North Leverton Windmill Family Fun Weekend returns on Saturday 5th September (12.00pm to 10.00pm) and Sunday 6th September (12.00pm to 4.00pm), bringing two days of entertainment, heritage and community spirit to one of Nottinghamshire’s most treasured landmarks.
After a year’s break, the windmill’s flagship fundraising event is back, taking over the mill grounds and neighbouring fields with activities for all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, gather family and friends, and enjoy a memorable weekend in the countryside while helping raise essential funds for the working historic mill.
Admission is £2.50 for adults, with free entry for under-18s accompanied by a responsible adult. Free parking is available off Mill Lane. Limited camping spaces can be booked in advance by emailing info@north-leverton-windmill.co.uk.
Animal friends
Back by popular demand, the weekend features the highly anticipated Fun Dog Show (Saturday only – entries from 12.00pm, judging from 3.00pm) and Dog Scurry, where four-legged friends can put their skills to the test. On Sunday, visitors can admire magnificent Shire Horses, celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage. The ever-popular Static Hawk Display also returns.
Wheels, crafts, and family fun
The Wheels at the Mill display, organised with Retford and Gainsborough Motor Club, will showcase vintage tractors, classic cars, lorries and motorbikes. Younger visitors can enjoy giant inflatables, traditional games, face painting and appearances from favourite characters. A busy Arts and Crafts Market will feature local makers and artisans.
Local flavours and live music
Local street food vendors, rustic pizza makers, and sweet treats will line the event field, alongside a fully stocked bar run by local favourites, The Bees Knees. Nomad Coffee will be there too. On Saturday evening, the event continues with Live Music at the Mill from 4.00pm, featuring local acts including Big Wayne’s Blues Experience, The Johnny Forgottens and Split The G, with DJ Jono providing music between sets. The vendors share their takings with the Windmill and make this event happen, so please support them.
An historic gem
For over two centuries, North Leverton Windmill has stood proud as a focal point for our local community and there is nothing quite like the sight of the sails turning against the Nottinghamshire sky. This rare Grade II* listed tower mill has never stopped working since it was built in 1813 as a Subscription Mill by local farmers to bypass the high milling prices controlled by the local Lord of the Manor. It was built by the community, for the community — which perfectly mirrors the goals of the fundraising weekend.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to go inside the historic structure for Windmill and experience their Heritage Centre talks. If the wind blows, you can witness the traditional milling process in real-time as the sails grind fresh flour – which will be on sale too.
The mill still actively grinds traditional stoneground flours and animal feeds every week, and they welcome visitors each Saturday. Loyal customers buy directly from the mill or from local shops and their purchases support the landmark. The mill grounds act as a hub for other local produce, such as the newly harvested South Leverton Honey.
Fundraising is vital. In 2009, the mill was designated as a Building at Risk by English Heritage. Ownership was transferred to a Charitable Trust, and a team of passionate volunteers and architects meticulously repaired the cap and rotten timbers to keep the sails turning safely again. The Trust is actively seeking new volunteers. The event is the perfect place to chat with the team and learn more.
Find the windmill at Mill Lane, North Leverton, Retford, DN22 0BA. Visit the Official North Leverton Windmill Facebook Page for updates and to find out more details about the weekend’s itinerary. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the registered charity.