Local News

A group of passionate businesspeople from the area think it’s high time that Northamptonshire has its own brown sign to help drive visitor numbers to explore all that we have to offer. They told Pulse’s Sammy Jones what it is, and how they are going to get it... What a lot Northamptonshire has got; from our stately homes and ancestral seats to our beautiful green spaces, thriving independent employers and the big businesses who are flocking to make this area their home, not forgetting our prominence as a place for culture and the arts. We can’t fail to mention that our county is rich in sporting class, can we? And of course our position as the home of motorsport was sealed long ago. If you live here, we are preaching to the converted – you know already what an engrossing, lively county this is and just how much it has..

The new LCS Stand at Sixfields has begun a phased opening process! The club are required to stage a gradual opening of the new facilities, and this process began at the Birmingham City game on Saturday when the general admission seats (available via ntfcdirect.co.uk), first floor lounge and boardroom and second floor executive boxes were open for the first time. Over the coming weeks, other parts of the new stand will open including the new raised wheelchair viewing area and the concourse and the club will communicate those dates in due course. Supporters and guests enjoyed watching the Cobblers draw 1-1 with the high-flying Blues from the club's first ever pitch facing hospitality areas in its 128-year history as the game attracted Northampton Town's biggest ever crowd at Sixfields and the biggest home league crowd since April 1987. "We were delighted..

March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month and is an opportunity to shine a light on this lesser known cancer. There are over 120 different types of primary brain tumours, which makes diagnosing this terrible cancer incredibly difficult. Add to that the fact that we still don’t understand what causes them and this makes it even more important to raise awareness of this non-discriminatory disease. Mark’s Mission – Friends pull together to raise vital funds Mark’s Mission was set up by a group of local friends Andrew Nicholson, Derek Middlemiss and Mark Monaghan following the devastating news in April 2024 that Mark had stage 4 Glioblastoma, an incurable brain tumour. Following his diagnosis, he underwent two different rounds of Chemotherapy and a major 7 ½ hour operation to remove most of one of his tumours. Unfortunately, as is the nature of this cruel disease, his tumours have all grown back and..

A Northamptonshire mother diagnosed with terminal cancer is preparing to launch a new charity designed to support others living with the condition through exercise-based initiatives. Victoria Skinner, 38, who has been living with cancer since 2015, is set to unveil The Tor-Rox Foundation at a formal launch event in Northampton on 26 March 2025. The charity, named in part after her nickname, ‘Tor’, will offer financial grants to help cancer patients access personalised exercise and wellness programmes. The mother of five-year-old Isla has raised more than £33,000 through a series of strenuous personal challenges, including a solo Hyrox competition, in her effort to fund the organisation. Her ultimate goal is to raise £40,000 to fully establish the Foundation. “The Foundation has been a year in the making,” said Ms Skinner. “Completing the solo Hyrox last year made me realise I wanted to do something that could benefit other cancer patients,..

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards have returned for their seventeenth year, opening entries for the 2025/26 competition and once again shining a spotlight on the county’s food and drink talent. Launched on 25 March at The Lane, Northampton College, this year’s campaign calls on chefs, producers, venues and students to put themselves forward across 18 categories. The awards aim to celebrate excellence and innovation across Northamptonshire’s hospitality and agri-food sectors, from community cafés to high-end restaurants and artisan makers. Awards Director Rachel Mallows MBE DL said the scheme had become a vital support to local businesses: “These awards are about more than recognition. They help build reputations, attract customers and support long-term growth. We want to see entries from every corner of the county — this is a chance to shine.” Headline sponsor Weetabix returns for its sixth year, alongside long-standing category sponsors. Stuart Branch, the company’s Group..

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, The Old Savoy presents a tribute to the legendary stars who kept us smiling through the dark days of World War II. Spirit of the Blitz recaptures the defiant optimism of war-torn Britain, remembering the heroes of that treasured generation through the songs that tell their stories; songs like Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, Bless 'Em All, Leaning On A Lamp-Post, and of course, We'll Meet Again. VE Day is commemorated annually throughout Europe, but this year is deemed especially important as the last big anniversary where a significant number of veterans will remain to celebrate the coming of peace and to honour their fallen comrades. Andy Eastwood, the show’s producer, who also portrays morale-boosting entertainer George Formby, describes it as a moving experience: "The wonderful thing about Spirit Of The Blitz is that it means many things to different people...

On Sunday, 16th March, the StoneX Stadium, home to Saracens Rugby, played host to the highly anticipated Premiership Women’s Rugby final. Prior to the main event, a celebration of the future of women’s rugby took place with an exciting under-14s and under-12s girls festival. In a show of community spirit and support for the women’s game, each Premiership team selected local girls' teams to represent them in the festival. For Northamptonshire, Loughborough Lightning chose the Old Northamptonians under-12s girls’ team and Bugbrooke under-14s girls’ team to take part in this unforgettable experience. The event not only allowed these young athletes to play on the same pitch as the stars of the Premiership, but it also spotlighted the incredible growth of girls' rugby across the region. The Old Northamptonians under-12s girls’ team, in particular, have had an extraordinary season, achieving a remarkable record, being undefeated both at home and away. Their..

Winter is being banished at Holdenby for a Magical Easter Weekend! With the help of Alice in Wonderland, Holdenby House are giving their 2025 season a really special launch with “The Magic of Easter”, on Easter Sunday and Monday. Visiting Holdenby with its amazing House, Grade 1 Gardens and Falconry Centre is always special. But Holdenby’s “ Magic Easter “ this year will make the first Bank Holiday of the year something to treasure. Alice will lay the trail for the Easter Egg Hunt and each day she will hide her Golden Egg, containing £100. Her friends including the Queen of Hearts will be on hand with lots of fun and activities for all to enjoy from, Rose Painting, Egg Rolling, Face Painting, traditional Fete Games, Croquet on the lawn or shopping at the Easter Market Stalls. Alice loves the birds and animals in Icarus Falconry Centre where visitors will..

Photography students at Northampton College have been given a sneak peek of their future career by being drafted in to help with the launch of a new motorcycle racing team. EB1 Racing is supporting the fledgling career of Alex Mann – a Northampton motorcyclist who will be taking part in the 2025 Pirelli National Sportbike Championships – a sub-group of the British Superbikes Championships. To mark the team’s official launch ahead of the new season, EB1 Racing’s head of media Tierney O’Grady – a former Northampton College student herself – approached the photography department at Booth Lane to see if current students would be interested in collaborating on a glossy photoshoot to showcase the branding and sponsorship opportunities available. The students embraced the challenge and staged a full studio shoot, producing content for the team’s website and promotional materials. Tierney said: “At EB1 Racing, we like to think of ourselves..

Wharf Distillery, Northamptonshire’s only whisky distillery, was honoured to represent the county at the second annual English Whisky Day last month at the Houses of Parliament. Hosted by Kevin Hollinrake MP and the English Whisky Guild (EWG), the event on 26th February celebrated the impressive growth and achievements of the English whisky sector, bringing together nearly 50 MPs and Lords, alongside over 200 guests, including business leaders, trade representatives, and key figures from the UK drinks industry. Laurence Conisbee, founder of Towcester-based Wharf Distillery, attended the event to showcase their Equinox Whisky - a rich, complex spirit with a unique port cask finish. He commented: "This prestigious event provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the craftsmanship and innovation behind our locally produced whisky while engaging with industry leaders about the future of English whisky. As the only whisky distillery in Northamptonshire, it was a privilege to bring attention to the..

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and show-stopping dance moves as SENSational Care Provisions’ Strictly Come Dancing-inspired event arrives at The Deco Theatre on Sunday, 29th June 2025. Designed to celebrate inclusivity and talent, this event will showcase incredible skills as the SENsational team take to the dance floor, dazzling the audience with their production. The show promises to be an uplifting experience, bringing the local community together in support of an inspiring cause. Attendees can expect an evening filled with an electric atmosphere raising funds for The Tor Rox Foundation; a charity that provides cancer patients access to physical activity whilst undergoing a cancer diagnosis. To make this event possible, they are offering exclusive sponsorship packages to businesses and individuals: Bronze Sponsorship – £250 • ½ page advert in the event programme • Promotion on social media • 2 complimentary tickets • Name on the event..

The date has been announced for the sixth annual Silverstone Soccer charity event, in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The popular five-a-side footballer fundraiser, hosted by Northampton-based company Silverstone Leasing, will be held at Daventry Town Football Club on Sunday 22nd June. The leading vehicle leasing firm has raised thousands of pounds for the hospice – it’s nominated charity partner - over the years through Silverstone Soccer and this year hopes to collect more than ever before. Last year the tournament scored the support of football legends Michael Owen and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, who sent video messages encouraging local people and businesses to get involved. Silverstone Soccer 2025 will see 12 businesses from across Northamptonshire compete for the much-coveted winners title, as well as plenty of family fun for spectators and sponsorship opportunities for any companies who don’t want to play. Sponsorship packages cost just £300 and include your company..

 The Lewis Foundation has announced the date for its annual fundraising Gala Ball. To be held on Saturday 1st November 2025, the highly anticipated event promises an evening of entertainment, fine dining and fundraising in the beautiful Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, Northamptonshire. Now in its third year, this Gala Ball unites supporters, sponsors and guests for an unforgettable night, while raising vital funds to provide free gift packs and support for adult cancer patients undergoing treatment in 17 hospitals across the region. In 2024, the Gala Ball raised an outstanding £13,490, and this year, The Lewis Foundation is aiming to surpass that total. Lorraine Lewis, CEO and co-founder of The Lewis Foundation, said: "Our Gala Ball is always one of the most special nights of the year, bringing together people who are passionate about making a difference. Every ticket sold, every bid placed and every donation made directly helps us provide..

This spring, Stanwick Lakes is inviting people to celebrate and support Northamptonshire’s vibrant small business community at a dedicated Spring Craft Fair, that will take place come rain or shine. Creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit will be celebrated over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2025, when Stanwick Lakes hosts an incredible selection of artisan sellers, local crafters, and delicious food – all set in the beautiful surroundings of the East Northamptonshire nature reserve. No matter the weather, the event will go ahead, thanks to a dedicated marquee housing 30 food stalls. Altogether visitors can expect more than 50 stall holders offering a wide variety of hand-crafted, ethically made or sourced goods, including unique homewares, sustainable crafts, and locally produced food and drink. Billie Passchier, Trust Director at Stanwick Lakes, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome so many talented artisans and small businesses to this year’s craft fair...

An ancient ceremony of thanksgiving at All Saints' Church will commemorate Oak Apple Day and kickstart the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton. The annual civic ceremony, organised by Northampton Town Council and the Lord Lieutenancy, remembers the generosity of King Charles II, who donated over 1,000 tonnes of timber to reconstruct All Saints' Church and halved the town's taxes for seven years following the blaze in 1675. The event on Thursday, May 29 will see a detachment from the Honourable Artillery Company of Pikemen & Musketeers be accompanied by the ‘A’ Company LNR ACF Corps of Drums, with a parade and musket firing taking place on the piazza of All Saints’ Church around 12pm. The civic procession will then enter All Saints' Church for a thanksgiving service led by Father Oliver Coss. The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire will then invite the Mayor to place an oak leaf wreath on..