A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near The Raikes

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for The Raikes, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near The Raikes

Have You Seen This Man2

Have You Seen This Man

at Pavilion Arts Centre

All is not what it seems with Chef Bertand.A story of intrigue and haggis! Character clowning at its best! Jan Brennan's Toffee-Nosed Theatre returns to Buxton in true Olympian fashion - after four years.

9.4 milesSun 12 Jul17:30
CuratedSee the details
Community

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Beginners Spanish Class6

Beginners Spanish Class

at Kingsley Holt Centre

� Beginners 1 – Absolute Beginners! � Kick-start your Spanish with this Intensive Course designed to get you speaking fast! �� Join me face-to-face at Kingsley Holt Centre (ST10 2BQ) for a fun, friendly and super-practical course over two consecutive Saturdays: � 4th & 11th July � 3:00pm to 6:30pm � £129pp What’s included: � 2 x intensive lessons � Physical worksheets � Word cards � Access to exclusive online interactive material for a year Contact Laura – or Spaces are limited! grab your spot today and start your Spanish adventure with Spanish for Fun in the Staffordshire Moorlands!

10.3 milesSat 11 Jul£129
Local gemSee the details
Workshops & Classes
Long Craft Pottery Session 1017

Long Craft Pottery Session 101

at The Potters Barn

The course begins with an introduction to Craft – Hand Made Pottery in the way of an ice breaker to get your hands dirty. Your session continues with more hands on experience using one of the most common methods of making, the Potters Wheel. The workshop will progress according to your individual development and by the end of the period you should have several pieces of hand made ware to be proud of. Additional information on techniques, decorating, finishing, firing, glazing etc will be provided if and when it is of interest or relevant to the student.

20.8 milesSat 11 Jul£95
Local gemSee the details
Arts & Culture
Dr. Jazz and the Cheshire Cats Swingin' At The Movies8

Dr. Jazz and the Cheshire Cats Swingin' At The Movies

at The Plaza

Swingin’ at the Movies Join Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats big band for an evening of movie magic as we head back to the heyday of the Plaza with themes and songs made famous on the silver screen. Including classics from the Cotton Club, James Bond and the Pink Panther, as well as more recent favourites from Austin Powers, When Harry Met Sally and the Incredibles. With two fantastic vocalists there’ll be hits from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland, bringing back the sounds of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats is a 20-piece big band based in Lymm, Cheshire, and they perform regularly at venues around the North West. Buy Tickets

23.6 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Live Music
Fused Glass Workshop9Free! (worth double-checking)

Fused Glass Workshop

at Stoke-on-Trent City Centre

11am to 1pm Admission: £5 In these workshops by Paula Andrews, there will be opportunities to create Fused Glass artworks inspired by Nature, Colour and the Seasons. There are lots of projects to choose from including freestanding panels as well as dishes and tea lights. Each project is individually priced and payable on the day. Prices range from £10 to £40. Workshops are suitable for all abilities.

16.5 milesSat 11 Jul12:00
Local gemSee the details
Workshops & Classes
Japan Fest 202610

Japan Fest 2026

at Visit Derby

Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of Japanese culture and fun at Japan Fest Derby, where Derby’s QUAD turns into a vibrant celebration of all things Japan. Think bustling stall holders serving up delicious food, quirky crafts and unique finds alongside hands-on cultural activities that make the day feel like a mini adventure through the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto.

20.6 milesSat 11 Jul£20
Local gemSee the details
Community

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