Looking for something to do in West Northamptonshire this summer? Here’s a roundup of events from July to the end of August that you can get involved with over the summer holiday.
We’ve organised by (click to navigate):
No matter your age, background or interests, we’re sure you’ll find something you can get stuck in with this summer!
For families and children
Festival of Archaeology – Exclusive Artefact Information Session
July 31 – August 1 from 11am to 2pm
Location: Canons Ashby House, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 3SD
Cost: Free! (Normal admissions prices apply)
A unique collection of artefacts discovered at Canons Ashby over the years will be on display in the church during this year’s Festival of Archaeology. The collection, mostly of stonework, helps tell the story of the site from its 12th-century origins as a medieval monastic complex through to the period of the current Elizabethan house and beyond. The National Trust’s archaeologist will be on hand on Thursday 31 July and 1 August to explain more about what we can learn from these artefacts and how they open up wider stories about Canons Ashby’s fascinating past.
This activity, which will include opportunities to handle and examine some of the historic artefacts, will be set in the historic church, which has its origins as part of the medieval Augustinian priory. Come along and explore these fascinating clues to the past. Normal admission prices apply.
Stick Man Meet and Greet
August 1 – August 2 from 10am to 4pm
Location: Salcey Forest, Wootton Road, Northampton, NN7 2HX
Cost: Free!
Families looking for magical outdoor adventures this summer can now meet a beloved storybook character in the heart of the forest. Stick Man, from the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, will be making special appearances at Forestry England Salcey Forest on 1st and 2nd August.
This free event promises a fun-filled day for children and their grown-ups, combining storytelling, play, and the great outdoors. Alongside the chance to meet Stick Man in person – perfect for a family photo – visitors can enjoy a themed trail through the woods, plus storytelling, outdoor screenings of the film, bubble art, ice creams and face painting.
You don’t need to book – just turn up on the day and join in the fun. The meet-and-greets with Stick Man will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s worth arriving early if meeting him is top of your list this summer!
These special appearances compliment Forestry England’s year-round Stick Man activity trail, which you can find at Salcey Forest until January 2026. On these trails, kids can follow Stick Man’s journey home while learning about forest wildlife through fun, hands-on activities. To make the adventure even more special, families can purchase a £4 activity pack. The pack includes materials to create their own Stick Man and a special passport system. Young explorers can collect stamps along the trail, filling in their adventure passports as they complete each exciting challenge.
Medieval Round Church Open Days
Saturdays from June – September from 2pm to 4pm
Location: The Holy Sepulchre, Sheep St, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2LY
Cost: Free!
The Medieval Round Church has been welcoming visitors since 1100 AD and in 2025 she is set to fling open her doors again.
On Saturdays afternoons from 2pm-4pm from June to September, visitors can learn all about this fascinating church and the historic treasures she contains.
If only these walls could talk, I wonder what they would say? For the moment they will let the historians do the talking.
The Holy Sepulchre is the oldest building in Northampton, surviving the great fire, one of only four medieval round churches in the U.K., and has the longest aisle in Northampton.
Historic battles have taken place here, famous people have been married here, and royalty has visited.
The stained glass is beautiful, the Soldier’s Chapel delightful and the stories even more intriguing.
Join the volunteers and historians every Saturday from June to September to find out more.
E-mail [email protected] for more information.
Entry is free!
Please note while the church will be open at these times they can’t always guarantee there will be a historian or tour guide on site.
‘Wicked’ Outdoor Cinema Screening (PG)
August 2 from 7pm to 11.30pm
Location: Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD
Cost: £18 adults / £15 under 18s / Free entry for under 5s / £25 premium including deckchair in prime position and carton of popcorn per person
Lamport Hall are delighted to be hosting an outdoor film screening of ‘Wicked’ in the spectacular grounds.
Wicked
Year of Release: 2024.
Certification: PG.
Runtime: 163
Copyright: © 2024 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Gates open from 7pm. Film will start 30 minutes after sunset (approx. start time of 9:30pm). You are welcome to bring picnics and refreshments and there will be a bar and gourmet popcorn available on site.
GB3 & GB4 Championships
August 2 – August 3 from 9am
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Cost: £19+ Saturday general admission / £19+ Sunday general admission / £32+ Saturday – Sunday general admission
The GB3 Championship has forged a reputation as the UK’s leading single-seater championship, attracting significant and highly-talented drivers such as George Russell and Lando Norris.
GB4 offers drivers graduating from karting or club racing a significantly lower cost route into single seater series.
Explorer Tuesdays at Canons Ashby
Every Tuesday of August from 11am to 2pm
Location: Canons Ashby House, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 3SD
Cost: Free! (Normal admissions prices apply)
Bring the kids and enjoy activities connected with nature and the great outdoors. There’s something different to try every Tuesday of August at Canons Ashby.
Each week’s activity will be different; try a photography challenge one week, and nature crafting the next!
Normal admission prices apply.
More information about the programme of activities will be shared over on their website nearer the time.
Classic Cars on the Square
August 9 from 10am to 2pm
Location: Northampton Market Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2DL
Cost: Free!
A collection of vintage vehicles will be on display in the square’s event space between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, 9 August, serving as a preview to ‘Classics on the Lawn’ at Delapre Abbey the following month.
Organised by Northampton BID with support from West Northants Council and Discover Northamptonshire.
Alpaca Walk at Hideaway Wood Farm
August 9 and August 16 from 10.30am to 11.45am
Location: Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, Daventry, NN7 4SR
Cost: £25 for 1 alpaca per person / £40 for 1 alpaca between 2 people
A unique opportunity to meet our walking boys up close before heading out on a beautiful walk with your own alpaca through our newly planted woodland with stunning views across the countryside.
Our boys love getting out of their paddock to meet new people, explore the land and find all the best forage and it's good for us too. The benefits of spending time in nature are well known and combining that with a walk and getting to know and spend time with your own alpaca is a real boost for our wellbeing.
Silent Disco in the Walled Garden at Lamport Hall – Family Session and Evening Adult Event
August 9 from 2pm to 5pm and from 7pm to 11pm
Location: Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD
Cost: £15.72-26.20 adult / £7.86 children 2 – 17 / £2.62 children under 2 or registered carer / £41.92 family (2 adults, 2 children over 2 / 2 adults, 1 child and 2 under 2s)
Put on your headset and don your best pair of dancing shoes for the first ever silent disco at Lamport Hall!
Come along for a family-friendly disco between 2pm and 5pm with two channels and then an 18+ event from 7pm with three channels.
Immerse yourself in music for a magical summer event you won’t want to miss.
Our wireless headphones provide the freedom to dance while preserving the tranquillity and serenity of the gardens. With three simultaneous channels, revel in eclectic music choices including chart hits, retro classics and an entire channel dedicated to Taylor Swift from the brilliant Swiftogeddon!
A bar and refreshments are available.
Yoga with the Alpacas at Hideaway Wood Farm
August 10, August 17 and August 24 from 10am to 11am
Location: Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, Daventry, NN7 4SR
Cost: £15 pp
Join Hideaway Wood Farm for some yoga in the alpaca paddock! Alpacas are gentle, calm and curious creatures making them a soothing accompaniment to a yoga practice.
The intention of these sessions is to combine the calming and uplifting effects of yoga with the soothing and peaceful (and often funny) effects of being amongst the alpacas with the added bonus of the benefits of being out in nature.
Silent Disco and Sound Bath at Hideaway Wood Farm
August 15 from 6.30pm to 9pm
Location: Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, Daventry, NN7 4SR
Cost: £20 pp
The lovely Laura Baker from Conscious Dragonfly is heading to the farm for another conscious flow silent disco and sound bath in nature. This is an inclusive event for all genders, ages and life stages. Feel free to attend alone or with a friend.
Scrum: Women in Rugby at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
August 15 – November 2 from 10am to 5pm
Location: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Cost: Free!
Celebrate the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Northampton Museum!
Join Northampton Museum as they 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!
15th August – 2 November
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm
Sunday, 12-5pm
Open Spring and Summer Bank Holidays, 10am-5pm
Northampton Balloon Festival
August 15 – August 17 from 12pm to 10.30pm
Location: Northampton Racecourse, Kettering Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4LG
Cost: £3.25 general admission / Children under 1 metre tall go free
Returning to the Racecourse in 2025, the much-loved nostalgic Northampton Town Balloon Festival will once again be filling the skies with balloons!
Watch the skies transform with colourful hot air balloons, showcasing the grace of skilled balloonists. Enjoy live arena entertainment, a vibrant funfair for all ages, and a thrilling circus workshop. Experience the majesty of birds of prey, explore trade stalls, and indulge in a hot air balloon glow at sunset, followed by dazzling fireworks. Delight your taste buds with a diverse range of festival food and drinks.
Don’t miss this magical celebration that promises unforgettable moments for the whole family. Join us in Northampton for a weekend of high-flying joy!
Daventry Annual Flower & Vegetable Show
August 16 from 1pm to 4pm
Location: The Saxon Room, Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 4FP
Cost: Free!
Daventry's Annual Flower & Vegetable Show is a family friendly event hosted in partnership with Daventry's Allotment and Gardening Association (DAGA).
Held in the Saxon Room at the Daventry Leisure Centre, the competition is open to all Daventry Allotment Holders or Allotment Holders and Gardeners who are members of DAGA.
The public are invited along to see perfect parsnips, amazing apples, champion chutneys and fantastic flower displays. Plus see Daventry's longest homegrown runner beans, mammoth marrows and some of the strangest shaped vegetables!
Along with homegrown fruit, vegetables and flowers on display there are an array of stalls and attractions:
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Craft stalls
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Model Railway
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Children's Crafts
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Refreshments
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Raffle
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Award Ceremony
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Auction of the show produce
Competition categories include: Vegetables, Fruit, Flowers, Novelty, Jam & Cookery plus a special category for Teenagers and Children. Our very own Mayor will be presenting the prizes.
Plus the Healthy Young Daventry Team will be in attendance, with fun activities for the children to do for free!
Family Friendly - All ages are very welcome.
Entry for members of the public to attend is FREE!
BRSCC Summer National
August 16 – August 17 from 9am
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Cost: £17+ Saturday general admission / £17+ Sunday general admission / £30+ Saturday – Sunday general admission
A thrilling motorsport weekend that promises action in every track session. From future talent battling for victory in the Fiesta Junior Championship through to all-out motoring entertainment in the Fun Cup Endurance Championship, there’s plenty to see during this summer racing event.
Races at this event include the Fun Cup Endurance Endurance Championship, the SW Motorsport Clubsport Trophy, Fiesta Junior Championship, BMW Supercup and Nankang Tyre CityCar Cup.
Family Alpaca Yoga at Hideaway Wood Farm
August 17 from 11.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, Daventry, NN7 4SR
Cost: £35 family (2 adults 3 children) / £15 adult / £5 children 5+
Get ready for some family friendly yoga in the alpaca paddock! Alpacas are gentle, calm and curious creatures making them a soothing accompaniment to a yoga practice.
The intention of these sessions is to combine the calming and uplifting effects of yoga with the soothing and peaceful (and often funny) effects of being amongst the alpacas with the added bonus of the benefits of being out in nature.
Children of all ages welcome. The yoga will be directed at the grown-ups with the children welcome to join in should they wish to or simply spend time doing their own thing. They don’t need to be able to sit still and be quiet! The only thing the farm ask is that they don’t chase or scare the alpacas.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Community Day
August 17 from 11am to 6.30pm
Location: The County Ground, Abington Avenue, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4PR
Cost: £3 pp
Head down to the County Ground for a variety of activities!
Northamptonshire Steelbacks will host its annual Community Day when they take on Sussex Sharks in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. There will be a variety of activities throughout the day with all supporters welcomed onto the pitch to play Kwik Cricket on the on the County Ground turf.
Tickets are £3, a bargain for a day of cricket and fun for everyone!
Wiped Out Women’s Club – Camp Out 2025
August 22 at 4pm – August 24 from 11am
Location: Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, Daventry, NN7 4SR
Cost: £100 camping / £320 glamping
Get ready for a weekend of glamping, camping and more with other likeminded women on a beautiful 28-acre alpaca farm!
Join Hideaway Wood Farm this summer for their first ever Wiped Out Women’s Club Camp Out. Whether you’ve been to one of their women’s groups before, or if this is your first time, you’re very welcome. A weekend of nature, community, communal eating, talking, reading, resting and time for you, to show up exactly as you are.
You will spend time with the alpacas, in the woodland, around the bonfire, paddling in the stream. You’ll likely have a go at making things with their natural clay and do some needle felting with alpaca fleece too. Plus a late night bat walk and a giggle! If you’d like to take an activity for the group to have a go at, then you’re most welcome.
Options
1. Camping – £100 bring your own tent (or camper van) for two nights (one person).
2. Glamping – £320 to stay in one of the bell tents for two nights (one person).
The pricing above is inclusive of two evening meals – you will need to bring your breakfast, lunch and snacks.
If you’d like to share a bell tent (or tent) with a friend, get in touch with Hideaway Wood Farm to book.
RugbyFest
August 22 from 2pm to 9.30pm
Location: Abington Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN3 3HN
Cost: Free!
RugbyFest is landing in Abington Park!
Get ready for a full-throttle day of family fun, live entertainment, and rugby fever! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the vibes, there’s something for everyone:
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Try rugby with Northampton Saints & Loughborough Lightning
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Get creative at graffiti workshops
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Dance it out at the silent disco & enjoy live music
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Be wowed by capoeira dancers
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Bounce into action with inflatable rugby games
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Watch USA vs England live on the big screen!
Bring your mates, bring the kids, and bring the energy – this is one summer celebration you won’t want to miss! 🌞
Silverstone Festival
August 22 – August 24
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Cost: £35-240
Epic track battles, festival vibes, three nights of great live music, and so much for the whole family to enjoy together. Your August Bank Holiday plans, sorted.
Silverstone Festival provides the best historic race action on the track and the best family fun off it!
Motorsport, music, food, family entertainment and so much more. Bring the family for an epic weekend at the home of British motorsport and entertainment, with Natasha Bedingfield performing on Friday, Craig David on Saturday and Ministry of Sound Classical on Sunday.
Being with the Alpacas – Mindfulness at Hideaway Wood Farm
August 24 from 11.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, Daventry, NN7 4SR
Cost: £15
The intention of these mindfulness sessions is to offer time and space to practice the art of presence and simply being amidst the alpacas in their comfortable home environment. An opportunity to practice non-doing as you soak up some of that famous camelid calm.
Alpacas are gentle, calm and curious creatures making them a soothing accompaniment to a meditation or mindfulness practice.
The idea is to co-create a state of calm with the alpacas. Their peaceful grazing and quiet presence can support you to become more relaxed and present, in turn allowing the alpacas to feel more at ease with you. As you tune into the subtleties of their behaviours through quiet observations it often allows for deeper connections with these beautiful animals and a deeper connection with ourselves.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Family Day
August 24 from 11am to 6.30pm
Location: The County Ground, Abington Avenue, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4PR
Cost: £5 pp
Under 18’s go FREE on Family Day
Join Northamptonshire Steelback for their final home game in the Metro Bank One Day Cup versus Middlesex. With play getting underway from 11am this is a great day out for both adults and children.
Adult tickets are just £5 and under 18’s go FREE, book yours today!
Antiques and Vintage Fair
August 24 – August 25 from 9am to 4pm
Location: Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD
Cost: £5 adult / Under 18s free
Northamptonshire’s premier antiques, vintage and collectors fair organised by Stag Head Events returns for two weekends this year.
Spanning two days and featuring over 80 stalls of antiques, collectables, furniture, vintage, jewellery, coins, retro, militaria, clocks, toys, vinyl, china, glass, radios, tools, posters and much more!
Housed in the Edwardian stable block and with additional outside stalls, visitors will find items priced from 50 pence to £5,000. There really is something for everyone!
Delicious food and drink available to purchase from Saul’s of Spratton and The Stable Yard Cafe.
Tickets are available to purchase on the day at the entrance (last entry 3pm)
Brampton Bear Weekend
August 24 – August 25
Location: Northampton and Lamport Railway, Pitsford & Brampton Station, Northampton, NN6 8BA
Cost: £10 adult 16+ / £7 concession / Free entry for adult carers and children under 2 / Free entry with cuddly toy for children aged 2-15
Join Northampton and Lamport Railway where kids with a cuddly toy will travel FREE!
Kids will also get to meet the Brampton Bear on the Pitsford and Brampton Station platform.
You will also experience a traditional return steam train ride through the Northamptonshire countryside and get to browse the Souvenir Shop on the station selling a wide range of gifts, books, toys and other goods.
Also, enjoy a walk along the Brampton Valley Way next to the stations. Parking is free.
Everdon Grand Fete
August 25 from 2pm
Location: Everdon Village Green, The Green, Everdon, Daventry, NN11 3BL
Cost: Free!
Everdon Grand Fete has been running for over 40 years now. Stretching from the village green to St. Mary’s church, the Fete attracts many visitors from across the county and further afield.
Highlights include:
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Fun Dog Show and Pet Shop Stall
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BBQ and Beer Tent
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Daventry Brass Band
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Vintage Machinery Display
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Face Painting
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and more!
Distillery Tour & Tasting
August 30 from 11am to 12pm
Location: Wharf Distillery, 2 Brackley Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6DJ
Cost: £21 including a drink
Each month Wharf Distillery run several distillery tours where you can come and have a look around the distillery, hear about what they do and how they do it and, of course, you can sample some of their products. Tours are hosted by Laurence, founder of Wharf Distillery, who is more than happy to share with you as much as you would like to know about the various processes for making gin, brandy or whisky.
A drink is included in the ticket price (there is an option to take away a miniature spirit in lieu of a drink on site).
Booking essential – book here: https://wharfdistillery.co.uk/tour/
Family Alpaca Experience In Paddock
August 27 from 10.30am to 11.45am
Location: Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, Daventry, NN7 4SR
Cost: £35
A unique opportunity to meet mums and babies up close. An opportunity to learn about the alpacas and how the team take care of them as you sit together with them in their paddock which often leads to lots of very up-close experiences.
This experience is suitable for all ages.
Alpacas are incredibly curious creatures and a calm presence in the paddock often prompts a gentle enquiry from them. They may come over for a closer inspection and (if you’re lucky!) you might even get a little sniff or the initiation of a nose-to-nose greeting.
Northampton St Peter Church Open Day
August 30 from 11am to 4.30pm
Location: St Peter’s Church, Marefair, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SR
Cost: Free!
Join St Peters Church in Northampton for their open day where you can expect volunteer historians, bell ringing lessons, medieval combat for children and more! A day full of family fun.
Battle at the Bike Park
August 31 from 8am to 1.30pm
Location: Northampton Bike Park, Eagle Drive, Hardingstone, Northampton, NN4 7DU
Cost: Free to attend, £29.50 solo entry fee per team
Battle at the Bike Park is back!
Battle at the Bike Park is a 3-hour XC mountain bike race that will take place at Northampton Bike Park.
Cash prizes for overall male and female podiums (1st place £250!) plus first place cash for age groups thanks to Velocity Trade, alongside other great prizes from Gtechniq, Veloespresso and Vittoria.
The Mystery Tours: The Great Fire of Northampton
August 31 from 5.30pm to 7pm
Location: St Peter’s Church, Northampton, Marefair, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SR
Cost: £15
Get ready 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 an 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:
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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.
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Market Square – Hear the dramatic accounts of desperate townsfolk, the crumbling of historic buildings, and the narrow escapes from the inferno.
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All Saints’ Church – See how this iconic landmark rose from the ashes, thanks to King Charles II’s donation of timber.
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Sessions House – Marvel at one of the first buildings to be rebuilt, symbolizing the town’s determination to recover.
Duration: 90 minutes
Suitable for: Adults & children over 10
TRAX
August 31 from 10am to 5.30pm
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Cost: £27 adult public / £25 adult camping / £5 child (0-13) public / Free child camping / £10 public parking pass
Prepare for a car experience like no other at Trax, where you can look forward to live track action including track sessions, motorsport demos and tyre-shredding Drift Kings competition.
With over 3,000 cars on display including themed car club zones highlighting Japanese, Korean, American and European vehicles it’s an event not to miss for anyone with petrol running through their veins.
For over 55s
Bentley Drivers Club
August 9
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Cost: General admission from £19
Join Silverstone Circuit for the historic Bentley Drivers Club summer event on the National Circuit. Founded in 1936, the Bentley Drivers Club has been the heart and soul of Bentley enthusiasts worldwide.
With a mission to preserve and enjoy the legacy of Bentley cars, the BDC brings together owners and admirers of these iconic vehicles. The club is renowned for its camaraderie, shared knowledge, and the sheer joy of driving and maintaining Bentley cars, from the earliest models to the latest luxury machines.
Held annually, this event showcases the finest Bentleys from across the decades. Enthusiasts gather to witness thrilling races, participate in parades, and enjoy the spectacle of beautifully maintained Bentleys in action. It’s a unique opportunity to see these magnificent cars up close, meet fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Bentley.
Tea Dance in Daventry
Every second Thursday of the month from 1pm to 3.30pm
Location: Daventry Community Centre, Ashby Road, Daventry NN11 0QE
Cost: £7.50 per session, payable in advance – booking essential
Bring your partner and your dancing shoes! Join us for an afternoon socialising, meeting new friends, dancing to a great mix of Ballroom, Latin and Sequence music, hosted by Emma Pettitt of Academy No.1.
Scrumptious cakes and delicious refreshments are provided.
For more information, please call Academy No 1 on 07734 910343 or email [email protected].
Tai Chi and Qigong sessions for all abilities
Every Tuesday from 10.30am to 11.30am and 11.30am to 12.30pm (for all levels of mobility and chair friendly)
Location: The Pastures Community Centre, Welford Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, NN2 8PN
Cost: £7 per session, paid monthly in advance to Age UK Northamptonshire (not the instructor).
Our classes are run so that everyone can join in. Dominic encourages participants to "be gentle with yourself. Try to do each exercise the best you can. Well is better than more." Join us for this low-intensity physical activity that is especially beneficial to older people. Qigong involves coordinating slow-flowing movement and a calm, meditative state of mind.
The first class starts promptly at 10.30am with a ten minute break between the two 55-minute sessions.
Instructor Dominic says "What you think you're doing and what you are doing should be the same. Every move should be easy, we're aiming for good posture and a comfortable spine."
For arts lovers
Bands in the Park – 125th anniversary year
Every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from April 6 – September 28 from 2pm to 5pm
Location: Abington Park Bandstand, Abington Park, Wellingborough Road, Northampton, NN1 5LW
Cost: Free!
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 year's performances start on 6th April and run through to 28th September.
*There will be no Bands in the Park performance on 21st September, but you can enjoy the Rockin' Roadrunner Festival instead!
In Extremis: Landscape Reimagined
August 26 from 10am to 5pm
Location: 78-82 Derngate, Northampton, NN1 1UH
Cost: Free!
Multi-disciplinary artist Simon James is pleased to unveil a solo exhibition of new works exploring the colours, shapes and surfaces that are hiding in plain sight in pockets of rural England, presented across three gallery spaces at the prestigious Charles Rennie Mackintosh House and Galleries. On show through July and August, the paintings, drawings and photographic works all draw their inspiration from the macro and micro landscapes of rural counties near the Northampton art venue, under the title “In Extremis”, a reference to both the form and content of this new body of work.
Produced in a burst of activity over 18 months, the works respond to nature in its extreme or precarious states, tackling subjects such as desiccated plant life or inundated farmland. Applying the vision and practice he developed in Europe and Asia, the artist pushes his imagery into barely referential abstraction and beyond, while challenging accepted boundaries between media.
The term “landscape art” may conjure up images of humanity in harmony with nature, but these 30 or so pieces are not your typical pastoral scenes. The fields, hills and hedgerows are viewed through a distinctly contemporary lens, interpreted and abstracted into eery close-ups in a sombre monochrome or pared back into iridescent colours and contours. The exhibition comprises three themed sections and covers a range of media, from paint on canvas and charcoal on paper to pigment ink on aluminium. The “Deadheads” series magnifies skeletal plants against brooding backgrounds. “Water Margins” considers rainfall as a change agent, turning foliage into abstract marks akin to calligraphy or ink painting. The “Colour Field” photos and paintings strive for a fresh, agrarian twist on the techniques associated with a 20th century art movement of the same name.
