Family

As part of this year’s Northants and Rutland Open Studios Festival in September, a talented group of Northamptonshire artists will be showing their work at Abington Park Museum from 7th September to 3rd November 2024. Northamptonshire artists Emma Lindsay, Marisa Vanschuyver, Hilary Grayson, Cordell Garfield, Lisa Deighan, Sally Pennycate, Serena Durgheu and Carol Bullen will be exhibiting a selection of their work at the museum’s gallery space. With over 300 artists taking part in this year’s event, opening their studios and exhibiting throughout the county and beyond, with a showcase exhibition at Lamport Hall, it promises to be the premier art event in Northamptonshire. The show at Abington Park Museum is opening its doors to bring to the public an exhibition showing the rich diversity and quality of artwork produced by these 8 local artists, with paintings in mixed media, oils, acrylics, collages, batik silk and watercolours. During the Open..

Up, up and away! The Northampton Balloon Festival is back at the town’s Racecourse (August 16-18) and ready to delight thousands at the family spectacle. Enjoy lots of live arena entertainment; a circus workshop will wow, a funfair will thrill and there will be plenty of trade stalls to investigate. Wonder at the majesty of the birds of prey, and plenty of food and drink stalls are set to keep your energy levels up. At sunset, the hot air balloons will glow in a true spectacle of light, and then, when the skies have been filled with the balloons, you can keep your eyes trained upwards to enjoy the fireworks that will follow. ‘Don’t miss this magical celebration that promises unforgettable moments for the whole family. Join us in Northampton for a weekend of high-flying joy!’ urge organisers. Visit once and never again will ‘a load of hot air’ have..

Bluey’s Big Play for little kids, and big blue entertainment for big kids! Murder mysteries, more giggle bringers and a pantomime to turn you red with its rude stuff. Here’s June’s juicy bits in theatre-land... An Evening with Harry Redknapp (June 2) will keep your attention with engaging stories from his fruitful career in footie and TV - and there are plenty of tales to tell! Settle in for a great night. Renowned British designer and judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down, Keith Brymer Jones will be throwing down stories in place of clay with his visit to the Derngate (June 3) when he shares stories of life in front of – and behind – the potter’s wheel. There will be an on-stage demo at his wheel too, and he’ll be sharing his advice and tips for those budding creators among you. Bluey’s Big Play (June 6-9) will enchant..

Meet Alex Bailey, the heart and soul behind Bailey White Photography, a beloved Northamptonshire photography business specialising in family, newborn, and branding photos. Known for her warm and welcoming personality, Alex is particularly gifted in working with little ones, making her photo sessions a delightful experience for families. As Bailey White Photography recently celebrated its second anniversary, we caught up with Alex to learn more about her journey, passion, and exciting plans for the future. Hi Alex! Tell us a bit about Bailey White Photography. I launched Bailey White Photography in April 2022, right after my maternity leave. It all started as a small idea that blossomed into a full-fledged business. Photography has always been a passion of mine, a hobby I’ve cherished growing up. When my friend gifted us a photo shoot after the birth of my little boy, I realised how uncomfortable it can be to pose for..

Swansgate Shopping Centre in Wellingborough, is excited to bring a Dino Eggstravaganza to the town this Easter holiday. A herd of dinosaurs will take over the centre and all the children of Wellingborough are invited to join the ROARSOME event! On Friday 5th April children will be able to come along and meet some dinosaurs from towering prehistoric performers to adorable baby dinos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Families will also be able to embark on a trail around the centre in search of clues on the dino trail and find the hidden letters, which spell out the secret word when put together. All budding archaeologists should head to the kids club area where they can dig for bones and dust down their discoveries, there will also be a display with some fun facts about fossils. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Children can also join in with the..

Grab your walking shoes and your sense of adventure because English Tourism Week is back! From the 15th to the 24th of March, it's time to celebrate all things British. Whether you're a local looking to explore hidden gems, or eager to soak in the rich tapestry of English culture, we've got it all here across the county. Lamport Hall Nestled in the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside, Lamport Hall stands as an attraction of history and elegance. Its origins trace back to the late 16th century when the mansion was built by the Isham family. Over the centuries, Lamport Hall has witnessed lots of historical events and societal changes. Today, visitors can stroll through its grand corridors, marvel at its exquisite architecture, and find out all about  the rich history through guided tours and special events. Chester House Estate Chester House is a testament to Northamptonshire's architectural heritage. Originally built in..

Are you searching for the perfect way to keep the little ones entertained during the Easter half-term? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with everything from Easter egg hunts, pottery classes, meeting the Easter bunny, face painting and lots more! Delapré Abbey Delapré Abbey will show you how to make good use of the natural materials sourced from its grounds at its Spring Wreath Making Workshop. There are two sessions – 10am-midday and 2pm-4pm – on March 22 and March 24, so that you can learn the art of making a wreath from scratch using buff willow as the base, before decorating with natural foliage and pretty spring flowers. The historic setting also has its Easter Eggstravaganza from March 29 – April 1, with a Walled Garden egg hunt, or a house trail including a petting zoo. Or purchase the package that entitles little folks to do both activities...

Bookworms looking for another fantastic reason to pick up their favourite books can sign up for a new charity fundraiser this March. Cynthia Spencer Hospice is launching Spencer’s Reading Challenge this week to coincide with World Book Day on 7th March. The hospice is encouraging both schools and individuals to pick up a book and make a difference in one of four ways – by building a book tower, playing book bingo, hosting a book-a-thon or taking part in a sponsored read. The challenge is part of the recently launched Make A Difference, Your Way campaign, which aims to highlight the many different ways that people can contribute to the cause and back the charity, in a way that resonates with them, whether that be by volunteering their time, donating or fundraising money, or spreading the word. It is hoped that the campaign will encourage more people to support the..

No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC has received a grant from the Constance Travis Endowment Fund for Northamptonshire, with the aim of offering mealtime cooking inspiration to those using the Brixworth Community Larder. This newly-established CIC has secured its funding via the Northamptonshire Community Foundation. Its goal is to collaborate with the Northampton Hope Centre Community Larder Network to produce video cooking tutorials and recipe cards. These resources will concentrate on how best to use both fresh produce and pantry staples commonly found at the Brixworth larder. Do note, the Brixworth larder is open most Wednesday afternoons from 4.30 pm – 5.15 pm, and from 5.15 pm – 6 pm on the first Wednesday of every month, located at Brixworth village hall. No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC aims to bridge the gap between UK-produced food and mealtime recipe inspirations, focusing on seasonal ingredients and the ethos of..