Northampton BID

Masterclass: Spirits Blind Tasting.
2025-09-13 16:30 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | V and B, 10 St Giles' Square,, Northampton, NN1 1DA, United Kingdom
This is a first for us here at V and B Northampton. Lox will be joining us, and hosting a spirits tasting : blind. Youâ€™ll be tasting the top 5 categories â€“ Gin, Whisky, Rum, Tequila and Cognac â€“ but with no indication of which one is which! What you can expect though, is a masterclass filled with Loxâ€™s knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for spirits, where you can meet likeminded people, taste some amazing products and even learn a thing or two!

Sophie McCartney
2025-09-13 20:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
After last year’s phenomenal 70 date international tour, award-winning comedian and number one bestselling author Sophie McCartney is back with a brand-new show!
Recently kicked out of club 18-30, a new decade now beckons and she DOES NOT BELIEVE IT. Tackling her perimenopausal panic with denial, delirium, and a shot of tequila – what does life look like when you’re too old to be young, but too young to be old? Desperate for a mad night out (as long as she’s home by 9pm), this mum of three, and optimistic raver, is by no means down and out – she’s up and in… watching Netflix.
Grab your glow sticks and join Sophie as she embarks on life’s next big chapter with sequins, snorty laughs, and a pair of killer orthopaedic heels.
Pre-Show Meet and Greet tickets are available, which includes a Meet and Greet with Sophie, a photo opportunity and premium seating.

NC Jazz: The Edison Herbert Quartet
2025-09-13 20:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Get ready for a night of pure jazz fire as The Edison Herbert Quartet meets Simon Spillett at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate Theatre. This collaboration promises an evening of swinging grooves, foot-tapping rhythms, and soul-stirring ballads — performed by some of the UK’s most exciting jazz musicians.
At the heart of the night is guitarist and bandleader Edison Herbert, whose melodic flair and deep sense of swing have made him a standout name on the UK jazz scene. He’s joined by the ever-tasteful Sean Hargreaves on piano, groove-master Neville Malcolm on bass, and the dynamic Andrew Wood on drums — a lineup known for its chemistry, creativity, and sheer musical class.
Adding serious firepower to the evening is special guest Simon Spillett, one of the UK’s most electrifying tenor saxophonists. Known for his high-energy performances and deep connection to the jazz tradition, Spillett brings intensity, passion, and a fearless sense of swing that’s guaranteed to lift the roof.
This is not just another gig — it’s a rare opportunity to experience live jazz at its best: spontaneous, soulful, and thrilling from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or simply love great live music, this promises to be a night to remember.

BLACKOUT
2025-09-13 21:00 | The Wig And Pen, 19 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Live Music from 9pm

BITE THE BULLET
2025-09-13 21:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
BITE THE BULLE , a powerhouse of melodic rock, delivering original music with depth, energy, and timeless appeal.

Originally formed in 1986, their self-titled debut album garnered critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic and received airplay on major radio stations.

Seasoned, refined, and more dynamic than ever, Bite the Bullet is back and ready to take the stage by storm.

The Amazing Northampton Run
2025-09-14 00:00 | Northampton Town Centre
Welcome to the Amazing Northampton Run
Join us in Northampton, currently Britain’s largest town, for the Amazing Northampton Run as we take you on a grand tour of everything amazing in Northampton!
Be one of thousands to experiencing the 13.1 mile closed-road half marathon route through beautiful parks, along the riverside, past great sporting venues and amazing architecture. The date for your diary is the 14th September 2025
Based in the Heart of England, with excellent transport links, The Amazing Northampton Run is accessible wherever you live.
We are proud to work alongside over 30 charity partners, fundraising for a whole host of local and national causes. Free charity places are available to runners in return for minimum sponsorship raised.
To book your place please choose from the race type in the navigation above – Half Marathon (13.1 miles of pure joy), Half Marathon Relay (3 person team running 4.3/4.1/4.7 miles respectively) or 3 miler (taking in part of the half marathon route, be part of something amazing).
And yes it’s true there is190 metres of grass and 31 steps on the route!

Heritage Open Days 2025
2025-09-14, 2025-09-15, 2025-09-16
Heritage Open Days is back from the 12th â€“ 21st September and promises to be bigger and better than ever!

What to expect
Heritage Open Days is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of Northamptonshire’s unique historic buildings and sites. Many of these sites are usually restricted access or charge for entry – but for the event they will be open and free of charge, allowing you to find out about the area’s vibrant culture and heritage like never before!
Heritage Buses
Northampton’s beloved heritage double-decker buses are back, running from George Row on 20th and 21st September - a perfect way to explore the town in vintage style. Keep an eye on this page for route and timetable updates, and look out for printed schedules at Northampton Museum and library soon.
The classic buses will also be returning to Daventry on 13th September, after being such a crowd-pleaser last year. Don’t miss your chance to hop on and enjoy the ride!
Why not make a day of it in Wellingborough on 13th and 14th September? Catch a ride on the vintage buses on your way to the Celebrate Wellingborough festivities!
Click here to view Saturdayâ€™s timetable for Northampton.
Click here to view Sundayâ€™s timetable for Northampton.

Join the 360° Wellness Run Club!
2025-09-14 08:00 | 360 Wellness, 73 St Giles Street Northampton, NN1 1JF
Looking to stay active, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the benefits of running? 360° Wellness Run Club meets every Sunday at 8am, welcoming runners of all ages and levels. Whether youâ€™re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, youâ€™re invited to join our supportive community!
We start and finish at 360° Wellness HQ, 73 St Gilesâ€™ Street, NN1 1JF- a boutique wellness centre in the heart of Northampton. Plus, our sister company, St Giles Physiotherapy Clinic (38 York Road, NN1 5QJ), is here to help runners stay injury-free and prepare for events.
Come run with us and be part of something bigger!

I Spy Northampton Market Square Architecture Trail
2025-09-14 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-15 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-16 09:00 - 17:00
Visit the Central Library in Abington Street or the Museum & Art Gallery in Guildhall Road to collect a Northampton architectural heritage trail map of the Market Square and take a self-guided walk around the heart of the town, taking in some of Northampton’s important heritage buildings.

Holy Cross Day Special Open Day
2025-09-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2LY
Come celebrate the patronal festival, Holy Cross Day, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Discover how the unique medieval round church was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Learn why it was built this way and uncover some of the fascinating stories etched into its walls.
Enjoy refreshments, explore the church at your leisure, and take part in activities for all ages.
The Holy Sepulchre has been welcoming visitors since 1100 AD. It’s one of only four medieval round churches left in the UK, a rare treasure with a rich history. From royal visits and historic battles to stained glass windows and the peaceful Soldier’s Chapel, there’s so much to see and celebrate.

HERITAGE OPEN DAY
2025-09-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Northamptonshire Natural History Society, The Humfrey Rooms, 10 Castilian Terrace, Northampton, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1LD, United Kingdom
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. The Humfrey Rooms will be open for members of the public to explore displays and demonstrations from various sections and to explore our many historic collections. All are welcome.

Nine Creatives @ 78 Derngate
2025-09-14 10:00 - 16:30 | 78 Derngate, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1UH
Nine creatives from the very popular, ever-expanding Open Studios are displaying their diverse range of work and techniques across the galleries, shop and gardens until Sunday October 5th. Including glassware, paintings, photography, jewellery, woodwork and ceramics, there is something for everyone to appreciate. Free entry and all products for sale. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4.30pm

Reimagine Northampton!
2025-09-14 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Architecture students from Northampton College have been reimagining Northampton, taking an existing heritage asset and suggesting how it could be transformed with heart and, of course, imagination!
The students’ work will be on display in the café at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery for the duration of the festival, linking to exhibitions featuring the county town elsewhere in the museum.

Friday 12th Sept – Sat 20th Sept: 10am-5pm.
Sunday 21st Sept: 12pm-5pm.

Great Fire of Northampton Walking Trail
2025-09-14 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
The Great Fire of Northampton in 1675 destroyed much of the town centre – a walking trail will take participants around the centre of the town to see some of the affected buildings and how the town was rebuilt, while learning more about this year’s 350th anniversary commemoration.
Trail leaflets will be available from Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Northampton Central Library, and the Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Hub at Rushden Lakes.

Men’s Wellness Walk
2025-09-14 11:00 | Saints Coffee, 62 St Giles' St, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JW, United Kingdom
Men’s Wellness Walk w/ @litcounselling @nn_mens_wellness_walks @_simeonjames (Just turn up!)

Delapré Abbey – Heritage Open Days
2025-09-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Delapre Abbey, NN4 8AW
For Heritage Open Days, Delapré Abbey will be open for free entry on Sunday 14th, Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th and Sunday 21st September, from 11am, last entries at 3pm.
The house closes at 4pm.
Learn about how the house started as a nunnery and later became home to two families with interesting stories.
This event is free but pre-booking is advised.

Scrum: Women in Rugby
2025-09-14 12:00 - 17:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Celebrate the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Northampton Museum!

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Saturday 16 August â€“ Sunday 2 November 2025

Join us at Northampton Museum as we proudly mark Northampton’s role as a host city for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Explore a dynamic exhibition that delves into the rich history of women’s rugby and its growing popularity across Northamptonshire. Discover powerful images from local photographers, capturing the energy and dedication of players, coaches, and club staff, both on and off the pitch.
From grassroots heroes to elite teams like Loughborough Lightning and the Red Roses, this exhibition showcases the heart and passion behind the game.
Don’t miss this exciting celebration of sport, community, and women’s rugby in action!

Â

The History of The Performing Room Building
2025-09-14 12:00 - 17:00 | The Performing Room, 9 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
Explore the deep hidden history of the building. Step back in time to hear the story and discover how heritage helped to create Northampton’s beautiful Culture Quarter through public exhibitions and immersive multimedia utilising VR technology.
The Performing Room have worked on a multimedia heritage project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to uncover and share the hidden history of the historical building, first built as Franklin’s Hotel and Restaurant in 1872 by John Campbell Franklin to capitalise on railway passengers traveling to the new St John’s Street Railway Station from the new rail route built between Bedford and Northampton. For decades, it served as the meeting point for merchants, traders and other travellers coming to Northampton.
An impressive list of artefacts dating back to when the building was first built characterises the relationship between Franklin’s hotel and the people who used to work there and visit it. A quick tour of the picture galleries, display stands, glass cabinets and slideshows include authentic old newspapers, vintage bottles, champagne corks, war memorabilia, decorative ceramic floor tiles, an original train ticket used to transport people to St John’s and more.
Other projects consist of a documentary, cartoon animations, children board games, lego reconstructions of old buildings and a digital tour with 3-D modelling.
Each offer you the chance to step back in time and experience what life would have been like for people at the time.

Saturday 13 September: 12pm – 5pm
Sunday 14 September: 12pm – 5pm
Friday 19 September: 12pm – 5pm
Saturday 20 September: 12pm – 5pm

Bands in the Park 2025
2025-09-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Abington Park Bandstand, Abington Park, Wellingborough Road, Northampton, NN3 3HN, United Kingdom
125th Anniversary year
Every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 6th April to 28th September
2 â€“ 5pm
Â

Enjoy live performances from local bands and musicians at the Abington Park Bandstand, every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from April through to September.*
Bring your own chairs, picnic blankets/rugs and relax within the picturesque surroundings of Abington Park.
This yearâ€™s performances start on 6th April and run through to 28th September.
Please view the full 2025 schedule below.
*There will be no Bands in the Park performance on 21st September, but you can enjoy the Rockinâ€™ Roadrunner Festival instead!
Please note that performances may be shortened or cancelled in the case of inclement weather. Updates will be provided on our social media accounts when possible.

125th Anniversary Celebration Event â€“ Saturday 17th May 11am â€“ 4pm

Marking 125 years of the bandstand in Abington Park with fun for all the family with activities, stalls and musical performances.

MORE INFORMATION: www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/bandsinthepark
Bands in the Park 2025 calendar
Â

JOE CORKRAM
2025-09-14 16:00 | The Wig And Pen, 19 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Live Music from 4pm.

The Great Fire of 1675: A showcase presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton
2025-09-14 16:30 - 18:30 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Northampton Remembers…The Great Fire of 1675: A showcase presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton
Marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton, we invite you to join us in a powerful celebration of the town’s resilience, community spirit, and history. Northampton Remembers…The Great Fire of 1675: A showcase presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton aims to bring together local performers, artists, and residents to honour the lives impacted by the fire and showcase the strength and unity of the community.
Call the box office to reserve your seats

The Billy Joel Songbook
2025-09-14 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
The electrifying celebration of a timeless legend is back for 2025!
The hugely acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Elio Pace and his incredible band are set to thrill audiences once more with the smash-hit award-winning show The Billy Joel Songbook after a sell out tour in 2024.
This exciting live show pays homage to one of the most iconic musicians, singer-songwriters and composers of the 20th Century, transporting the audience through a catalogue of Joel’s music. Elio and his band will perform more than 30 hits, including The Longest Time, She’s Always A Woman, An Innocent Man, Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It, The River of Dreams, We Didn’t Start The Fire and Piano Man.

CURATION
2025-09-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Northamptonshire Natural History Society, The Humfrey Rooms, 10 Castilian Terrace, Northampton, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1LD, United Kingdom
EXPLORING THE SOCIETYâ€™S COLLECTIONS. The society has important collections including butterflies, shells, eggs, sands, microscope slides, rocks, minerals and Northamptonshire fossils. This is a great opportunity to look at our extensive collections, to draw, study them or just appreciate their beauty. Also, if you wish to assist us conserving or documenting you would be welcome.

CQC Assessment Framework and Observation Visits
2025-09-16 10:00 - 16:30 | Mercure Northampton, Silver Street, Northampton, NN1 2TA
â€œUnmissable course Excellent insight into CQC. The course was one of the most informative and interesting that I have attended in 10 years”
This course runs 10:00am-4:00pm and includes the training day, a bank of training resources and materials to take home, plus lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Â
Receive a free Audit guide aligned to the new Assessment Framework when attending the course.
Join our informative CQC training session to understand the New CQC Single Assessment Framework, you will learn how to prepare for CQC inspection under these new changes, and understand how the Quality Statements will impact your service.
Who Should Attend?
This CQC training is tailored for health and Socialcare professionals from across the sector.
Course Agenda:
A History of CQC who are they and what do they do

The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC’s Powers
Regulated Activities
Who are the Care Quality Commission?

The New CQC Single Assessment Framework

The what and the why of the Single Assessment Framework
“I” and “We” Statements
The 5 key questions, regulations & fundamental standards
New Framework in focus; evidencing “We” statements

Pre-Inspection

Understanding the inspection model
What are the 11 Fundamental standards?
The 5 Questions being asked as part of the Inspection.
Mapping the standards to the 5 Questions
Its Not just CQC â€“ Looking at the other Legislation
Evidence Matrix
Evidence that now demonstrates compliance for the 5 Questions

Understanding the Quality Statements

The 34 Quality Statements
The Inspection Methodology
The Inspection Process
The New Strategy explained

On the day of inspection

First Impressions Matter
Time to Showcase your good work
Introductions (Who are the Inspection team?)
General house-keeping for everyone

After the inspection

Immediate Team brief
48 Hour Rule
Ratings
How often you will be Inspected
Draft Report

Hints and Tips for achieving Outstanding

What constitutes outstanding?
Sharing Best Practice
Getting the most from the CQC Website
