Things to Do

An archive recording the history of Northampton’s public transport is now open following a 15-month fundraising campaign, boosted by a £4,000 grant from Northampton Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme. The Northampton Transport Heritage charity operates the archive, which is located at the Doddridge Centre in St James’ and open to the public every Thursday between 10am and midday. The charity has gathered many boxes of records kept by the Northampton Corporation (Tramways) Transport Company between 1904 and the early 1990s, including tramways operation, conversion to motor buses, waybills, running cards, bus routes, transport committee minutes and pay books. Many of the records were stored at the Old Bus Depot and Tram Shed on St James’ Road, which was acquired by Church’s Shoes and latterly by West Northamptonshire Council. Neil Farmer, Archivist for Northampton Transport Heritage, said: “Some of these documents and records were given to us by the First Bus..

After a couple of weeks off to enjoy a few seasonal liquors and some peace and quiet (possibly), SBD promotions honcho Phil Moore gets back in the saddle towards the end of January, and he’s running at the new year hard – with nine dates in as many days, writes Sammy Jones. Things start with Sex Pistols Ltd (Jan 25 ) bringing all of the bad language, rude gestures and attitude that the originals favoured. We hope. Songs? There are a few of those too; God Save The Queen, Pretty Vacant, Anarchy in the UK, Holidays in the Sun, Bodies... you know the drill. This is the first date on Northampton soil for these Cambs/Beds based imitators, with support coming from locals, Marabar Caves. The last week of January is Independent Venue Week (IVW) and SBD aren’t messing around; delivering eight shows as part of the offering, starting with multi-instrumentalist,..

Northampton’s scene is burning bright just now, and Freya Rose is the one running with the indie-pop flame. Rushden-based, but making our town her working base, Freya released her current single, Enlighten Me, in November, which was another step closer to bringing her musical dreams to fruition. It’s a really good catchy player, too. She was attuned to sound from a young age: “I grew up surrounded by an amalgamation of artists that really influenced my music throughout time, my parents pumped a lot of 80s music into my ears,” Freya, who cites influences as Dodie, Phoebe Bridgers and The 1975 (“but I also take a lot of influence from artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Fugees and Radiohead”), told Pulse. She had a ready-made audience at home too: “I’ve always been a musical person, often putting on performances in my living room for my family, although they didn’t enjoy them..

When it comes to your wedding day, looking and feeling your best is just as important as saying “I do.” Enter Exclusively Brides, a luxury bridal beauty service founded by two local professionals, Jody and Faye, who bring over 20 years of experience in bridal makeup and hairstyling. More than just a hair and makeup service, Exclusively Brides offers a complete beauty journey, ensuring brides feel confident, radiant, and stress-free from their engagement to the big day. We sat down with Jody and Faye to find out how their collaboration began, what makes their service unique, and their exciting plans for the future—including a must-attend beauty event this March! Hi both! Tell us who you are and what you do… Jody: I’m a freelance bridal and occasion makeup artist with 20 years of experience. Faye: I’m a freelance bridal hair stylist, also with over 20 years in the industry. How..

If you’re looking for a fun way to shake off those post-Christmas blues, Northampton’s Market Square has just the thing! On Saturday, 18th January, the newly refurbished square will be transformed into a winter wonderland of free activities, perfect for a family day out. From 11am to 6pm, you can lace up your skates and hit the rink for a day of free winter skating (yes, free!) or try your hand at curling in a dedicated lane just for kids. Never tried curling before? This is your moment. But it’s not just about gliding on ice—there’s plenty more to keep everyone entertained. The Silent Disco Project will be hosting New Year Party sessions in their pop-up tent (if you haven’t tried a silent disco, trust us, it’s a blast). Meanwhile, Lemonpop Workshops will be running creative ‘Make and Take’ sessions, and budding Picassos can join in by colouring a section..

Feeling musically empty? There’s a PiL for that! It’s taken a while, but John Lydon’s Public Image Ltd (PiL) will be back on the Roadmender stage this summer. Nine years since the band last played the venue to a sell-out crowd and they will be doing it all over again on July 31, as part of their This Is Not The Last Tour, tour. Lydon formed the post-punk originators after fronting the Sex Pistols, guiding the band from their debut album in ‘78, through to ‘92 when they began what would be a long hiatus. Breaking the silence in 2009, they have since issued a trio of prime releases, This is PiL in 2012, the essential What The World Needs Now..., in 2015, and 2023s End of World. Speaking with me before that last ‘fampton show, John said: I really love playing these small venues, I really do, and I..

This month at the Roadmender, From The Jam will play, celebrating the 45th anniversary of their fourth studio album, Setting Sons. This is no tribute event, mind you – From The Jam, as the name suggests, features Bruce Foxton, one-time bassist and songwriter with the stellar music makers. Taking the spot once occupied by Weller is Russell Hastings, who has been a part of From The Jam since inception and has also worked with Weller and other aces including the much-missed Wilko Johnson and Steve Cropper. Setting Sons was the first of the band’s releases to enter the charts stateside and hit the Top 5 over here.This is one night when the public will definitely get what it wants, and then some. “Even the obscure album tracks like Little Boy Soldiers and Thick As Thieves are as popular when we play them live as the hit singles,” Russell said. Ruts..

Dazzling Diamonds, funny folks and a West End phenomenon... Fed up with pine needles in the carpet and the post Crimbo comedown? You need a night at the theatre! Escape the new year drear with some sun-drenched reggae cheer at the Derngate with Legend – the Music of Bob Marley (Jan 11). When it comes to a set list of solid sounds, Marley delivered, and so this celebration will do the same: Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, Get Up Stand Up, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Satisfy, My Soul, Iron Lion Zion... Over at The Royal on the same night, The Opera Boys return with four-part harmony driven musical medleys delivering music from modern day musicals including Wicked, Mamma Mia and Frozen, while also revisiting classics from Porter, Gershwin and Rodgers & Hammerstein. You..

Fawsley Hall invites you to their Wedding Showcase at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa on Sunday, 26th January 2025, from 11am to 2pm. Set in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, Fawsley Hall provides a stunning and memorable setting for your special day. This showcase is the perfect opportunity to see everything the historic venue has to offer. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Fawsley Hall’s elegant spaces are designed to make your wedding day truly unforgettable. What You Can Expect Guided Venue Tours: Explore the ceremony and reception spaces, luxurious guest rooms, and picturesque gardens. Imagine how your special day could look in this extraordinary setting. Meet Their Wedding Team: Speak with experienced wedding coordinators, who will be on hand to answer your questions and help plan every detail of your celebration. Trusted Suppliers: Meet a selection of recommended suppliers, including florists, photographers, and entertainers, to bring..

A packed programme of cultural events and celebrations is being lined up to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton. 2025 marks 350 years since flames ripped through the streets of Northampton, destroying 700 of the 850 buildings in the town centre and claiming 11 lives. To observe the anniversary, cultural and historical groups are teaming up with partners including Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Northampton Town Council and West Northamptonshire Council to put together a series of events to showcase the story of the fire and the rebuild that followed. The celebrations will be launched on Thursday, May 29 with an Oak Apple Day parade and service at All Saints Church – including the annual hanging of a wreath in honour of King Charles II who donated 1,000 tonnes of timber to help rebuild much of the town. Art historian James Miller, who is..

Christmas is just around the corner, and Northampton is brimming with festive cheer and magical places to meet Santa. Here’s a guide to the best spots in and around Northampton where families can visit Father Christmas this holiday season. 1. Chester House Estate Step into a winter wonderland at Chester House Estate. Santa will be waiting in his enchanting grotto, ready to hear children’s Christmas wishes. Families can enjoy festive crafts, seasonal treats, and stunning decorations across the estate. Book online at https://chesterhouseestate.org/ 2. Delapré Abbey Delapré Abbey’s historical charm adds a touch of magic to meeting Santa. Children can visit Santa’s grotto, participate in storytelling sessions, and explore the beautifully decorated grounds. Don’t miss the Christmas market for festive shopping and refreshments. 3. Stanwick House Stanwick House transforms into a Christmas haven during the festive season. Santa’s grotto here offers a cosy and personalised experience. Families can also enjoy..

A host of comedians are bringing their best gags to two restaurants in Wellingborough and Northampton this Christmas for a double whammy comedy night. No 13 bar, at Wellingborough’s Nene Court, and Four Pears pub, in Little Houghton, are hosting four exciting comedians, who will flit between venues across the county, all on the same evening. The energetic night will take place on Thursday, December 19 to help promote an up-and-coming comedy scene in the area and spread all important Christmas cheer across the county. Restaurant owner, James Peck, said: “We’ve hosted Hats Funny Comedy before and we’re always impressed with how they raise the roof of our venues with laughter. “The comedy nights taking place at both of our venues promise a wholesome evening of fun for our audience who also have the added option to book a table with us and dine before the show to really get..

Santa took his seat in “the best value grotto for miles around” on Saturday, delighting families with a winter wonderland featuring animatronic penguins and polar bears. This year’s grotto at the Grosvenor Centre was delivered by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with Northampton Town Council, Northampton College, Royal & Derngate and Rockin’ Roadmender, alongside the charity #brightspaceNN. The attraction, located opposite Charlie Brown’s menswear on the Upper Mall, opened on Saturday, 23 November, and will welcome visitors from 10.30am to 4pm every weekend until Christmas, with a final session on Monday, 23 December. Tickets cost just £1, with all proceeds donated to charity. Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton BID, said: “The grotto is our gift to the people of Northampton this Christmas. The support from our partners has been overwhelming, and to create something on this scale while keeping tickets at just £1 is an..

Boughton House, the Northamptonshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch, is inviting visitors to create a magical holiday season with a delightful array of Christmas events. From the much-loved Christmas Trees for sale and two festive Christmas Fairs to Santa’s Grotto and the opening of the enchanting Gardens, the experience promises to be unforgettable. Starting on November 23rd, Boughton will open its doors for the sale of premium British-grown Nordmann Fir Christmas trees, alongside handmade wreaths, tree stands, decorations, and unique gifts from the historic 18th-century Stableyard. Visitors can choose from a variety of the trees, known for their needle retention, from 4ft to 9ft, as well as smaller, charming potted options. On Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December, Boughton has invited British Info Group to hold a special Christmas Craft Fair in the historic Gardens, Coach House, Tapestry Suite and Tearoom, with a whole host of local stall..

*This event has now been rescheduled to Saturday 30th November due to weather conditions* It’s that time of year again—the nights are getting longer, the air crisper, and Northampton’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is just around the corner. Mark your calendars because next Saturday, 23rd November, the Market Square will transform into a festive wonderland from 12–6pm, kicking off the Christmas festivities in style. Hosted by Northampton Town Council, the event is jam-packed with yuletide cheer for all ages. Expect live stage performances, local produce and gift stalls, creative workshops, a festive bar (yes, mulled wine enthusiasts, this one’s for you), and a family-friendly Silent Disco. It’s the perfect chance to soak up the Christmas vibes, enjoy some seasonal treats, and maybe even tick a few items off your gift list. Entertainment to Get You in the Spirit From midday, BBC Radio Northampton’s Bernie Keith will keep the festive energy flowing..