Long autumn nights. Candlelit pubs. The county slows down.

Saturday is the day to head to Statfold for Road, Rail and Ale, a thoroughly feel-good celebration that brings together vintage vehicles, heritage railways and, naturally, some well-earned refreshments. It is the kind of event that keeps children wide-eyed and adults happily distracted in equal measure, and with so much to take in across the site, you will want to arrive early and linger long. Clear your Saturday afternoon diary and get your tickets sorted before the week is out. Also on Saturday at Conkers in Moira, Always Westlife delivers all the soaring harmonies and emotional highs of the beloved Irish group's greatest hits catalogue. Whether you grew up singing along or you are introducing the songs to a new generation, this live tribute promises a warm and uplifting evening that the whole family can enjoy together. Conkers is a wonderful setting, and pairing a great show with that natural backdrop makes for a rather special night out. Friday evening offers its own rewards. Melton Mowbray's Stockyard Friday Farmers' Market opens the weekend beautifully, giving you a chance to load up on fresh, locally sourced ingredients straight from the producers themselves. Then, if your Friday calls for something a little more indulgent, the Italian Supper Club at Rutland Nursery runs from seven until half past ten, with a specially curated menu inspired by the venue's in-house Italian chef. Warm flavours, good company and a relaxed atmosphere — that is a Friday evening worth booking. Over in Leicester on Saturday, the Copacabana Magic Barry Manilow Show rolls into De Montfort Hall, promising a spectacular chronicle of one of popular music's most enduring performers. When you need some fresh air between the festivities, Leicestershire's green spaces are ready for you. Market Bosworth Country Park rewards a gentle wander with towering redwoods, Japanese maples and the chance to spot a fox or woodpecker going about their business. Over in Loughborough, The Outwoods Country Park offers 110 acres of ancient woodland with some of the oldest rocks in Britain underfoot — a proper adventure for curious young explorers. And if you are staying in the city, the Holiday Inn Leicester City puts you just a five-minute stroll from Leicester Cathedral, the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Highcross shopping — an ideal base for a fuss-free family break. The forecast brings a little rain across Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures sitting comfortably in the high teens to low twenties — warm enough to enjoy outdoor moments, and a gentle nudge to have an indoor event or two lined up as well. Pack a light waterproof, embrace the cosy atmosphere that a showery September day brings, and let Leicestershire take care of the rest. This weekend has something genuinely good waiting for everyone, so go ahead and lock those plans in.