Leisure and culture news

Additional lockdown grants available to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses

We have started rolling out a discretionary grants scheme targeting businesses impacted by the recently ended lockdown but ineligible for previously available funding while restrictions were in place.

Published 07 December 2020.

Lockdown grants available for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses

We are working hard to understand what we must and can do to support local businesses and our economy during this new national lockdown.

Published 06 November 2020.

Director sought for new initiative to celebrate Northampton’s culture

A director is being sought for the board of Northampton’s newly formed Cultural Compact.

Published 23 October 2020.

Nominations sought for blue plaque commemorations

Residents are invited to nominate people of the past who have contributed to the town’s reputation and residents’ welfare to immortalise their names and achievements on blue plaques.

Published 09 October 2020.

Northampton awarded £1 million to remediate key site

The Government has awarded Northampton £1 million to help ready the former Marks and Spencer site in Abington Street for development.

Published 28 September 2020.

Residents urged to rediscover Northampton - responsibly

Northampton’s independent businesses have come together to urge residents to rediscover and support the town centre – whilst remaining vigilant to social distancing and protecting others.

Published 22 September 2020.

Have your say on plans for Weston Favell Health and Wellbeing Hub

Northampton residents are invited to share their views on plans for a major Health and Wellbeing Hub in Weston Favell.

Published 10 September 2020.

Northampton wins Getting Building funding

Northampton Forward in partnership with NN Contemporary Art (NN) has bid successfully for part of the government’s new £900million Getting Building Fund (GBF).

Published 04 August 2020.

Staying safe this Eid Al-Adha

This Eid Al-Adha it is more important than ever to make sure you and your family are staying safe in Northampton.

Published 29 July 2020.

Work completes on Rectory Farm Community Centre renovation

We have now finished work on the newly-extended and renovated Rectory Farm Community Centre.

Published 21 July 2020.

Further reopening of Northampton’s high streets

The Government has approved the reopening of additional businesses from Monday 13 July, including tattoo parlours, nail bars and beauty salons.

Published 10 July 2020.

A big thank-you for sensible reopening of the night-time economy

Northampton Borough Council would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone for their sensible approach to the reopening of the town’s night-time economy during the weekend.

Published 07 July 2020.

Public invited to collect items during coronavirus crisis for digital exhibition

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is looking to document the coronavirus pandemic for a digital exhibition to be shown once the museum reopens.

Published 21 May 2020.

Car parks reopen in Northampton Borough Council parks

Car parks at Northampton Borough Council parks will reopen from today (Wednesday, May 13), in line with latest Government guidance.

Published 13 May 2020.

Abington Park Museum donates Easter eggs to foodbank

More than a thousand Easter eggs intended for an Easter egg hunt at Abington Park Museum have been donated to the Weston Favell Centre Food Bank.

Published 09 April 2020.

Retail businesses set to benefit from rate relief scheme

Northampton Borough Council is implementing the revised Government Business Rate Relief scheme that will benefit retail businesses in the town.

Published 02 March 2020.

Sponsors sought for Pride Northampton 2020

The Northampton Pride Committee is appealing to businesses to support the town’s Pride event on Saturday, 18 July.

Published 04 February 2020.

Park and ride returns to Northampton this Christmas

Up to five passengers will be able to take advantage of a £1 park and ride facility from Sixfields to Northampton town centre this Christmas.

Published 13 December 2019.

Have your say on big plans for Market Square

Northampton Forward is asking the public for feedback on plans for the town’s Market Square in a consultation launching today (Thursday 28 November).

Published 28 November 2019.

Completion of work on Northampton’s Eleanor Cross

Repair and conservation work on Northampton’s Eleanor Cross is now complete and it is being removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

Published 15 November 2019.

Long-term plans for Northampton’s Greyfriars site

We have released details of a new feasibility study for Northampton's Greyfriars site including significant challenges that need addressing to enable development that gives the town maximum benefit.

Published 04 October 2019.

Fireworks spectacular to return to Northampton Racecourse

Northampton Racecourse is once again hosting a spectacular fireworks display and family entertainment on Sunday, 3 November between 2pm and 7pm.

Published 03 October 2019.

Billing Brook Lakes project to start in September

A long anticipated environmental project in east Northampton is poised to start in the very near future.

Published 14 August 2019.

Medieval Mayhem comes to Abington Park

Visitors to Abington Park will be able to experience a taste of medieval life and meet archers, men at arms and nobles in spectacular armour, at an event organised by Abington Park Museum.

Published 30 July 2019.

Delapré Park and Abington Park retain their Green Flag Award status

Last week it was confirmed that Delapré Park and Abington Park have retained their Green Flag Award accreditation for another successive year.

Published 24 July 2019.

Making shoe history for Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

A pair of 15th century-inspired 12 inch platform shoes are being created by a historical shoemaker to go on display at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery.

Published 18 June 2019.

Special visitors for Northampton's Eleanor Cross

This year’s Scholars from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) visited Northampton’s Eleanor Cross last week as part of their national tour.

Published 10 June 2019.

Northamptonians offered chance to take part in museum exhibition

Local people are being offered the opportunity to feature in the first exhibition in the newly expanded Northampton Museum & Art Gallery when it opens next spring.

Published 29 May 2019.

Early April start of work planned for Eleanor Cross

Skillington Workshop has been commissioned to carry out conservation work on Northampton’s Eleanor Cross, with work scheduled to start on Monday April 1.

Published 13 March 2019.

Contractor announced for Vulcan Works project

Northampton Borough Council has appointed Stepnell Ltd as its contractor for the Vulcan Works project to construct and deliver a new managed workspace facility for creative enterprises.

Published 13 March 2019.

New board to drive Northampton Forward

Key stakeholders in Northampton’s future have come together to create a vision for the town and drive forward a strategic programme of improvements.

Published 26 February 2019.

Delapré stable complex lease granted

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust will be granted a lease on the stable yard complex adjoining the main Abbey buildings, following agreement by Northampton Borough Council’s Cabinet.

Published 22 February 2019.

Fire at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

A fire at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on the evening of Wednesday 13 February was contained by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Published 14 February 2019.

Eleanor Cross contract out to tender

Northampton Borough Council’s consultants are out to tender for a contract to carry out repair and conservation work on the town’s Eleanor Cross.

Published 11 January 2019.

Special Christmas £1 park and ride launched in Northampton

Visitors to Northampton town centre can take advantage of a £1 return park and ride service from this Saturday through to Christmas Eve.

Published 12 December 2018.

First major works start on Northampton Museum

Work has started on demolition of a connecting bridge as the first major part of the renovation of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

Published 09 November 2018.

Specialists recommend spring start for Eleanor Cross work

Specialist advisors have recommended a spring start for repair and conservation work to Northampton’s Eleanor Cross.

Published 19 October 2018.

Bringing Nasty Northampton alive this half-term

Looking Glass Theatre will bring alive a series of tales from Northampton Museum’s summer exhibition at the Grosvenor Centre to keep families entertained this half term.

Published 17 October 2018.

Experience the best of Northamptonshire this weekend 2018

Northamptonshire Day is fast approaching and will give visitors to Delapre Abbey a host of experiences highlighting some of the great things our county has to offer.

Published 28 September 2018.

More European funding gets Vulcan Works off the ground

Work will start by next summer on Northampton Borough Council’s Vulcan Works project after it won a further £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Published 28 September 2018.

Experience the best of Northamptonshire this weekend

Northamptonshire Day is fast approaching and will give visitors to Delapre Abbey a host of experiences highlighting some of the great things our county has to offer.

Published 26 September 2018.

Northampton awarded Gold in East Midlands in Bloom competition

Northampton has achieved a Gold Award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition for the second year in a row, with two community groups receiving Judges Merit Awards for their efforts.

Published 20 September 2018.

Museum contractor confirmed – work starts this month

Northampton Borough Council has just appointed the main contractor for its museum expansion project, with construction set to start this month.

Published 13 September 2018.

Getting to the roots of Kinky Boots

A celebration of the Kinky Boots story and its roots in the Northamptonshire shoe industry will take place on Saturday, 22 September, between 10am and 12.30pm at The Guildhall.

Published 04 September 2018.

Northampton Borough Council agrees Sixfields lease change

At a Northampton Borough Council Cabinet meeting on Wednesday(12 June) members confirmed arrangements to regularise a lease on land at Sixfields.

Published 15 June 2018.

Venues urged to take part in Heritage Open Days

Heritage venues and those who run businesses in buildings of historic interest are being urged to take part in this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Published 07 June 2018.

Further steps toward Eleanor Cross work

Northampton’s Eleanor Cross is now being considered for inclusion on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk register and an application for grant funding has been made.

Published 03 May 2018.

Museum creates digital memories of the First World War

A First World War digital archive including images of museum objects and family stories relating to Northampton has been created by Northampton Museums and Art Gallery.

Published 12 April 2018.

Plans to repair Queen Eleanor Cross move forward

Northampton Borough Council and Historic England are discussing adding the town’s Queen Eleanor Cross to the Historic England ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register.

Published 29 March 2018.

Enjoy an Easter eggstravaganza on Northampton Market

Celebrate the start of the holidays at Northampton Market’s Easter eggstravaganza on Saturday, 31 March.

Published 28 March 2018.

Blooming great news for Northampton

Northampton has just been officially announced as one of the finalists in this year’s national Britain in Bloom competition.

Published 14 February 2018.

History of Abington brought to life in new displays

Work has started on five themed gallery displays at Abington Park Museum, which tell stories of the house, park and area from Doomsday to the present day.

Published 07 February 2018.

Celebrate Burns Night at Abington Park Museum

The atmospheric 15th century Abington Park Museum will play host to Burns Night celebrations this Friday, 26 January, from 7-10pm, with bagpipes, poetry, canapés, dancing and a live ceilidh band.

Published 22 January 2018.

Influence the future of your museum service

Anyone who would like to influence the future of the museum service in Northampton has been invited to apply to be part of a consultative focus group.

Published 15 January 2018.

St James Mill Road link takes a step forward

Work toward delivery of a new St James Mill Road link in Northampton could take a step closer next week.

Published 10 January 2018.

Northampton’s Mounts Baths identified as world class

BBC Culture has just produced a list of the world’s best Art Deco swimming pools and Northampton’s Mounts Baths takes pride of place.

Published 06 December 2017.

Shoppers reminded of the choice of car parks available this Christmas

Northampton Borough Council is reminding shoppers that there is a range of parking options across the town centre this Christmas.

Published 24 November 2017.

Urgent work to protect Eleanor Cross through the winter

Northampton Borough Council has fenced off the town’s Eleanor Cross ahead of work to ensure it is protected through the winter.

Published 10 November 2017.

Christmas events at Abington Park Museum

Abington Park Museum celebrates the festive season with a host of events during November and December.

Published 10 November 2017.

Local collections shared at Abington Park Museum

This weekend Abington Park Museum will be showcasing the wonderful collections that belong to local people and groups.

Published 02 November 2017.

Museum planning application submitted

A planning application has now been submitted for a new extension which will help breathe life into the expanded Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

Published 27 October 2017.

Substantive work starts at Eleanor Cross

Conservators are hands-on at Northampton’s Eleanor Cross this week to carry out light touch maintenance work.

Published 24 October 2017.

Free fireworks display to return to Northampton Racecourse

The Borough Council’s popular, free fireworks display is returning to the Racecourse on Saturday, 4 November.

Published 16 October 2017.

New-look entrance planned for Delapré Abbey site

Northampton Borough Council is set to repair a gatehouse lodge and install new drive gates at one of the town’s premier attractions.

Published 11 October 2017.

Diwali celebrations to light up the town centre

This year’s family-friendly Diwali celebrations are set to light up the town centre on Saturday, 14 October.

Published 29 September 2017.

Work set to start on new Delapré car park

Contractors will be on site next week to start work on a new car park to support the opening of Delapré Abbey as a visitor destination.

Published 15 September 2017.

Date set for Eleanor Cross survey and emergency maintenance

Cliveden Conservation will start comprehensive survey work and emergency maintenance on Northampton’s Eleanor Cross on Monday, 16 October.

Published 08 September 2017.

Museum project set to move into development stage

The redevelopment of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will soon enter the development stage.

Published 06 September 2017.

The seaside to return to Northampton Market this summer

This summer the seaside is returning to Northampton Market Square, ready for the school holidays.

Published 28 July 2017.

Northampton parks named as two of the best in Britain

Delapré Park and Abington Park have been named as two of the best green spaces in the UK and Ireland.

Published 25 July 2017.

Contractor commissioned for Eleanor Cross maintenance

Northampton Borough Council has commissioned Cliveden Conservation to carry out light maintenance and a condition survey on the town’s Eleanor Cross.

Published 19 July 2017.

Views sought on play equipment for Far Cotton Recreation ground

Local residents are invited to share their views on proposed new play equipment and environmental improvements to the play area at Far Cotton Rec.

Published 30 June 2017.

The glory of Delapré Abbey unveiled

Visitors to one of Northampton’s premier parks now have an unimpeded view of the town’s latest heritage attraction.

Published 16 June 2017.

Official opening of the new Abington Park train to take place this weekend

The return of the iconic Abington Park train is to be celebrated on Saturday 10 June, with a small ceremony and family entertainment.

Published 05 June 2017.

Eleanor Cross maintenance application moves forward for Government approval

Northampton Borough Council understands its application for scheduled ancient monument consent to carry out maintenance to the town’s Eleanor Cross will be passed to the Department for Culture, Media

Published 16 May 2017.

Annual Art in the Park exhibition opens this weekend

The 56th Art in the Park exhibition at Abington Park Museum opens this weekend on Saturday, 29 April.

Published 26 April 2017.

Shopping and family fun on Northampton Market this Easter

In the lead up to Easter, visitors to the town centre will be treated to some family fun and seasonal shopping on the market square.

Published 03 April 2017.

Community awareness event to mark World Health Day in Northampton

Northampton Market Square is hosting a community event on Friday 7 April to help mark World Health Day, an annual awareness day celebrated across the globe.

Published 21 March 2017.

Bands in the Park concerts to return to Abington Park in 2017

The popular Bands in the Park concerts will be returning to Abington Park for another season of live music and family fun this spring and summer.

Published 13 March 2017.

Traders wanted for the Market Square’s first Easter Fair

Northampton Market is calling for traders to take part in its first Easter Fair, which is planned for Sunday 9 April.

Published 20 February 2017.

Volunteers needed to help Northampton Museum & Art Gallery prepare for expansion works

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery is looking for volunteers to help them get ready for the expansion work planned to start later this year.

Published 03 February 2017.

Beautiful Delapré nears completion

Northampton Borough Council’s Cabinet has been asked to agree further funding for Delapré Abbey, to cover increased costs and additional requirements.

Published 31 January 2017.

Free community dance event coming to Northampton as part of Diwali celebrations

Northampton Borough Council is working with the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation and Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire’s School of Life to celebrate Diwali with a free dance event this half term.

Published 14 October 2016.

Borough Council hosting a free fireworks display again this November

Northampton Borough Council is once again holding a fantastic, free bonfire and fireworks display on the Racecourse on 5 November.

Published 04 October 2016.

Northampton’s landmark buildings open to explore, tour and find out more

Many of Northampton’s most unique, interesting and historic buildings will be opening their doors and allowing free access to the public as part of the Heritage Open Days weekend.

Published 31 August 2016.

Get a taste of the Tudor times at Abington Park Museum

Transport yourself back in time and experience a fun-packed day of themed activities from the Tudor period.

Published 12 August 2016.

Explore the world of archaeology at Abington Park Museum

The Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is teaming up with the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) to deliver a day of archaeology-themed discovery and hands-on activities.

Published 29 July 2016.

Paving the way to Delapre

Work is set to start on a new footpath at Delapre Abbey today, which will run alongside the drive and among the trees.

Published 02 June 2016.

Oak Apple Day Commemorations in Northampton

Oak Apple Day, Sunday 29 May, will be commemorated in Northampton by a special ceremony in the town centre.

Published 18 May 2016.

Leading the way in leatherwork technology

Northampton Borough Council is working with the University of Northampton to create a leatherworking centre of excellence within the town’s cultural quarter.

Published 05 May 2016.

John Clare Statue is New Addition to Guildhall Courtyard

Northampton Borough Council will be adding a statue of local poet John Clare to the Guildhall courtyard on Wednesday 27 April.

Published 25 April 2016.

Romans arrive at historic Delapre

The history of Delapre Abbey extends hundreds of years further than previously thought, after Roman artefacts were discovered at the site.

Published 11 January 2016.

#NorthantsTogether to tackle Coronavirus

Next steps for Northampton’s Market Square revamp