Oakham Baptist Church will celebrate its 250th anniversary on 8 May 2023, with a free party.

Oakham Baptist Church is a multi-generational church with a large number of families and young people. The team, led by Reverend Tom Bowring, host a range of services throughout the year, as well as running Warm Hub sessions for local people amid the cost of living crisis and welcoming Ukrainian refugees.

Each December, they host a Christmas meal for anyone who would otherwise spend Christmas alone or homeless.

At a recent Oakham Town Council meeting, members were asked to approve the 250th anniversary event.

Mayor Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth said: "Oakham Baptist Church was founded on 28 May 1773, and would like the opportunity to celebrate this event with a 'party in the park' like event on their preferred date of 28 May 2023 with the use of Cutts Close.

"That day is Pentecost – the birth of the universal church – and also a half term/bank holiday weekend, so ideal for a party. The event, if approved, would have food, drink, games, live music, children's activities and would be entirely free, during the daytime between 10am and 3pm. The church would be looking to use Oakham Town Council chairs, water and electricity for the PA system."

Members of the council approved the party and the use of Cutts Close.