Leisure and culture news
Next steps for Northampton’s Market Square revamp
Northampton Forward has submitted a revised plan of activity to Government which will allow it to progress work on the transformation of the town’s Market Square.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Work completes on Rectory Farm Community Centre renovation
We have now finished work on the newly-extended and renovated Rectory Farm Community Centre.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Enjoy an Easter eggstravaganza on Northampton Market
Celebrate the start of the holidays at Northampton Market’s Easter eggstravaganza on Saturday, 31 March.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Christmas events at Abington Park Museum
Abington Park Museum celebrates the festive season with a host of events during November and December.
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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.
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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.
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Substantive work starts at Eleanor Cross
Conservators are hands-on at Northampton’s Eleanor Cross this week to carry out light touch maintenance work.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Museum project set to move into development stage
The redevelopment of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will soon enter the development stage.
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The seaside to return to Northampton Market this summer
This summer the seaside is returning to Northampton Market Square, ready for the school holidays.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.