Local News

Ten Years of Magic and Meaning There’s something about a night at the theatre that feels a little bit magical — the hush before the lights dim, the sparkle of costumes, the laughter that ripples through the crowd. For many families across Northamptonshire, that magic has come courtesy of Royal & Derngate’s Unforgettable Gift campaign — and this year, it’s celebrating a very special milestone. Now in its tenth year, Unforgettable Gift 2025 is back with a mission: to spread more joy, more laughter, and more festive sparkle than ever before. The theatre aims to give away hundreds of tickets for its Christmas shows — and even productions into 2026 — to children, young people, and families in Northampton who are facing tough times this year. A Gift That Keeps on Giving Working hand in hand with the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the Sir Gyles Isham Bursary (on behalf of..

Students from Northampton College are lending their skills – and their hearts – to a moving new project supporting patients receiving end-of-life care. The students have joined forces with The Lewis Foundation, a Northampton-based charity that provides free gifts, care packs and emotional support to adults living with cancer. The partnership forms part of an NHS pilot project at Warwick Hospital, aimed at improving comfort and care for patients and their loved ones in their final days. When the hospital’s Specialist Palliative Care Team reached out to the charity, they shared that many families spend their last precious moments together on the ward – and wanted to make that time as peaceful as possible. In response, The Lewis Foundation, founded by Lorraine and Lee Lewis in 2016, has worked with construction students at Northampton College to create handmade wooden hearts and crosses. Each piece is designed to be held by..

Rushden Lakes’ popular recruitment event returns next month, offering jobseekers a chance to explore more than 40 exciting roles across retail, hospitality, and public services. Recruit Rushden Lakes will take place on Tuesday, 7 October, from 10am to 1pm at the Leisure Terrace Level 1 (opposite Cineworld). The event is free to attend and open to anyone looking for a new role, a change in career direction, or guidance on training and employability skills. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from leading Rushden Lakes brands, including Marks & Spencer, Lago Lounge, The Card Factory, River Island, Beaverbrooks, Next, Wildwood, Wren, and Flip Out. Public sector employers such as Northants Police, Fire and Rescue, and North Northants Council will also be in attendance. Supporting organisations including the Department for Work and Pensions, National Careers Service, and Tresham College will provide advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and career development...

You know that feeling when a plan becomes a purpose? Three mates from Northamptonshire laced up, showed up, and ran 13.1 miles in Newcastle—turning sweat into support for local mental health services. Why they ran (and why it matters) Head of Business Support at VMS Ltd, Kev Garfield, led the charge with friends Richard Crook and Brian Jukes, completing the Great North Run on Sunday 7 September and raising £2,825 for Northamptonshire Mind. The spark was personal: their “little running group” came together to support Richard after the loss of his twin brother in 2023, aged just 45. Grief is heavy. Running together helped carry it. Kev put it plainly: “With the help of a strong network, alongside local businesses including VMS Ltd, BACA, BTN automotive, JW Signs and D&H Commercial Repairs Ltd, we successfully completed the Great North Run and have raised almost £3,000 for Northamptonshire Mind. “Our little..

Pictured: Members of the Northampton in Bloom Working Group accepting their award from RHS Judge John Constable. Photo credit: EMiB It turns out Northampton’s not just good at lighting up the skies with fireworks — it’s also blooming marvellous at gardening. The town is celebrating after scooping a Silver Gilt Award in this year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition, marking a proud return to the RHS-led contest for the first time since 2019. The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Grimsby Town Hall and recognises the collective graft of local volunteers, schools, community groups and partners — all with a shared goal of making Northampton a greener, more welcoming place. Flowers, fire and a flourish of community spirit The judges were particularly impressed by the town centre’s floral baskets and planters, which followed a fiery colour scheme inspired by the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton. Sustainability..

A homecoming for water voles It’s not every day you get to carry a basket of apples and carrots across a wetland, knowing you’re about to help an endangered species settle back into the wild. But this summer, that’s exactly what volunteers at Stanwick Lakes did — and the results are nothing short of historic. More than 80 water voles have been released into the wetlands reserve, marking the first project-based reintroduction of the species in Northamptonshire. It’s a major step forward for conservation in the county, and a labour of love years in the making. The release, delivered in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, follows painstaking habitat preparation, endless surveying, and the tireless work of both staff and volunteers. And now, a new short film is shining a light on the journey, giving the public a rare glimpse into the careful, sometimes messy, but..

Heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes, they wear wellies. That’s the spirit behind Northamptonshire’s brand-new ‘Flood & Toast – Resilience and Innovation Community Awards’, launched by the Resilience and Innovation Northants (RAIN) project to shine a light on the everyday heroes who make a difference when the waters rise. From school pupils planting trees to farmers making space for water, these awards are all about recognising those who quietly but powerfully protect their neighbours, their land and their local environment. Whether it’s rallying communities during flood events, championing natural flood management or simply checking on a vulnerable neighbour, the awards will highlight the resilience and kindness that keeps Northamptonshire strong. Nominations are open now for residents across the Wootton Brook and Harpers Brook catchments. Categories range from the Flood Action Group Award and Flood Resilient Farmer Award to the Young Resilience Champion and Community Friend Award. And with a People’s..

Each year, around 60 people in Northamptonshire take their own life – a devastating loss felt across families, friends, and communities. Raising awareness and breaking down stigma around suicide is key to saving lives, which is why the Baton of Hope will visit the county on Saturday 20 September 2025, as part of its nationwide tour. The Baton of Hope Tour is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, travelling to 20 locations across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland this autumn. Following the great success of its inaugural tour in 2023, the 2025 programme will be even bigger – uniting more communities, with new stop locations, strengthened partnerships, celebrity involvement, and activities designed to share a vital life-saving message. At the heart of the tour is a striking gold and silver baton, symbolising mental wellbeing. It will be carried by bereaved families, suicide survivors and supporters to highlight the need for..

There’s something about Northamptonshire that makes it stand out—not just the rolling fields and bustling market towns, but the way people pull together when times get tough. And right now, that community spirit is shining brightly as the Poverty Hurts fundraising appeal edges closer to its £20,000 milestone. Launched at the start of summer by Northamptonshire Community Foundation, the appeal has one simple goal: to help local people struggling with poverty and financial hardship. So far, it has raised £19,491—money that’s already making a real difference. Rachel McGrath, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, summed it up with warmth and urgency:“Nobody should be struggling to cover their basic needs or skipping meals so that their children can eat. And yet this is a reality for too many Northamptonshire residents. If you can, please do consider donating and helping our neighbours in crisis.” Local businesses step up One business that’s already..

If you’ve ever wished you could slip into a time machine and waltz right into the golden age of swing, here’s your chance — and all without leaving Northampton. This autumn, the Cynthia Spencer Hospice invites you to dust off your dancing shoes, don your finest vintage threads, and join them for the Big Band Bash, a celebration of the glitz, glamour and toe-tapping joy of the 1940s. A night made for dancing On Saturday 15th November, the Mercure Hotel Northampton will be transformed into a scene straight from a wartime dance hall. The star attraction? Jazz Colossus — a jaw-dropping 20-piece band founded by composer and bandleader Miles Hancock, known for their unique arrangements and irresistible swing rhythms. Whether you’re a jive expert or just there to sway along, you’ll be in good company. From the moment you arrive, the vintage magic begins. You’ll be greeted with a classic..

Spoiler alert: This summer in Northampton is shaping up to be a bit of a belter – and it’s not just because of the Women’s Rugby World Cup (though yes, that’s very much a reason to get excited). From silent discos and stilt walkers to surfing simulators and poetry slams, the town’s Market Square is being transformed into an official Fan Zone that’s about a lot more than just rugby. We’re talking full-on festival vibes, cutting-edge tech, and enough family fun to make you wonder if someone slipped a theme park into the middle of town. And the best bit? It’s all free. "This is about more than just rugby..." Those aren’t just our words – they’re from Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure. And he’s not wrong. “Hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone right here in Northampton Market..

After a soggy no-show last year (blame the thunder, lightning and sheets of rain), Northamptonshire’s much-loved cycling challenge, Cycle4Cynthia, is making a big, bold return this September—and it’s got its sights set on a record-breaking ride. Mark your diary for Sunday 21st September, because that’s when hundreds of wheels will hit the road, rolling out from the beautiful Althorp Estate for a day of pedal-powered fundraising. Whether you’re a lycra-loving long-hauler or someone who hasn’t ridden since the ‘90s, there’s a route for you—options range from a gentle 5 miles to a thigh-testing 70. And it’s not just about the ride. Cycle4Cynthia is famous for its warm, community vibe—with music, food, family-friendly fun and feel-good energy at the finish line. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the brilliant work of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, which provides vital care to people across Northamptonshire. “Last year’s cancellation was heartbreaking,” says Anita Frith,..

Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) visited Northampton this week to review colourful floral displays and community planting projects across the town for the East Midlands in Bloom competition. Northampton Town Council entered the RHS-led competition for the first time this year, competing against other towns and cities in the region for a chance of recognition in one of the largest horticultural campaigns in Europe. The visit took place on Tuesday, 8th July, when judges were shown various community, council and business planting projects, starting in the town centre where they evaluated the floral displays, hanging baskets and sustainable planters provided by the town council, featuring orange, red, and yellow flowers to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton. The judges were also shown formal planting at the All Saints’ Memorial Garden and improvements to the Market Square, along with the gardens and green space tended..

Wellingborough’s own Sammy Moore, a passionate advocate for women’s rugby, played a starring role in breaking a Guinness World Record during a 26-hour rugby marathon raising over £115,000 for mental health and children’s charities. The Guinness World Record attempt took place in Dublin on 18th and 19th June, backed by the British & Irish Lions. The event featured two simultaneous matches, one men’s and one women’s and welcomed 92 participants, four squads of 23 players. All skill levels were encouraged to apply, with endurance, passion, and purpose taking centre stage. Sammy started playing rugby at university, later playing for the Harlequins, Richmond and moved to Ireland at representative levels. After having children, Sammy ran her own Women’s 7’s team called the Pink Barba’s. She now coaches the undefeated Old Northamptonians U12 girls’ team. As a Rugby fanatic, Sammy took to the pitch for an astonishing 22 hours, helping to set..

Summertime Live returns to Delapré Abbey on Saturday 19th July 2025, for its biggest year yet, now with 4 stages of live music and DJs, headlined by Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems! Artists performing across the day include Sigma, Nathan Dawe, Blazin’ Squad, Switch Disco, So Solid Crew, as well as loads more amazing acts around the site. Brand new for this year: Woodland Stage Shisha Bar Plus roaming entertainers, funfair, independent street food vendors, bars and VIP Garden. Summertime Live’s Anthony Ellis, Event Director said: "We cannot wait to get back to Northampton this July, the show has grown in size every year and it's been great to see the local community joining us for a great summer day out!". Tickets for the Summertime Live – Northampton – July 2025 show are available from: Northampton – Delapré Abbey Saturday 19th July 2025 Gates open from 2.00pm Strictly 18 + Tickets available from - https://www.summertimelive.co.uk/northampton