Local News

Taking place at Duston Mill, Northampton on Saturday 21st June 2025, from 12pm–11pm, Solstice Festival promises a day packed full of fun, creativity, and unforgettable experiences, all set in a beautiful riverside meadow (next to Sixfields Stadium), on the longest day of the year. Solstice Festival shines a light on the incredible talent, enterprise, and spirit of Northamptonshire. The festival will feature the very best musicians, performers, food, traders, makers, workshops, activities and community groups, all proudly local. For thousands of years, communities have come together on the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) to share food, music, fun and connection with family and friends.  After an incredible response from local performers and enterprises, over 50 have been selected to take centre stage. Solstice is not just a festival, it’s a joyful platform for the region’s creativity and community spirit. Live Music & Performances The Main Stage will..

The Never Alone Project, Northamptonshire’s leading bereavement charity, has been selected as Rushden Lakes’ inaugural charity partner for 2025/26. Earlier this year, Northamptonshire charities had the opportunity to apply to partner with Rushden Lakes to become its first-ever Charity of the Year. The initiative invited applicants to detail their charity's aims, provide a brief history, and explain how they would utilise the benefits offered by the destination. The new program will provide several benefits for the charity throughout the year, from May 2025 to March 2026. Benefits include social media and digital support, a Customer Service collection box, outdoor event space, use of the Rushden Lakes Community Sheds, on-site advertising opportunities, and more - all free of charge. Donna French, Rushden Lakes Centre Manager, said, “We were delighted to launch our Charity of the Year initiative, and crown The Never Alone Project (TNAP) as our partner for 2025/26. TNAP will..

A special anniversary event to celebrate 125 years of ‘Bands in the Park’ bandstand performances at Abington Park is set to take place this Saturday, 17th May between 11am – 4pm. The free event, planned by Northampton Town Council in partnership with The Park Café and hosted by NLive Radio, will take place on and around the park’s bandstand and feature a variety of local bands and music performers, along with activities, workshops and stalls. The town council runs the popular ‘Bands in the Park’ programme of live music performances that take place every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday between April and September, with several performances sponsored by The Park Café, located close to the bandstand. Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere, member of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said: “It is incredible to think that these music performances have taken place on the Abington Park Bandstand every year for..

Councillor Jane Birch became the 785th Mayor of Northampton during the annual Mayor Making Ceremony which took place Monday 12th May, at the Guildhall. Her husband Toby is her Consort. During the ceremony, organised by Northampton Town Council also appointed Cllr Mike Hallam and Shannon Hallam as the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress and conducted its Annual Council Meeting. Councillor Birch has been a town councillor since the formation of Northampton Town Council in 2021 and represents the Queen’s Park ward. She was elected to Northampton Borough Council in 2015 and Northamptonshire County Council in 2017. She taught at several schools in Northampton, was a school governor and is a trustee of numerous charities. Councillor Birch said: “I am honoured to be the 785th Mayor, and Chair of Northampton Town Council, with my husband Toby as my Consort. “It is a great privilege to serve the residents of Northampton as..

A Northampton dad is turning grief into goals with a special charity football match and family fun day, in memory of his son Tyler and all lost angels. On Saturday 17th May, Tristan Heard is hosting Sands Aid Family Fun Day and Charity Football Match, a full day of activities to raise money and awareness for Sands UK – the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity. Tristan became involved with Sands United FC, formed in Northampton for bereaved dads, following the loss of his first child at 38 weeks. Sands United was founded by Pride of Britain winner Robert Allen after the loss of his daughter at 39 weeks. What started as a Sunday league team has grown into a national movement, with over 40 teams across the UK and Ireland, offering support and solidarity through sport. “Me and my wife lost our son..

Get ready to be dazzled! Tickets are now officially on sale for Strictly SENSational, the highly anticipated Strictly Come Dancing-inspired show celebrating the incredible talents of adults with special educational needs (SEN). Hosted by SENSational Care Provisions and Joanne Banham Dance Company, this feel-good event will take place at The Deco Theatre on Sunday, 29th June 2025. An unforgettable evening awaits as participants from the SEN community take to the stage in a celebration of dance. After weeks of rehearsals and hard work, you can expect an electric atmosphere, show-stopping routines, and a whole lot of sparkle as the SENsational team lights up the dance floor. The event is not just a performance - it’s an important event with an aim to raise funds for The Tor Rox Foundation, a charity supporting cancer patients in accessing physical activity during treatment. “We are beyond excited to welcome everyone to watch what..

A Northamptonshire family is turning personal heartbreak into hope by hosting a special fundraising day at The Chester House Estate. The event is in support of the Twinkling Stars Appeal, a campaign led by Northamptonshire Health Charity to build a new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General Hospital. Esmé Day, taking place on Tuesday 27 May, has been organised by parents Carmen and Chris Smith in memory of their daughter Esmé, who was tragically stillborn at 38 weeks. “Esmé would have been turning three this year,” said Carmen. “We wanted to mark the day with the kind of celebration we would have thrown for her, full of love, family, and joy. But more than that, we wanted to keep her name and her legacy alive. That’s how we parent her now.” Carmen and Chris were inspired to support the Twinkling Stars Appeal after hearing about it during their time in..

The ‘Places, People and Professions’ that give Northampton such a strong and unique identity are being celebrated in a new exhibition on display in town. The moving collection of artwork, photography and audio interviews has been created by talented students from Northampton College and is now on show at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibition features photos and artwork of around 20 notable Northampton landmarks combined with a soundscape of people’s memories of the buildings and the industries associated with them. Students of Fine Art, Photography, Music Technology, Business, Dance and Carpentry apprentices have worked on the exhibition during the past 18 months and were there to celebrate its official launch on Thursday, 24 April. Principal of Northampton College, Jason Lancaster, said: “Northampton is a very proud town with an incredible heritage. Wherever you walk you can feel the history around the place and this exhibition brings much of..

Some of the most respected names in UK stand-up will be coming to Northampton for a dedicated comedy festival this summer, with many acts using it as a warm-up on route to the Edinburgh Fringe. More than 50 comedians have been booked to appear at multiple venues across the town centre as part of a two-month-long series of gigs, including top names such as Rosie Jones, Paul Sinha and Josh Pugh. The festival, which takes place between Sunday, 25 May and Saturday, 26 July, has been organised by locally based promoters The Comedy Crate with support from Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID). Venues hosting performances include Saints Coffee, Cheyne Walk Club and V&B while many of the acts have made their name on shows including Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week and Eight Out of 10 Cats does Countdown. Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre..

Today, on International Dance Day, Sensational Care Provisions proudly joins the global celebration of dance as a universal language of expression and community. As an organisation dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities through inclusive activities, we know firsthand that dance is more than just movement — it’s a celebration and a chance to have fun! Whether it’s a groove in the kitchen, a choreographed routine with friends, or simply swaying to your favourite song, dance has the power to uplift, energise, and unite. At Sensational Care Provisions, we use dance as a dynamic tool to promote physical fitness, build community, and encourage emotional expression in safe, supportive spaces. “Dance reminds us to always have fun,” says Emily, Director at Sensational Care Provisions. “It allows our participants to express themselves freely, connect with others, and feel proud of who they are — all while getting in some feel-good movement.” To..

Organised by Made in Northamptonshire and the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network, the 2025 Food & Drink Week shines a spotlight on the people, places and produce that make up the county’s vibrant independent food and drink scene. Expect a packed programme of special events, menus, pop ups, tastings, tours, collaborations and more, taking place at locations all around Northamptonshire. Organisers hope the week-long celebration – sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors - will help local food and drink businesses to raise their profile and attract new customers. Whether pubs, restaurants, cafes, caterers, food or drink producers, all businesses need to attract more customers and generate more sales, and this returning Food & Drink Week is a great way to do that, bringing together local producers, chefs, a broad range of venues, food and drink enthusiasts. From a Food and Drink Festival at Delapré Abbey on June 7th-8th, to product tastings, and..

Lamport Hall is delighted to launch a new event for the 2025 season. Inspired by the incredible makers, artisans and designers across the county and surrounding areas, we will be hosting a Makers Market and Food Festival on Saturday 10th May, 10am-5pm. There will be over 80 handpicked and carefully curated stalls selling a wide array of products including crackling wood wick candles, fused glass, keepsake boxes, propagation stations, tealights, handmade soap, wood turned items, original artwork, limited edition fine art prints, handmade willow crafts, family portrait experiences, wax melts, felt home décor, handmade fudge, ethical clothing, padded noticeboards, handcrafted jewellery, wheel thrown pottery, gin, brownies, cooking sauces, cocktail kits, pick n mix, craft ciders, handmade pies, luxury handmade chocolates, blondies, cakes, needle felted art, and much, much more! There will also be street food on offer from the brilliant Brooklyn Brownie Co selling brownies, sundaes, cheesecake and slushies’, as..

Join the vibrant spectacle on Saturday 14th June as Northampton Carnival returns with a fiery tribute to history and a feast of live music, dance, and culture. Excitement is mounting as Northampton Carnival prepares to ignite the streets once more with colour, rhythm, and community spirit. This year’s spectacular event takes place on Saturday 14th June at Racecourse Park, Kettering Road, Northampton NN1 4LG, bringing together a fusion of creativity and heritage under the striking theme: “The Elements of Carnival – Earth, Wind, Fire, Water.” Chosen to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton, the theme invites troupes and float designers to interpret the natural forces through costume, dance, and display, honouring the town’s resilience and spirit through carnival’s signature energy and flair. The park opens to the public from 12 noon, with a full programme of entertainment on offer. Expect a vibrant showcase of local performers..

It’s not just about the miles. It’s about the memories, the love, and the legacy. This Sunday, as the iconic streets of London fill with cheering crowds and pounding feet, six incredible individuals will be running not just for the finish line—but for something far deeper. They’re taking on the 2025 London Marathon to raise vital funds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice—and so far, they’ve already pulled in over £12,000 (and counting). But behind every step they’ll take on 27 April is a story that matters. Aasha’s Tribute, 25 Years in the Making For Aasha Marenghi, this year’s marathon holds an aching poignancy—it marks a quarter-century since she lost her mum, who spent her final days under the compassionate care of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. “They didn’t just look after my mum,” Aasha shares. “They wrapped our whole family in care during the hardest time of our lives.” She set out to raise £1,750 in her mum’s honour. She’s already soared past..

A Wellingborough IT consultancy has joined forces with a fellow local company to launch a brand new podcast which aims to delve into the world of IT and video production. Targeted at business owners and those with an interest in all things tech, the open and honest ‘Say Something Souch’ podcast has been launched by 3RS IT Solutions in collaboration with video production company, Say Something Creative. Each episode will see knowledge and expertise shared by Steve Souch, managing director and Ethan Malvern, technical director of 3RS, and Jordan Leonard, managing director at Say Something Creative. The trio of experts will raise awareness and ignite discussion on trending topics in the tech, marketing, and business world. “We have been working with Jordan at Say Something Creative for over a year now, creating video content for the business,” explains Steve Souch, managing director, 3RS IT Solutions. “We often joked about changing..