Wednesday 26 August. There are separate sessions for younger and older children, and tickets cost £5 plus a booking fee; check the Calne summer activity guide for the booking route.

Dates For Your Diary

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, 11am-4pm

Mini Rovers driving at Bowood

Children aged four to ten can drive a small electric off-road vehicle around an obstacle track at Bowood House & Gardens. Half-hour activity slots cost £10 and a day ticket is also required; check the Mini Rovers information and book.

Friday 2 to Sunday 11 October

Calne Music & Arts Festival

October's festival brings concerts, talks, exhibitions and community performances to venues around Calne. Several events are free and paid events can sell out; browse the 2026 festival programme and book your favourites.

What's On

Sunday 23 August

Calne Recreation Ground junior parkrun, Briefing 8.50am; start 9am. Children aged four to 14 can join the free weekly 2k at the Recreation Ground on Anchor Road. Register before a first visit and bring a scannable barcode; check the junior parkrun information.

Free Park Yoga at the Recreation Ground, 9.30-10.30am. Bring a mat or towel for an outdoor yoga session at Calne Recreation Ground. The class is free and open to all ages and abilities; check the summer activity information before travelling if the weather is doubtful.

Tuesday 25 August

Outdoor exploration at Bowood, 9.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-4.30pm. Children aged six to ten can spend three hours den building, fire making, playing games and exploring nature with Mud & Guts. A place costs £22.50 and includes the child's day admission; book the final Outdoor Exploration day.

Roadworks and Transport

Church Road and Studley Lane closures finish Friday: Church Road and Studley Lane in Derry Hill remain closed through Friday 21 August for Wiltshire Council work.

Oxford Road traffic lights through Monday: Temporary traffic lights are scheduled on Oxford Road in Calne from Thursday 20 to Monday 24 August for electricity work.

Sarum Way roadworks start Friday: Water-network roadworks are scheduled on Sarum Way in Calne from Friday 21 to Tuesday 25 August.

Community Notice

Free skate and scooter coaching on Tuesday

Children aged five to 16 can join the final summer skatepark session at the Skate Bowl on Station Road on Tuesday 25 August. Free coaching, equipment hire, games and competitions run from 2.30pm to 5.30pm; check the Calne summer activity guide.

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