Events & Tourism
Calne is a great place to visit. Set in rolling Wiltshire countryside, with major tourist attractions nearby, it is your ideal base for exploring Wiltshire.
This section guides you through some of the exciting things to see and do in and around the town and lets you know where you can get more information.
Local Events
Throughout the year there are many exciting events, both large and small, which together help make Calne a vibrant and exciting community
Calne Town Council provide support and in some cases host these events and recognise the important role they play in tourism, economic regeneration and community cohesion.
A calendar of local events and activities is available online at www.calne.org.uk together with more detailed information on the town.
The major events held each year include:
Calne Town Council Christmas Celebrations:
A Massive community event which traditionally draws thousands in to our Town centre, held on the last Saturday of November. The celebrations include a traditional lantern parade and the ‘switching on’ of our Town Centre Christmas lights. Plans for this years ‘Winter Carnival’ are well under way, drawing on the strength of last years successful day events, coordinated by the Town Council, we will once again be hosting an Ice Rink in the Town Hall Car park to kick off the day time activities. As night time falls we will be graced by the presence of Father Christmas who will lead our procession of Lanterns into the Town…
Look out for some new and exciting features this year including magic shows, puppet shows, face painting and lots more. A timetable of events will be prepared for this years celebrations and will feature within your winter edition of Calne Connection.
Lions Duck Race
An event close to our heart…
A fun family event where multi coloured ducks are raced down the River Marden.This event is held in May, hosted by Calne Lions raises money for charity and local causes..
We are pleased to announce that we will be working in partnership with Calne Lion's. We are getting involved and have planned supportive events for the Race day itself.
The race commences from Somerfield Bridge at 11am , finishing at Marden House in the centre of Calne. It will include the ever popular business and schools races and the open race, however in addition this year the Lions plan to add some extra races, so come down on the day and get involved.
Rotary Motorcycle Extravaganza
A very special day….
A major event for motorcycle enthusiasts with something for all the family, one of the loudest and busiest events in our season, held by Calne Rotary Club in the latter part of July. Preparations are well under way for the 2010 event, The Rotary Club promises a bigger and better event than ever before with more family fun, as well as the old favourites such as ride-ins, bands, stalls and lots to keep the children amused while parents enjoy the many attractions around the town.
To find out more about the motorcycle event or if you wish to help, check out their website: www.calnemotorcyclemeet.co.uk
Calne Music & Arts Festival
Over 30 events in various venues in the town will include classical concerts, orchestras, jazz, folk, talks, dance, art, workshops, street entertainment and a silent movie. Brochures can be obtained and bookings for events can be made through the Box Office at the Information Centre, Bank House. The Box office opens in September. For more detailed information click on the following link www.calnemusicandartsfestival.co.uk
Country & Western Music Festival
A major attraction to the town for country music enthusiasts from around the world. This weekend-long event has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
Visitor & Community Information Centre
Calne Visitor & Community Information Centre is situated in the heart of this vibrant town, and is only a short walk from a variety of shops and amenities. We provide easy and friendly access to information about services provided by all three tiers of local government together with a range of community and tourist information.
Listed below is just some of the information available in the information centre.
- Free North Wiltshire accommodation guides
- Free national tourist & local brochures & leaflets
- Local maps & walks
- Information on community groups & organisations
- Local bus and train timetables
- Information on Council services & meetings
- Details of Town & District Councils
- National Express Booking Office
- Box Office for local events in and around the town
We also liaise closely local clubs and organisations inviting them to display their forthcoming events on the notice boards in recepton, our two public notice boards situated on the High Street and adjacent to the library and on our on-line diary at www.calne.org.uk
In addition to providing an extensive range of information, the Information Centre has a selection of publications and prints for sale.
Call in and visit us for a chat with the friendly well-informed staff or log on to our website to access the latest up-to-date information at www.calne.org.uk
Calne Heritage Centre
Calne Heritage Centre was opened by the Earl of Kerry on 5th October 2004.
The museum is housed in the old Carnegie Library, which was purchased and refurbished by Calne Town Council in 2004. The building is now leased to the Calne Heritage Centre Trust who manage the centre.
The Heritage Centre has displays and exhibits that give an insight into the rich history of Calne and the surrounding villages. From the town's early Anglo-Saxon history, to the woollen mills that brought the town initial wealth, onto the Harris factory which played an important role in the 20th century and into the modern day, you will discover a lot you never knew about Calne.
The centre opening hours are:
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday: (Including Bank Holidays) 2.00pm - 5.00pm
The Heritage Centre are always seeking volunteers to act as stewards. If you have a few hours spare each week and would like to help please pop into the centre to find out more or contact them on 01249 820066
www.calneheritage.co.uk
Local Attractions
Whether you are visiting Calne or live in the town, there is plenty for all to see and do. Listed below is a small selection of places to visit and things to do. To find a much wider selection of what the surrounding area has to offer log on to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
Nearby Visitor Attractions
Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum
01249 813119
www.atwellwilson.org.uk
Avebury Stone Circles
Tel: 01672 539425
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bowood House & Gardens
Tel: 01249 812102
www.bowood.org
Cherhill White Horse
www.wiltshirewhitehorses.co.uk
