Northampton BID

IN EXTREMIS: Landscape Reimagined
2025-08-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 10:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | 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

Men’s Wellness Walk
2025-08-03 11:00 | Saints Coffee, 62 St Giles' St, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JW, United Kingdom
11am â€“ Men’s Wellness Walk w/ @litcounselling @nn_mens_wellness_walks @_simeonjames (Just turn up!)

Gladiators of Britain
2025-08-03 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 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.

Endangered and Extinct by creative recycling artist Val Hunt
2025-08-03 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 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.

Breath and Sound Integration Immersive Experience
2025-08-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Sundays on 3 August, 12 October, 14 December 2 â€“ 4pm Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Â£30 per person This immersive workshop combines the ancient practices of breathwork and sound healing to guide participants through a deeply relaxing and restorative experience. By engaging in conscious breath techniques and therapeutic sound frequencies, participants will release built-up tension, clear blocked energy, and reconnect with their inner selves, fostering emotional healing and deep relaxation. Trauma & Breathwork Coach â€“ Wildflower Ali will guide you through an hour of conscious connected breathwork, providing insights into your emotional and mental health and supporting you in releasing tension. Following the breathwork, Mita â€“ LOVE YOUR PRESENCE â€“ will use sound frequencies to integrate harmony and balance, creating a deep connection within and inviting peace to flow through every cell. Mita guides people to reconnect with their inner peace on their wellness journey through meditation, Reiki, and holistic practices. Over 18s only Booking essential Main session objectives: Promote stress reduction and emotional healing through guided breathwork. Use sound healing to harmonise the bodyâ€™s energy and induce deep relaxation. Provide a nurturing space for self-reflection and connection with the breath. Benefits include: Participants will leave feeling rejuvenated, balanced, andâ€¦

Summer Fete
2025-08-03 14:00 - 16:00 | The Angela Grace Care Centre, 4-5 Cheyne Walk, Northampton,
Join us for lots of fun where we have a live singer, petting corner, games, refreshments, plenty of handmade craft stalls, delicious cakes and more!

Bands in the Park 2025
2025-08-03 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
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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
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METEOROLOGY
2025-08-03 14:30 - 16:30 | Northamptonshire Natural History Society, The Humfrey Rooms, 10 Castilian Terrace, Northampton, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1LD, United Kingdom
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE WEATHER? Our monthly meeting to discuss all weather and climate issues past present and future. All are welcome.

SOUL D
2025-08-03 16:00 | The Wig And Pen, 19 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Live Music from 4pm.

The Furzey Suite at The King Billy
2025-08-03 18:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
The Furzey Suite bringing their big 70s and 80s anthems to Northamptons iconic music bar The King Billy.

Holiday Club: Dragon Masters
2025-08-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-05 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 09:00 - 17:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
How do you teach a Dragon…?
Come and join a magical adventure this summer in this dragon-themed camp for little people (aged between 4 and 8) with big imaginations!
Using storytelling, theatre, crafts and more, young Dragon Masters will explore and hone their creative skills over the week to create their own original fiery stories.
For more information, please email getinvolved@royalandderngate.co.uk
Bursaries and Lunch Clubs are available.
(For older adventurers aged 9-13 we have Holiday Club: Myths, Legends & Monsters from Mon 11 – Fri 15 Aug)

BIG Summer Booksale
2025-08-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-05 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 09:00 - 17:00 | 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.

CURATION
2025-08-04 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.

Yoga & Wine Tasting
2025-08-04 18:00 - 21:00 | V and B, 10 St Giles' Square,, Northampton, NN1 1DA, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening of yoga & wineâ€¦
Many of you will know Rin, one of our amazing team members who has been here with us since our first year here on St Giles Square. It just so happens that Rin is also a very talented yoga instructor, and will be swapping beer mats for yoga mats for this event.
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Meet Rin and your fellow yoga-enthusiasts at V and B Northampton at 6pm for a tea and a chat, before beginning an hour-long yoga session in our beautiful upstairs space at 6.30. This will be followed by an immersive wine tasting, focusing on the experience of tasting, rather than the wine itself.
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Please wear comfortable, yoga-friendly clothes, and if you do have a yoga mat â€“ please bring it along, or you can borrow one of Rinâ€™s for a £3 fee.
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Weâ€™re really looking forward to seeing you for an immersive evening spent with like-minded people. All levels are welcome!

The Giant, Immersive Murder Mystery Game
2025-08-05 00:00, 2025-08-06 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

From the Collection: Landscapes
2025-08-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 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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MICROSCOPY
2025-08-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Northamptonshire Natural History Society, The Humfrey Rooms, 10 Castilian Terrace, Northampton, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1LD, United Kingdom
BOTANY â€“ PART 4 â€“ THE FLOWER by Mike Asquith. A look at the structures of the various parts of the angiosperm flower, from prepared slides and fresh material. Feel free to bring your own samples to explore under the microscope.

Bounce and Rhyme at Northamptonshire Central Library
2025-08-06 10:30 - 11:00 | Northampton Central Library, Abington Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2BA, United Kingdom
Sessions to introduce rhymes and songs to your child to encourage interaction and develop communication skills.
Please note that the Bounce and Rhyme 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 will be able to pick up a free ticket at the reception desk on Wednesday morning at 10 am.
This event is for under 1s and non-walkers only.
