Rutland Day celebrations welcome visitors with free parking
Council provides complimentary parking for county's special day festivities
In celebration of Rutland Day, Rutland County Council is offering free parking in all council-owned car parks across the county on Saturday, 12th September 2026.
Coinciding with the county's flagship events at Oakham Castle, the initiative invites residents and visitors to enjoy live entertainment, historical re-enactments, and family activities. Festivities include a medieval walking tour, outdoor lawn games, and a living history camp with the Ferrers Household Medieval re-enactment group.
With complimentary parking available throughout Oakham, attendees are encouraged to explore beyond the castle celebrations, visiting Oakham, Uppingham, and Rutland’s villages for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Cllr Oliver Hemsley, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, emphasized the importance of Rutland Day: "Rutland Day is a great opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our county special, and we want as many people as possible to join in. Offering free parking across our car parks removes one more barrier to visiting our towns and villages, and we hope it encourages people to get out, explore and support local shops and businesses. It's a gesture that reflects how much we value the role our high streets and community events play in Rutland life."
Rutland Day events will be detailed in local listings, assisting those travelling from afar in planning their participation.
Temporary signage will be placed in car parks a week prior to the event, advising drivers of free parking availability. It is important to note that normal charges apply before and after Rutland Day, and advance payment for parking sessions will not be refunded.