Northampton BID

BIG Summer Booksale
2025-07-31 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-01 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-02 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Northampton Central Library, Abington Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2BA, United Kingdom
There is no better way to enjoy your favourite books than outdoors, whether youâ€™re gardening, boating or exploring faraway places! Come and have your best pick from the BIG Summer Booksale, where youâ€™ll find a wide selection of books at great prices, starting from just 50p.

GamesWorld: Interactive Video Gaming Experience
2025-07-31 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
**EARLY BIRD OFFER** Just £6 a ticket and £25 for Groups of 5+ when purchased before Fri 30 May

Back by popular demand and it’s even bigger!
Player One: Ready? Player Two: Ready? Then prepare to level up your nostalgia as GamesWorld spawns in to Royal & Derngate for seven days of interactive video gaming mayhem.
With 100 consoles and a high-score-worthy selection of games spanning the last 50 years – from Atari to Xbox, Sega to PlayStation and Virtual Reality experiences, there is something for every kind of gamer.
Whether you’re an old-school joystick warrior or a competitive button-masher, challenge your friends and family in multiplayer battles, rediscover your childhood favorites, and press X to relive gaming history.
Book your start time and stay to play all day!
Slots run from 10am with last admittance at 3.30pm. Event closes at 5pm.

All Child Under 16 ticketholders must be accompanied by an adult.
There will be a Relaxed Event on Monday 28 July

Group Offer: Buy 5 Tickets for £35

Terms & Conditions: The experience is open 10am – 5pm, with last entry at 3.30pm. You should arrive at your allocated arrival time that is displayed on your ticket, however during quieter periods you may be admitted into the experience earlier at the discretion of the venue. The average visit to the experience lasts 90 minutes, although there is no time limit imposed on your stay. Please note there is no re-admission into the experience if you leave the venue.

Gladiators of Britain
2025-07-31 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 17:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Explore the history of gladiatorial fights in Britain.

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The events of the amphitheatre – its wild beasts and enslaved fighters – are one of the most enduring aspects of Roman culture that still capture the public imagination today.
This touring exhibition brings together some of the countryâ€™s most important objects to tell the story of Britainâ€™s entertainment venues and the people who died to the roar of the crowd. It will reveal the violence of the arena, and the importance of spectacle within Roman culture.
Highlights include the Colchester Vase loaned by Colchester Museums, which records an actual battle between two real gladiators, and the Hawkedon Helmet, the only confirmed piece of gladiatorial armour from Roman Britain. These iconic loans will be supported by a selection of other items that reveal the popularity of gladiators throughout Roman society.
This tour is in partnership with Colchester and Ipswich Museums and is inspired by the recent exhibition at Colchester Castle, Gladiators: A Day at the Roman Games which featured British Museum loans. It will explore Roman spectacle in the local region, following in the footsteps of the gladiators who fought in the amphitheatres of Britain.

From the Collection: Landscapes
2025-07-31 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 17:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
For centuries, landscape was considered an unworthy subject for serious artistic exploration.
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Until Sunday 4 October
When landscape did appear in paintings, it was often relegated to the background—merely a setting for religious or historical scenes.
This perception began to shift in the 17th century with the work of Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain. These pioneering artists crafted idealised rural vistas to illustrate the myths of Ancient Greece and Rome, imbuing natural elements with metaphorical meaning. Through their romantic and structured visions of the countryside, landscape painting began to gain recognition as a meaningful art form.
It was not until the 19th century, however, that landscape truly came into its own. Artists such as J.M.W. Turner and John Constable redefined the genre, capturing the drama, emotion, and grandeur of the natural world. Their work affirmed landscape as a powerful subject in its own right—one that continues to inspire artists to this day.
Drawing from the museum collections, this exhibition explores the evolution of landscape painting, where nature takes centre stage.
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IN EXTREMIS: Landscape Reimagined
2025-07-31 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 17:00 | 78 Derngate, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1UH
We are very pleased to be hosting this exhibition across all our galleries here at 78 Derngate. Simon James is a multi-disciplinary artist who explores themes of nature and the urban environment in mostly abstract or semi-abstract forms and takes inspiration from his surroundings in the cities of Asia and Europe or, more recently, the English countryside. James trained in Fine Art and Printmaking at London’s Royal Academy and Royal College of Art and he now works across the spectrum from painting and drawing to video and photographic works, having adopted the expressive potential of digital media while working as a designer and independent artist in Asia. Having held solo shows in London, Berlin, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo, whilst also designing for TV, publishing and the music industry, Simon was also a university lecturer in multimedia and photography.

www.simonjames.com

Endangered and Extinct by creative recycling artist Val Hunt
2025-07-31 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 17:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
With inspiration, ingenuity, humour and skill, creative recycling artist Val Hunt has created a fascinating selection of large and small sculptural pieces which are both appealing and informative
Saturday 28 June â€“ Sunday 10 August 2025
Animals, exotic birds, fish, dinosaurs and species of flora, all on the edge or now extinct, have been made from a selection of throwaway material especially Val’s favourite medium, drinks can metal.
This exhibition presents a subtle message about recycling and preservation, raising awareness of why the creatures on show are endangered or extinct. Find out why species are disappearing from this planet at an alarming rate.

DIY friendship bracelet
2025-07-31 11:00 - 14:30 | Grandbies, 26 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Letâ€™s get crafty and make some rad friendship bracelets together, bring your creativity and good vibes!

Free child place Fairy Afternoon Tea
2025-07-31 12:00 - 14:00 | The Eccentric Englishman, 21 St Giles' Street, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
We’re being asked if there are any activities during the summer holidays, so here’s the first one.For every full paying adult one child under 12 eats free!Decorated tables, colouring and a three course afternoon tea.This sitting is 12pm-2pm.A £10 pp deposit for every full paying person is required at time of booking and is non refundable.Extra children £18 eachAdults Prohibition £22.95Tiddley Tea £32.95Please give us a call to book

Sandwiches at The Old Savoy- Bites of History
2025-07-31 12:30 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Step back in time with Afternoon Tea at The Old Savoy
Join us for a delightful afternoon filled with light entertainment, a delicious afternoon tea, and a captivating virtual history tour of The Old Savoy Theatre.
For just £10 per person, your afternoon includes:
– A selection of freshly prepared sandwiches –
– Scones served with jam and cream –
– A pot of tea –

The experience begins at 12:30 PM, and we’re pleased to offer multiple dates:
Thursday 19th June
Thursday 31st July
Thursday 21st August
Thursday 25th September
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place for an afternoon of charm, nostalgia, and delicious treats.

Masterclass: Fruit Beer
2025-07-31 19:00 - 21:00 | V and B, 10 St Giles' Square,, Northampton, NN1 1DA, United Kingdom
Masterclass: Fruit Beer. Explore a range of different fruit beers and find your new favourite! 7-9. £15pp.

KARAOKE NIGHT PARTY
2025-07-31 20:00 - 23:00 | The Optimist, 23-25 St. Giles Street, Northampton,, NN1 1JA
Come and sing your favourite songs with your friends or family, Students come and enjoy your Student deal drinks, cheaper then anywhere in town! Make a night of it Live At The Optimist!

The Giant, Immersive Murder Mystery Game
2025-08-01 00:00, 2025-08-02 00:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
June – 7 September 2025
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
£25 per team
Step into the role of a detective and solve a series of curious and whimsical mysteries in your local museum. Using our companion app, youâ€™ll explore the museum to uncover hidden clues and encounter life-sized cardboard characters—each one a possible suspect, witness, or victim.
Work together to connect the dots, follow the twists in each story, and put your problem-solving skills to the test. It’s the perfect activity for families, friends, or anyone with a curious mind looking for a fun and unique experience.
What to Expect
A Unique Blend of Games
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines elements of a murder mystery, escape room, scavenger hunt, and even a touch of Where’s Wally. Team up and see if you can crack the case.

An Immersive Museum Adventure
Watch the museum transform into a crime-solving playground. Track down cardboard clues, solve puzzles, and interact with quirky characters—surprises await around every corner.

Three Curious Cases to Solve
Your adventure lasts between 1 to 2 hours and includes three entertaining cases, from a vandalized moustache to a victim flattened by an ancient sarcophagus.
Ready to solve the mystery? Gather your team and start your investigation.
Perfect for friends, families, and curious minds – this is not your typical museum visit. It’s an adventure where YOU become the detective!
Just £25 per team
Timed slots
Only one phone needed to play

Rhymetime at Northamptonshire Central Library
2025-08-01 10:30 - 11:00 | Northampton Central Library, Abington Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2BA, United Kingdom
Bring your under 5â€™s to clap, sing and wave our way through our favourite nursery rhymes and songs. Singing nursery rhymes and doing the actions are great for interaction, communication skills and motor skills â€“ and most of all, itâ€™s fun!
Please note that the Rhymetime sessions will be run on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day and it will not be possible to book in advance. Parents and Carers can collect a ticket from the front desk on the Friday morning at 10am.

CRAFT & CHATTER
2025-08-01 12:30 - 14:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Every Friday 12.30 â€“ 2.00 Free If youâ€™re looking for a way to unwind after a busy week or just want to make some new crafting friends, come along with your chosen craft to these friendly informal sessions. They take place every Friday lunchtime in the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery lower cafe area. Drop in no booking required but please purchase a drink or something to eat from the cafe.

Bloom & Breathe: Nature's Breathwork Experience
2025-08-01 18:00 | Delapre Abbey, NN4 8AW
Fri 1st August, 6pm
£28 per person
Join Ali of Wildflowers Healing for an outdoor Conscious connected Breathwork Session.
Imagine sitting in a circle with friends in a quiet park, surrounded by trees, flowers and the sound of birds. Everyone closes their eyes and takes a deep breath in through the nose, feeling the fresh air fill their lungs, then slowly exhales through the mouth, releasing any tension.
Nature-based breathwork is a practice that combines breathing techniques with a connection to nature. Many of us have been trying to find our way back ‘home’ to the self and this session helps us do just that. Using our breath we explore our connection to each other, to the earth and to the messages hidden or locked away in our muscles and tissues.
By focusing on your breath and the environment around you, you can move out of the over active mind, process emotions, and even gain insights into yourself. It’s about being mindful of your breath and allowing the natural world to enhance the experience.
This type of breathing involves a continuous, circular pattern of breathing—where the inhale is connected directly to the exhale, with no pause. This is a breath that activates the body and may trigger emotional responses. Ali is a trained trauma-informed therapist and will be there to guide you in a way that promotes deep safety and comfort.
This type of breathing is not suitable for untreated PTSD, history of seizures, previous strokes/ detached retina, severe asthma.
What to bring: Pillow, yoga mat, blanket, water
If you have any questions, or would like further information – please contact Ali.
https://www.wildflowershealing.com/

JELLYHEADS
2025-08-01 21:00 | The Wig And Pen, 19 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Live Music from 9pm.

All About Everything
2025-08-01 21:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
Live Music.

REGGAE RAY
2025-08-01 21:00 | The Fish Pub, 11 Fish St, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2AA, United Kingdom
Playing Reggae, Mowtown and much m,ore.

Mini Makers at Northamptonshire Central Library
2025-08-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Northampton Central Library, Abington Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2BA, United Kingdom
Come and join us for our exciting Mini Makers childrenâ€™s craft or art activity at Northamptonshire Central Library! Children aged 11 and under and their carers are very welcome to join us for an afternoon of fun, crafts and arts! This is a drop-in session. There is a charge of Â£1 per child.
