Primary Times Northamptonshire - May Half Term 2022

39,400 copies for families of Primary School Children

Northamptonshire

www.primarytimes.co.uk May Half Term Issue 105 16 May - 3 July 2022

Northamptonshire’s only what’s on and where to go guide covering the whole county...

BRACKLEY. CORBY. DAVENTRY. KETTERING. NORTHAMPTON. RUSHDEN. TOWCESTER. WELLINGBOROUGH

Hello Readers!

In Northamptonshire Published by Moonscape Media Ltd Tel: 0118 9724980 Email: office@primarytimesmag.com Editor: Michelle Dilger Production: Nathan Pretlove Advertising: Niki Whitwell Suzanne Mason Listings Editor: Suzanne Watson Features Editor: Helen Chitham Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Northamptonshire. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Northamptonshire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout the UK. Primary Times Northamptonshire is operated under franchise licence.

Welcome to our May half term edition. As we welcome the return of light and warmth from the sun, make the most of our freedom to get out and about with loved ones – our pages are filled with family-orientated events and activities to help inspire your planning!

Mindful of families with differing ages, budgets, and energy levels, we’ve tried to include a variety of ideas that will work for all, including the ever-varying weather conditions too! As well as local news and school updates, in our pages you’ll find information about great days out, Jubilee celebrations, and holiday clubs and camps that provide a whole heap of fun and new experiences for children, to keep them happy and entertained without you!

We’ll be back again in July with a summer issue filled with tons of ideas for fun in the sun.

Until then, we hope you have a relaxing half term, with a good smattering of happy, fair-weather adventures with Lo o your family! ou t k f

or th issu e next boo e in you kb r 4th Jags on ul y

What’s Inside 4 Pinboard 6

Half Term Action

8 Events Watch 10

WOW - What’s On When

13 Celebrity Interview 14

Kids Activity Corner

15

Theatre Watch

For Advertisers

We are the largest free magazine in Northamptonshire reaching 98,500 family readers. If you’d like to advertise directly to this audience please call 0118 972 4980

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MAY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

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Pinboard

Notices and News updates for parents and teachers

If you are feeling anxious you are not alone!

At the Parenting with Anxiety Project at the University of Sussex, we want to help parents and children navigate the world with confidence. It is not always easy, but we believe it is possible! We now want to find out if families will benefit from an 8-module online course. If you would describe yourself as high in anxiety and with a child aged 2-11 we would love you to join us. Half of the parents will do the course and the others will just answer questions. Everyone who takes part is playing an important role in helping children with anxiety.

W: www.parentingwithanxiety.org.uk

Improve fitness and spend time with the family – at TISKA Karate!

At TISKA Karate, children and adults alike learn the essentials of etiquette, respect, self-discipline, self-awareness, confidence, fitness, and self-defence. Classes are taught by TISKA’s Chief Instructor, 8th Dan Black Belt, Shihan Sahota. Students at TISKA start from the age of 4 years old and up. It is a very family-based club, and many families train together. Karate for children can help with bullying issues, exam stress and the building of self-esteem. It teaches children etiquette, respect and politeness to fellow students and their instructor. It can also help develop their concentration and focus. Karate for adults can help with general fitness and wellbeing and, with regular training, strength and flexibility will improve. Contact them directly for further details about their 4-week free trial.

Auditions for NMPAT County Music Group and Young Actors Company

W: www.tiska.com E: office@tiska.com

Are you a young person interested in music and performing arts?

Would you like to rehearse and perform with other, like-minded individuals? Then why not audition for a County Group?

NMPAT offers a wide range of performing arts activities including bands, choirs, orchestras, chamber groups and jazz ensembles, and Young Actors Company and auditions are free! (Once accepted, membership is subject to a subscription.)

County Group auditions and rehearsals take place at NMPAT, 125 Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4AZ. Each group rehearses weekly during term time and performs in concerts and festivals throughout the year at venues including Northampton’s Derngate.

This year, auditions are scheduled for week commencing Monday 11th July and the closing date for applications is Friday 27th May. For more information, including department-specific requirements, please visit their website. W: www.nmpat.co.uk/auditions

Photograph of Tiska’s youngest Black belt, 8-year-old Tyler Yamamoto

Does your family receive benefits related free school meals?

If your family receive benefits related free school meals, then free school holiday clubs are available to you!

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a government funded initiative that provides free places at Easter, summer and Christmas holiday activity camps in Northamptonshire. The camps focus on providing positive experiences for children and young people that include physical activity, information on nutrition and a healthy meal. Activities range from outdoor adventures, soft play, football, go-karting, computer coding, and theatre and dance. Children must be of school age and be eligible for benefits related free school meals to qualify for HAF. You’ll need evidence of your eligibility to register. Here’s to a happy healthy summer holiday for all families in Northamptonshire!

Find out more about HAF Northants and register at www.holidayactivities.org or email haf@northamptonshiresport.org

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MAY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

TRADITIONAL INTERNATIONAL SHOTOKAN KARATE ASSOCIATION

• • • • • • •

FITNESS SELF AWARENESS SELF DEFENCE CONFIDENCE ETIQUETTE RESPECT SELF DISCIPLINE

No special clothing required.

Ladies, gentlemen and children welcome.

Families welcome minimum age 4 years.

Classes held:

Chief Instructor Sensei G. Sahota, 8th Dan.

Northampton

Every Friday at 6.00pm Every Saturday at 10.30am Caroline Chisholm School Wooldale Road Northampton NN4 6TP

Kettering

Every Thursday at 5.30pm Isebrook School, Eastleigh Road Kettering NN15 6PT All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Certificates

BEGINN SPECIA ERS L OFF 4 WEEK ER S FREE

For more information please contact us on

07885 294418 or 01753 882012 office@tiska.com

| www.tiska.com

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MAY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

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Half Term Action If you’ve got restless young ones or just want to give them a fun alternative to screen time, here’s our guide on how to fill the half term days! With indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, get the whole family involved – from

an immersive visit to experience medieval times through to a whole heap of adventures in the bowling alley or theme park!

Wicksteed Park has got something for everyone, so get yourself down to the area’s Number One visitor attraction and join in the fun. The park combines 147 acres of beautiful parkland with more than 30 rides and attractions, including the brand new Wicky’s Farmyard, where you can see and interact with giant rabbits, pigs, goats, barn owls, ferrets, chickens, ducks and guinea pigs. All the park’s rides and attractions are open throughout the holidays, so you can enjoy the thrills of Dinosaur Valley, hold on tight on Galaxy Invaders, climb on board lakeside boats, or enjoy the thrills of traditional favourites such as Rocky River Falls, the Paratrooper and the Dodgems. Also keep an eye out for our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations throughout the week. Entry to Wicky’s Farmyard is included in the prize of a wristband, or you can by individual tickets for £2.50 each.

W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Photograph: Kirsty Edmonds

Whizz down to Wicksteed Park this half term for the ultimate day out!

Step back in time at Delapré Abbey With free entry for under 18s and 900 years of exciting history to explore, Delapré Abbey is the ideal family day out for little ones and their grown-ups. Delapré’s hands-on approach to bringing history to life makes it a unique family day out. Play, explore, and touch every object in the historic rooms. Try on a helmet, fire a bow and arrow and create a crest in the Battlefield rooms, plus discover the Abbey’s medieval past with an exhibition all about the nuns.

The Abbey is open for general admission on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm. Don’t miss their exciting events programme as well which includes Funtopia on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June - a fun-filled family event with bouncy castles, an obstacle course, inflatable slide, a bungee run and more.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Discover ultimate outdoor fun at Aquapark Billing!

Combat the challenges and obstacles of the aqua park created for the healthiest outdoor fun. Get fit and keep healthy whilst enjoying your time with friends, family or just going solo. Their 50 minute sessions run on the hour and are designed to keep you entertained throughout. Their qualified lifeguards on site are there to keep you safe while out on the water. Buoyancy aids and padded helmets (for under 16s) are supplied and wetsuits are available to hire if required.

Situated close to the M1 in Northampton at Billing Aquadrome. Free car park, changing rooms and showers available on site.

T: 07572 243764 W: www.aquaparkbilling.com

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MAY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

Half Term action

Enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh, local milk and mouthwatering milkshakes Do you want to savour the wonderful taste of farm-fresh milk from local cows this season? Why not round up the family and visit The Egg Shed’s vending machine at Wollaston for your milk. You can purchase a reusable glass bottle or recyclable plastic is available. They also provide milkshake syrups so you can enjoy a nice cold glass of milkshake with the kids.

They have strawberry, chocolate, banana, butterscotch and coffee. You can find the vending machine at The Egg Shed, Abbey Farm, on the A509 between Wollaston and Wellingborough.

Follow them on Facebook @MilkMadCows

Ahoy Me Hearties! There’s a whole treasure trove of activities to enjoy at Thunderbowl!

At Thunderbowl Kettering their Pirate themed Bowling Alley offers entertainment 7 days week including Bowling, VIP Area, Amusement Arcade, Pool Lounge, Escape Rooms, Adventure Golf, Pro Shop and a Restaurant.

They have Party packages available for children, teens and adults, all of which include food and drink. A range of offers are available throughout the week including their Add Golf offer - just add golf to any bowling activity, party package or escape room booking for a discounted rate of £4 per person. Just ask at reception or go online and their crew mates will take care off the rest!

T: 01536 414004 W: www.thunderbowl.com

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Events Watch

Events Watch

Together with glimmers of sun, the

May half term is nearly here! Longer,

brighter days have arrived, so time to get planning some great days out and make up for any lost time! There are lots of

family-friendly events going on, so read on for some of the best in our area and

Friday 3rd June Traditional entertainment for the whole family at Corby Pole Fair Corby Pole Fair is a major community celebration, showcasing the rich history of Corby, that will take place during the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday. This unique tradition comes around every 20 years, attracting large crowds to enjoy Pole Fair traditions, including dawn charter readings, floral arches, the stocks, stang, ox roast, greasy pole competition and this year, a new heritage trail too.

Other highlights include a teddy bear’s picnic, children’s entertainers, storytelling, walkabout acts, a fancy dress parade led by giant puppets, jousting and skateboarding displays, a Viking encampment and a modern ceilidh for a proper knees up! You can also enjoy a funfair, market and model railway as well as a street food area with music, bands DJs and dancing.

W: www.corbypolefair.com

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th June

Celebrate the Jubilee Weekend in Great British style at the NLR Northampton & Lamport Railway offers a super day out for families and have some great events on the calendar!

On Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th June, families can celebrate the Jubilee in style with a regal Strawberries and Steam! Enjoy a relaxing steam train ride from a bygone era with complimentary Strawberries and Cream for all visitors. And if you’re looking to treat Dad this year, for Father’s Day on Sunday 19th June, book a train to include a FREE diesel shunter footplate ride for fathers on the day (rest of family ride along in a brake van) and enjoy a cream tea! For all the events, the Buffet is open serving hot & cold drinks, tasty snacks and freshly prepared hot food.

W: www.nlr.org.uk/whats-on/

Corby Pole Fair 1982 credited Glyn Dobbs (Northants Telegraph)

let the kids look forward to some fun!

Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd May

Family fun at Rockingham International Horse Trials Rockingham International Horse Trials returns for its 10th year, featuring the thrill of cross country riding, dressage and show jumping, and fun for all the family. You’ll find a variety of Trade Stands, delicious food to enjoy, and a new Food & Drink Marquee displaying the very best of local produce. There is even a have-a-go dog agility ring to get the whole family involved! Pony Club Team Show Jumping, Riding Club Team Show Jumping and Arena Eventing Classes will be taking place across the weekend.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Sunday 5th June Platinum Jubilee Big Picnic Lunch to be held at Wicksteed Park North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) will host a ‘Big Picnic Lunch’ event at Wicksteed Park to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s 70 years of service. Families and community groups are all invited to join the celebrations which will take place on Sunday 5th June at the park in Kettering.

Please bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment performed on stage ahead of broadcasting the Platinum Pageant to you live. For more information about the Platinum Jubilee in North Northants, visit the website.

W: www.northnorthants.gov.uk/Jubilee

Sunday 19th June

Jousting & Medieval Living come to Rockingham Castle Can good triumph over evil? Witness the Knights of Nottingham battle for supremacy amidst the thunder of hooves and clashes of steel. Knights and Horses combine for a hard-hitting Medieval Jousting display - filled with sword swinging, gut punching thrills, anything can happen and often does with fantastic audience participation and comedy included!

Cheer for the White Knight or boo at the Black Knight, hear thunder of the charging forces as the great Knights battle on the original Tilting Lawn.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

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MAY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

Events Watch

SUMMER FUN AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE! Rockingham International Horse Trials Friday 20 - Sunday 22 May Rockingham International Horse Trials returns for its 10th year, featuring the thrill of cross country riding, dressage and show jumping, plus shopping and fun for all the family.

Tudor History Day Sunday 29 May Come along to Rockingham Castle to find out what it was really like to be married to one of history’s most famous kings! Henry VIII and his six wives will be in the formal gardens to interact with visitors.

Jousting & Medieval Living History Village Sunday 19 June Knights and Horses combine for a hardhitting and fun Medieval Jousting display on the Tilting Lawn at Rockingham Castle.

May Sun 29th May Kids for a Quid Sunday Running June Sat 4th & Sun 5th June Strawberries and Steam – Jubilee Celebrations Steam train rides with complimentary Strawberries and Cream for all visitors

Sun 19th June Fathers Day Cream Teas Available –

July Sun 3rd July & Sun 17th July Cream Tea Specials –

*includes FREE diesel shunter footplate ride for fathers on the day! (rest of family ride along in a brake van)

Sun 24th July Kids for a Quid Sunday Running

booking essential

booking essential

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what’s on when Ongoing

Fermyn Woods

Superworm Arrives!

Linton Zoo

Mrs Machadson’s Home School for the Inquisitive and Wild at Fermyn Woods Country Park runs monthly and is aimed at home schooled children.

Booking required.

W: www.northamptonshireparks.co.uk/

Brand new Superworm family trail at Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood.

The trails showcase the unsung heroes of the forest based on the book by Julia Donaldson. Purchase a trail from the visitor welcome points for £3.50.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ activities/superworm-activity-trails

Linton Zoo is a breeding zoo for endangered animals. The opening dates are released on their website and pre-booking is essential.

Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4NT. W: www.lintonzoo.com

Imperial War Museum

Daventry Country Park

The Imperial War Museum in Duxford has a Battle of Britain exhibition.

Get a historical overview of what happened across Britain during 1940. Discover personal stories from ‘the Few’ and get up close to authentic Battle of Britain aircraft and objects.

W: www.ivm.org.uk

Daventry Country Park is a popular park ideally situated in the urban fringe of Daventry, within one mile of the town centre and easily accessible by car, bicycle or on foot with the benefit of cycle ways and footpaths from the surrounding areas. Daventry Country Park, NN11 2JB. W: www.daventrydc.gov.uk/

Daventry Leisure Centre

Gruffalo Sculptures at Fineshade Wood

The centre has a huge selection of activities and sports to keep everyone active.

W: www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ daventry-leisure-centre/

If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump into Gruffalo and his creature friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. See hand-crafted sculptures of fox, mouse, owl, squirrel and snake alongside the Gruffalo.

Head to the trails to find them all on your next visit.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ fineshade-wood/gruffalosculptures-fineshade-wood

Gorsehill City farm The farm is open with additional safety measures in place. Pre-booking is essential. Gorsehill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ. W: www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk

!

E E r F

Sacrewell Farm National Space Centre The National Space Centre in Leicester is open Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Pre-booking is essential as there are limited numbers allowed in at a time.

W: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Trilogy Leisure Cripps recreation, Danes Camp, Duston Sports, Lings Forum and Mounts Baths are open for family fun.

W: www.trilogyleisure.co.uk for full details.

Redwell Leisure Centre Redwell and Waendal Leisure Centres in Wellingborough are open.

Visit www.Placesleisure.org for information.

The Farm is open with strict protocols in place. Pre-booking essential for morning or afternoon slots. Sacrewell farm, Thornhaugh.

W: www.sacrewell.org.uk/

Walking Trails at Salcey Forest Situated just 7 miles from Northampton Salcey Forest has walking trails to keep the family fit and active. Details are on their website W: www.forestryengland.uk/ salcey-forest/

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip … or promise!

school holiday clubs in Northamptonshire

Does your family receive benefits related free school meals?

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a government funded initiative that provides free places at Easter, summer and Christmas holiday activity camps.

The camps focus on providing positive experiences for children and young people that include physical activity, information on nutrition and a healthy meal.

Activities range from outdoor adventures, soft play, football, go-karting, computer coding, and theatre and dance. Children must be of school age and be eligible for benefits related free school meals to qualify for HAF. Find out more about HAF Northants and register at www.holidayactivities.org or email haf@northamptonshiresport.org

You’ll need evidence of your eligibility to register. Here’s to a happy healthy summer holiday for all families in Northamptonshire!

10 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out

MAY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

Events Watch

May Friday 20th

Rockingham Castle International Horse Trials Running 20th-22nd May. Rockingham International Horse Trials returns for its 10th year, featuring the thrill of cross country riding, dressage and show jumping, plus shopping and fun for all the family.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Saturday 22nd

It’s A Bug’s Life A family friendly exhibition that takes a look at the world of bugs. Find out how beetles see and hear, how they defend themselves, and how to make a beetle home in your garden, find how a butterfly changes from a caterpillar, what the difference is between a butterfly and a moth and what is mudpuddling. Abington Park Museum, Northampton.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Sheep Shearing Demonstrations Live sheep shearing demonstrations are running all day at West Lodge Farm. Watch their farmers deliver sheep shearing demonstrations to their herd of over 150 ewes! You can book sessions online and the demonstrations run until Sunday 5th June.

W: www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

Running 28th May-12th June as part of Rushden Celebrates in honour of the Platinum Jubilee including jubilee beacon lighting, The Big Jubilee Lunch, Soap Box Derby, Music in the Park, Skateboard Festival.

W: www.rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

Buzz About Bugs!

Kids For a Quid Sunday special at Northampton and Lamport Railway. Kids 2-16 can go for a quid!

W: www.nlr.org.uk/

Sunday 29th

Tudor History Day May Half Term at Wicksteed Park The boats make a welcome return to the lake alongside all the rides and attractions at Wicksteed Park and Jubilee celebrations throughout the week. Entry to Wicky’s Farmyard is included in the prize of a wristband, or you can buy individual tickets for £2.50 each.

W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Thursday 2nd

Make a Jubilee Crown Celebrate the Jubilee by creating your own beautiful crown with your little princes and princesses. Normal admission prices apply and £2 per crown. Canons Ashby.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Rushden Celebrates

Lyveden will be buzzing as they celebrate some of the incredible bugs that share our planet. Join them for a playful exploration of all things creepycrawly. At weekends, you can also create a meadow seed bomb to turn a corner of your own garden into a haven for pollinators (£1). They will also be launching our brand-new explorer backpacks for half term. Until Sunday 5th June.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyveden

Saturday 28th

June

Go along to Rockingham Castle to find out what it was really like to be married to one of history’s most famous King’s. Henry VIII and his six wives will be in the formal gardens to interact with visitors. www.rockinghamcastle.com

Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration A special four-day event at Sacrewell, the popular heritage and visitor attraction just off the A47 and A1 near Peterborough. The proceedings will be starting on 2nd June, running until 5th June 2022 inviting visitors to share friendship, history and fun while exploring everything that Sacrewell has to offer from 9am – 4.30pm each day.

W: www.sacrewell.org.uk/events

Jubilee Blossom Crowns Make a blossom crown at Upton House and Gardens over the extended Jubilee bank holiday weekend. Booking not needed. Normal admission applies and the cost is £2 for all materials.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th

Crick Boat Show Crick Boat Show offers a fantastic day out with dozens of boats to view, free boat trips, free advice seminars on boat ownership, live music, children’s activities, a real ale marquee, and a large variety of food and drink stalls.

Running 2nd-5th June.

W: www.crickboatshow.com

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out

Friday 3rd

Corby Pole Fair A major community celebration, showcasing the rich history of Corby.

This unique tradition comes around every 20 years, attracting large crowds to enjoy Pole Fair traditions, including dawn charter readings, floral arches, the stocks, stang, ox roast, greasy pole competition and this year, a new heritage trail too. Other highlights include a teddy bear’s picnic, children’s entertainers, storytelling, walkabout acts, a fancy dress parade led by giant puppets, jousting and skateboarding displays, a Viking encampment and a modern ceilidh.

W: www.corbypolefair.com

Saturday 4th

Strawberries and SteamJubilee Celebrations Steam train rides with complimentary Strawberries and Cream for all visitors.

Also on 5th June. Northampton and Lamport Railway.

W: www.nlr.org.uk/

Harborough Platinum Jubilee Party Komodo Fireworks will be hosting a night of tribute acts and local bands on stage to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the Market Harborough Showground. With plenty of delicious food stalls, a licensed bar for you to enjoy and entertainment for all ages including a funfair and local craft stalls, this promises to be a fantastic night.

W: www.visitharborough.com/

The Reluctant Dragon Sacrewell Farm is proud to welcome travelling theatre company Quantum Theatre, who will present a fabulous outdoor theatre show in the Mill Stream area. This touching, sweet and funny tale of The Reluctant Dragon is about bravery and friendship suitable for all ages. It includes access to Sacrewell from 3pm on the day, so that visitors can enjoy Sacrewell’s attractions prior to the show.

W: www.sacrewell.org.uk/events

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Sunday 5th

Harborough Big Jubilee Lunch Komodo Fireworks and Harborough Live Events are putting on a day of family fun and entertainment with a community picnic, big bands and a fireworks finale. Market Harborough Showground.

W: www.visitharborough.com/

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 Nene Valley Railway is celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with 4 days of traditional English celebrations.

W: www.nvr.org.uk/

Platinum Jubilee Big Picnic Lunch at Wicksteed Park North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) will host a ‘Big Picnic Lunch’ event at Wicksteed Park to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s 70 years of service. Families and community groups are all invited to join the celebrations which will take place at the park in Kettering.

W: www.northnorthants.gov.uk/Jubilee

Saturday 11th

Northampton Carnival This year the carnival theme is a Summer Of Jubilation for everyone to come together and celebrate with live entertainment on stage, a magnificant parade and a wide range of stalls.

Racecourse Park, Northampton, NN1 4LG. For information and the parade route visit www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk

Market Harborough Carnival This year’s theme is Past, Present & Future. Enjoy the parade of floats in procession through the town, cheer on the runners competing in the all new 10k race and spend the afternoon at Symington Recreation Ground with live music, dance performances and refreshments. Market Harborough Town Centre. 10am-4pm.

W: www.visitharborough.com/

Midsummer Carnival Get your heart galloping during perilous stunts and exciting trick riding, and meet famous people from history including Queen Elizabeth I and William Shakespeare! Running until 10th July.

Suitable for all the family. Warwick Castle.

W: www.warwick-castle.com/explore/ events/midsummer-carnival/

Sunday 19th

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Sunday 3rd

Independence Day at Sulgrave Manor Featuring a BBQ, trails, craft activities and lawn games.

10.30am-4pm.

W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/ whats-on

Father’s Day Cream Teas Available at Northampton and Lamport Railway, booking essential includes free diesel shunter footplate ride for fathers on the day! The rest of family ride along in a brake van.

W: www.nlr.org.uk/

Cream Tea Specials

Jousting and Medieval Living History Village

Thursday 14th

Knights and Horses combine for a hard-hitting and fun Medieval jousting display at Rockingham Castle.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Funtopia A fun-filled family event with bouncy castles, obstacle course, inflatable slide, a bungee run and more. Also on 12th June.

W: www.delapreabbey.org to book tickets and find out more.

July

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip … or promise!

MAY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

Cream Teas Available at Northampton and Lamport Railway booking essential.

W: www.nlr.org.uk/

Park Bingo Families looking for things to do can explore the town’s green spaces, thanks to the free Keep Discovering Kettering Park Bingo passport trail. The trail invites you to discover green spaces across Kettering to find more than 20 animals and other characters on wooden posts around the town’s parks. Running until 31st December.

W: www.thisiskettering.com/event/

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Theatre Watch Castle Theatre

Saturday 25th-Sunday 26th June

Wellingborough www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT

Saturday 28th May

Weldon Amateur Theatre School will take to the stage with the smashhit musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on the Bibical tale of Genesis, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA When a young Prince is in search of a bride, his mother, The Queen, is on the lookout for a real Princess.

A charming show and a great message to never judge a book by its cover! Suitable for all, especially 2-14 year olds, including those with special needs.

Monday 30th -Tuesday 31st May

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (PG) After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

The Old Savoy Northampton www.thedeco.co.uk Sunday 15th May

DANCING SCHOOLS UK Step by Step presents Dancing Schools UK. Sunday 15th May

STRICTLY NORTHAMPTON KIDS

Tuesday 31st May

Step by Step dance school will be taking young participants from dancing novices to stage stars in just 10 short weeks! All to raise much needed funds for the Children’s Wards at Northampton General Hospital!

DRAMA WORKSHOP

Monday 30th-Tuesday 31st May

Discover more about acting, meet new people and try out new ways of creating theatre. Workshops will include a warm-up, drama games and fun exercises exploring different drama techniques. This project is about developing skills and does not lead towards a public performance.

Royal And Derngate Northampton www.royalandderngate.co.uk Friday 3rd-Sunday 19th June

MOG THE FORGETFUL CAT The Wardrobe Ensemble (whose The Stage Award winning Education, Education, Education transferred from Royal & Derngate to the West End) adapt Judith Kerr’s beloved and iconic stories for the stage, in a lively and enchanting production.

Monday 6th June – Saturday 11th June

SCHOOL OF ROCK Get ready to stick it to the man, because Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical School of Rock is coming to rock out at Royal & Derngate! Featuring 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie.

School of Rock will warm your heart and blow you away in equal measure.

Recommended for ages 8+ Tuesday 14th-Wednesday 15th June

NMPAT – THE FESTIVAL

Wednesday 29th-Thursday 30th June

PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more!

Sunday 3rd July

LIMELIGHT THEATRE SCHOOL – THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC Limelight Theatre School are thrilled to be back with another sensational show. The talented pupils are taking you on a journey back to the 1970s and bringing you the best numbers and songs from an amazing decade of music.

Friday 8th-Saturday 9th July

SEUSSICAL JR Dr Seuss’ best-loved characters collide, cavort and spring to life on stage in an unforgettable musical caper performed by Royal & Derngate’s Youth Theatre and Young Company Musicals.

Share in and celebrate Arts performances by young people from some of the county’s primary and secondary schools, who will showcase their talents, skills and energy.

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press.

However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

WIZARD OF OZ Join Dorothy, Toto and their friends, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow as they battle the wicked witch and her flying monkeys in their quest to get back home. The all-singing, all-dancing cast bring your favourite characters to life in this Wizard of a pantomime for all the family!

Friday 3rd-Saturday 4th June

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF DANCING Celebrating 50 Golden Years of Dancing. Ballet, Tap, Modern and Contemporary dance. Get ready for dazzling choreography and beautiful costumes from the children and adult pupils of The Barbara Hooton School of Dancing.

Wednesday June 1st

RAPUNZEL A TANGLED MUSICAL ADVENTURE

The Core

Let your hair down in a brand-new adaptation of the popular fairy tale ‘Rapunzel’. This production promises to be a theatrical treat for audiences of all ages, featuring a witty script, original music and songs. Get tangled up with a host of loveable characters from this magical fairy tale.

Corby, Northants www.thecorecorby.com

Saturday 30th July

Friday 20th-Saturday 21st May

SQUIDGE Squidge is a fun interactive dance performance with live music and digital projection, which takes a light-hearted look at our sense of touch and how it influences our everyday lives for ages 3-8.

JURASSIC EARTH Live on stage JURASSIC EARTH. A unique, immersive Dinosaur experience for all ages! The Original & Best Live Dinosaur Show! Jurassic Earth features roaming, state-of-theart animatronic life-like Dinosaurs in an interactive and exciting storytelling show.

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out

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