Northampton BID

A Squash And A Squeeze
2025-11-01 10:30 (Europe/London) | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
A Little Angel Theatre and Lowry Co-Production
A musical adaptation of the best-selling book – A Squash And A Squeeze – written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Step into the magical world of A Squash And A Squeeze live on stage for the first time!
Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work?
Join us for this heart warming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs. Written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and adapted for the stage by Olivier-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane.

The Mystery Tours - 'The Great Fire of Northampton'
2025-09-20 17:30, 2025-08-31 17:30 | Northamptonshire
The Mystery Tours â€“ â€˜The Great Fire of Northamptonâ€™

Sunday 29th June at 5pm, Sunday 31st August at 5.30pm and Saturday 20th September at 5.30pm.
Step Into the Flames of History!

Join us for an immersive journey back to September 20th, 1675, when a single spark ignited a catastrophic fire that reduced much of Northampton to ashes. Guided by our enigmatic Time Traveller, you’ll witness the unfolding disaster, hear the tales of survival, and see how the town rose from the ashes.
Tour Highlights
St. Mary’s Street
Stand at the very spot where the fire began and discover how a single flame in a thatched house led to devastation.
Market Square
Hear the dramatic accounts of desperate townsfolk, the crumbling of historic buildings, and the narrow escapes from the inferno.
All Saints’ Church
See how this iconic landmark rose from the ashes, thanks to King Charles II’s donation of timber.
Sessions House
Marvel at one of the first buildings to be rebuilt, symbolizing the town’s determination to recover.
Meeting Point: St. Peter’s Church, Northampton (Outside main gate)
End Point: Top of Abington Street
Duration: 90 minutes (approximately)
Suitable for: Adults & children over 10
Tickets: £15 (including booking fee)
Important Information
This is a walking tour—please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Book Your Spot Now!
Suitability: Adults and children over the age of ten. Lasts approx 1hr. Tickets: £15 inc booking fee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystery.tours/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themysterytours
To book, click the link.

Bat Out Of Hell
2025-09-20 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as BAT OUT OF HELL roars into Northampton in 2025! The iconic music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf will once again shake the stage, delivering an electrifying journey that will ignite your love for rock like never before.
This heart-pounding experience, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band on stage, delivers a new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost in a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre.
Headlining this epic production, we are thrilled to welcome back Glenn Adamson, Sharon Sexton, and Rob Fowler in the iconic roles of Strat, Sloane, and Falco, joined by the sensational Katie Tonkinson as Raven. Their unmatched vocal talents will bring Meat Loaf’s anthems to life, including I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love, and, of course, Bat Out of Hell.
Brace yourself for a legendary night of rock ‘n’ roll as BAT OUT OF HELL: The Musical explodes back onto the stage, promising a spectacle that will leave you breathless!

Trigger Warning: Please note strobe lights are in use.

Heritage Open Days Tour
2025-09-17 15:00, 2025-09-17 14:00, 2025-09-17 13:00, 2025-09-17 12:00, 2025-09-17 11:00 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Heritage Open Days Tour

Will be held on Saturday 13th September & Wednesday 17th September 2025
First tour at 10:00 am, last tour at 3:00 pm

This is a free event

The Old Savoy and The Deco Theatre are now one of Northampton’s premier venues available for hire for theatrical productions, conferences, meetings, wedding receptions, parties and other social or corporate events, and although it certainly didn’t start that way when it was first built, it has always been a home of family entertainment.

The building first opened on Saturday 2 May 1936 in a blaze of publicity as “the Savoy”, described as “Northampton’s only super Cinema” and reported to be “the last word in comfort”. It was part of the ABC group, designed by their prolific house architect WR Glen and built in under nine months on the site of the original Technical College. It was constructed in the International Modernistic style and is arguably the best remaining example of Glen’s work, with all the main features still in place and sympathetically renovated.

The Savoy was very popular and originally held almost 2000 people in the 696 seat circle and 1200 seat stalls. It was designed both as a cinema and theatre complete with orchestra pit. It hosted shows and concerts as well as films.

In the 1950s it was renamed the ‘ABC’ in line with the group’s national branding policy and was the local venue of choice for the touring bands of the ’60s, including the Beatles in both March and November 1963, the Rolling Stones in 1965 and infamously PJ Proby in 1965, when he was arrested for splitting his trousers on stage!

A number of the ’60s bands have returned to play The Deco Theatre in recent years, including the Hollies, the Searchers and Billy J Kramer.

In 1974, it was converted to a three-screen complex by using the rear of the stalls with a dividing wall for the 2 smaller screens and leaving the main auditorium circle as the main ‘ABC 1’.

By the mid-’90s, however, the ABC now renamed Cannon cinema was unable to compete with the modern multi-screen complexes and it finally closed its doors in 1995 with the appropriately named “Terminal Velocity”.

The building was derelict for five years until 2000 when it was converted to a multi-purpose venue opening in October 2004.

We Will Rock You: Young@Part
2025-08-16 18:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
This is VCL’s first Summer Youth Project in Northamptonshire the cast comprises of young performers from around the county who are “breaking free” to showcase their talents in the dynamic musical “We Will Rock You: Young@Part.”
Is a special adaptation of the iconic Queen musical is tailored for a younger cast and offers a vibrant platform for our aspiring actors, singers, and dancers to bring the legendary music and story to life.
Set in a dystopian future where musical instruments and rock music are banned, “We Will Rock You” follows a group of rebels led by Galileo and Scaramouche as they fight to restore freedom and individuality through the power of rock ‘n’ roll.

El Spanish Club
2025-07-29 19:00 - 21:00 | V and B, 10 St Giles' Square,, Northampton, NN1 1DA, United Kingdom
El Spanish Club. 7-9pm. All levels welcome!

Unicorn Fun – A chance to meet a real life unicorn!
2025-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Would your child like to meet a real life Unicorn?
We have a unique summer special coming up especially for those unicorn lovers! Book your tickets and come for a super fun and exciting session where you can meet and greet our Unicorn Tinkerbelle and her mini shetland friends Jazz and Indie. Give them a brush and have lots of photos! The children will also take part in unicorn / pony themed arts and crafts.
One ticket admits one child and one adult.
PLEASE NOTE ALL CHILDREN WILL NEED TO WEAR TRAINERS / BOOTS. NO OPEN TOE SHOES!!
SRP Pony Parties licence number – LN/00000319

Paint your own trainers
2025-07-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Grandbies, 26 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Get ready to unleash your creativity and give your kicks a colorful makeover at the â€œPaint your trainersâ€� event!

? Paint Your Trainers
Get creative and design your own custom sneakers at this fun, all-levels painting event! We’ll provide the plain trainers, all painting materials, and inspiration—you just bring your imagination.
Enjoy a relaxing day of art, conversation, and great coffee at Grandbies.? Ticket includes a free kids meal!

Bootcamp Britannia – Where Young Gladiators Are Made!
2025-07-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Enlist your little ones this summer for an epic ancient adventure at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery!
Tuesdays on 29 July, 12, 26 August
11am – 12pm, 1 – 2pm, 2:30 – 3:30pm
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
£7.50 per child
The Romans have taken over Northampton Museum & Art Gallery this summer!
Do you have a fearless fighter at home—a Likely Legionary or a Glory-Hunting Gladiator? Then get them signed up for Bootcamp Britannia and let them step into the world of ancient Rome!
What’s in store for your mini warrior?

Experience life in Roman-occupied Britain like never before
Handle real weapons used by Rome’s legendary soldiers and gladiators
Train like a warrior and complete your epic bootcamp challenges
Then, enter the arena and battle it out just like Rome’s greatest gladiators!

Suitable for children over 5 years of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum of one adult per booking).
Spaces are limited, so sign up now and let the battles begin!
Are your little warriors ready to fight for glory?
Tickets are also available to purchse direct from the museum, in person or over the telephone 01604 526322, Tuesday â€“ Saturday 10am â€“ 5pm, Sunday 12pm â€“ 5pm.

Endangered and Extinct by creative recycling artist Val Hunt
2025-07-29 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.

IN EXTREMIS: Landscape Reimagined
2025-07-29 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

From the Collection: Landscapes
2025-07-29 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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Gladiators of Britain
2025-07-29 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.

BIG Summer Booksale
2025-07-29 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-28 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.

The Giant, Immersive Murder Mystery Game
2025-07-29 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

ASTRONOMY
2025-07-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Northamptonshire Natural History Society, The Humfrey Rooms, 10 Castilian Terrace, Northampton, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1LD, United Kingdom
TELESCOPIC TOPICS A meeting comprising member contributions on various astronomy themes. Your chance to show the section observations you have made, equipment you are using or anything else that has interested you enough to share it with the section. If you have a special interest and would like to participate as a speaker please let the secretary know beforehand. Guests are very welcome.

GamesWorld: Interactive Video Gaming Experience
2025-07-28 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.

PiL THIS IS NOT… THE LAST TOUR:
2025-07-27 19:00 - 22:30 | Roadmender, 1 Lady's Ln, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 3AH, United Kingdom

Matcha Candle making event
2025-07-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Grandbies, 26 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Matcha Candle making event
Event Synopsis: Matcha Candle Making with Reverie Candle Company
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Grandbies, in collaboration with the artisan fragrance experts at Reverie Candle Company, proudly hosted a sensory-rich, hands-on workshop centered around the art of candle making—with a unique twist: matcha-inspired scents.
Held in an intimate and ambient setting, the event brought together a vibrant community of creatives, wellness enthusiasts, and scent lovers. Participants were guided through the full candle-making process, from blending fragrance oils to pouring and setting their very own matcha-infused soy wax candles. Reverie’s founder shared insights into the therapeutic properties of matcha and the mindfulness behind the craft, creating a truly immersive and calming experience.

Fiori Musicali Castle Ashby Concert
2025-07-27 18:00 - 19:45 | Castle Ashby, Castle Ashby Church, NN7 1LQ
Castle Ashby NN7 1LQ

Castle Ashby Church, Northampton (9 miles), NN7 1LQ

Sunday 27th July 2025

The Castle Ashby Concert
part of Fiori Musicali’s summer series 2025 â€“ Hortus Musicus â€“ the musical garden.
The romantic Italian gardens at Castle Ashby with their topiary and orangery are the inspiration for our popular midsummer concert in the idyllic church at Castle Ashby.
The nightingale makes a passing appearance in the music of Italian early baroque composer Merula. Flute and recorder represent other members of the feathered world and Uccellini’s Sinfonie Boscarecie is a nod to the arboretum and parkland of this heavenly venue. Brandenburg too had wonderful baroque gardens, so JS Bach must make an appearance. And an intriguing alternative portrayal of Summer from the Four Seasons captures the time of year – not by Vivaldi this time, but by his rarely heard Italian contemporary Giovanni Guido.
Telemann - Violin concerto in A Imitiert die Reelinge
Merula - La lusignuola (the nightingale)
Uccellini â€“ Sinfonie Boscarecie no.34 ‘Gran Battaglia’
Telemann - Concerto for recorder & flute in E minor
Guido â€“ Summer from the Four Seasons
JS Bach â€“ Brandenburg concerto no.4

Kerstin Linder Dewan solo violin, Eva Caballero flute/recorder, Heidi Fardell recorder with the Fiori Musicali Chamber Orchestra, Penelope Rapson harpsichord/director
picnic from 4pm in the grounds (extra to concert ticket) picnic ticket: £5.00

"Wig & Pen" Northampton. Hosting. "Submachine"
2025-07-27 16:00 - 18:30 | The Wig And Pen, 19 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
SUNDAY Jly 27th (Afternoon) We had a brill time on our first visit on a very cold Sunday in February. The audience were super receptive and we were asked when would we be returning to this well established music venue. Let’s hope they haven’t forgotten us. We provide an exciting rock show from 60’s to modern, covering popular songs from â€“ The Who, Focus, The Knack, Rush, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Guns.n.Roses, Foo Fighters, Metallica, + many more. Something for everyone. (Start 4pm)

DEE-JA-VU
2025-07-27 16:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
DEE-JA-VU
Feel-Good Hits. Live Energy. Real Music. 5-Piece Band • Big Sound • Unforgettable Night!Sunday the 27th of July Band wakes you up at 18:00 Free entryGet ready to experience Dee-Ja-Vu – a dynamic 5-piece band bringing the very best in pop, rock, disco and everything in between. With rich vocals, tight grooves, and a setlist packed with crowd-pleasers, they’ll have you singing, dancing, and shouting for more! Whether you’re reliving the classics or vibing with modern hits, Dee-Ja-Vu delivers every time

SUBMACHINE
2025-07-27 16:00 | The Wig And Pen, 19 St Giles' St, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1JA, United Kingdom
Live Music

Blues Week 2025
2025-07-27 15:00 | University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, University Dr, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 5PH, United Kingdom
Blues Week 2025 Update: Someone just dropped out for personal reasons and we now have one place available. Get in touch straight away so you wonâ€™t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn how to play the blues and make new friends who share your passion.
