WHAT’S ON WHEN ONGOING

Whilton Mill Karting

In addition to karting, they offer junior archery and junior off-road buggies. Plus, there is a restaurant, ice cream, slushies and milkshakes. Height, age, and minimum number restrictions apply for the activities, please check the website for full details.

T: 01327 843822

W: www.whiltonmill.co.uk

Daventry Country Park

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.

W: www.daventrydc.gov.uk

Gruffalo Sculptures at Fineshade Wood

If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump into Gruffalo and his creature friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. See handcrafted 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

Hideaway Wood

If you’re looking for a unique family experience, Hideaway Wood Farm in Dodford near Daventry is opening up for its second summer for glamping, camping and alpaca walking/ experiences. With just three luxury bell tents and two camping pitches on 28 acres, it’s the perfect destination to spend time with the animals in nature as a family.

W: www.hideawaywood.co.uk

Redwell Leisure Centre

Redwell and Waendal Leisure Centres in Wellingborough offer residents the chance to stay fit and active.

W: www. placesleisure.org

Lyveden New Bield

Explore the outdoors at Lyveden. Whether you want a short stroll around the grounds, or a longer walk along the Lyveden Way, a 10-mile waymarked path through sheltered woodland, open fields and pretty villages, there are plenty of ways to see more of the Northamptonshire Countryside.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

CYPN - Youth Inspired

Youth clubs across the County, mostly free or a nominal £1.50 charge, great for socialising and team building. They include gaming, archery, crafts, dancing and sports - something for everyone! Age 10+. Visit their website to find out when and where!

W: www.cypn.org

May

Friday 19th

Rockingham International Horse Trials

Fairfax & Favor Rockingham

International Horse Trials promises to be a great day out for all the family, with 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! Running until 21st May.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Friday 26th

Space Lates: Jupiter

Space Lates is an evening created for people who want to know more! For this Space Lates, they are looking at the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter. A special evening packed with guest speakers, interactive workshops, planetarium shows, stargazing, and live demos. Explore our galleries after-hours and finish your evening with a live astronomy session with Leicester Astronomical Society (weather permitting). National Space Centre, Leicester.

W: www.spacecentre.co.uk

FIA Main Event

Sunday

28th

Bank Holiday Steam Up

Steam train rides subject to loco availability. Free parking, souvenir shop open. Buffet open serving hot/cold drinks, snacks and freshly prepared hot food. Also running on 29th May. Northampton and Lamport Railway.

W: www.nlr.org.uk

Rural Life at Lamport Hall

The former Country Festival has been re-branded as Rural Life at Lamport Hall, in association with Hannington Vintage Tractor Club. Live demonstrations, the evolution of farming, country sports, working machinery, showcasing rural life, there is something for all the family. Tickets can be pre-booked or purchased at the gate. Also on 29th May. Lamport Hall, Northampton.

W: www.lamporthall.co.uk

Have fun at Delapré Abbey

Zog Walking Trail

Situated just seven miles from Northampton; Salcey Forest has walking trails to keep the family fit and active - including a Zog walking trail!

W: www.forestryengland.uk

SPLAT Holiday Club

A fun and exciting childcare option during every school holiday at Lodge Park Sports Centre, Corby. For children in Year 1+, ages 5-12.

T: 01536 400033

NMPAT

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust enables music and artistic education opportunities for children and young people. Ask your school about opportunities for lessons with NMPAT or have a look online.

W: www.NMPAT.co.uk

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!

European Championship drag racing, the perfect event for race fans and families alike! Oulton Park.

W: www.oultonpark.co.uk

Saturday 27th

Meet Lego Masters’ Star

Meet Fran Scott, star of TV’s LEGO Masters who will be visiting the museum to talk about her exciting new book “How to Build a Racing Car”. Families can also enjoy the kids trail at the museum, where you can pay for a day and visit for free for a year by gift aiding your ticket! See incredible iconic cars, enjoy pit lane activities and experience over 60 hands-on exhibits. Silverstone Museum.

W: www.silverstonemuseum.co.uk

Gigantic Jupiter

Take a ‘pioneering’ visit to the largest gas giant this half term. Join the Discovery team to find out more space missions to Jupiter and its moons, and take part in drop-in activities such as create your own Jupiter artwork. Running until 4th June. National Space Centre, Leicester.

W: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Enjoy May half term at Delapré Abbey in Northampton with an array of exciting activities for all ages, taking place from May 28th-4th June. Featuring craft activities, storytelling and a family walk learning about the 1460 Battle of Northampton. General admission is £8 for adults and free for under 18s. Check online to find out more and to book tickets.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Monday 29th

Children’s Pottery Painting

Paint and Glaze will have a range of items to paint with prices ranging from £5-£35. Pottery takes a week to glaze and fire. Payment is by cash or card when painting. 12-3pm. Kelmarsh Hall.

W: www.kelmarsh.com

Alpaca Walks

You can visit Hideaway Wood Farm for a lovely day out to enjoy alpaca walks and opportunities to meet the babies.

W: www.hideawaywood.co.uk

Tuesday 30th

SPLAT Holiday Club

A fun and exciting childcare option during every school holiday at Lodge Park Sports Centre, Corby. For children in Year 1+, ages 5-12.

T: 01536 400033

*This voucher entitles the bearer half price admission for up to 2 children & 2 adults. Valid 5 days a week, Wednesday-Sunday. Photocopies not accepted. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Wednesday 31st

Half Term Fun

Explore the whole farm this half term! Cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs, take a pony ride, watch the sheep race, play in the playground. There is also an indoor adventure barn, plus… a fun 9-hole adventure golf course! Open every day. West Lodge Farm Park. W: www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

June

Sunday 4th

Soapbox Derby

Rushden Town Council hosts a range of events throughout the year with their Annual Soapbox Derby taking place today!

W: www.rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

Thursday 8th

Tot’s Takeover @ Wicksteed Park

On selected dates throughout the June afternoons, you can toddle around the park and visit not only the Adventure Zone, but the Heritage Zone as well! Also on 9th,15th & 16th June. Please note: The Thrill Zone & Splash Zone will not be open during these dates. W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Friday 9th

Home Education & Preschool Activities

Led by experienced Rangers from Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre. Pre-school (age 2-4) activities run 10am-noon & Home education sessions run 1-3pm at Brixworth Country Park. Also on 14th July, 21st July, 15th Sept and 20th Oct. To book sessions please email: everdon@westnorthants.gov.uk

Saturday 10th

Northampton Carnival 2023 - “Celebrating The People Who Came”

The town comes alive as the streets of Northampton are packed with flamboyant costumes, artistically draped floats, troops and a host of exciting activities at the Racecourse Park from 12 noon. Celebrating The People Who Came coincides with Windrush 75 as it marks the anniversary of when the first influx of Caribbean’s arrived at Tilbury Docks in 1948.

W: www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk

Music in the Park

Take your own picnic and enjoy a wonderful evening of live music and fireworks in front of Wistow Hall. Fun for all the Family. All proceeds to charity. Tickets £20 (on the night £25), under 16’s free, free parking. Concert 7.30pm, fireworks 10pm. W: www.wistow.com

Sunday 11th

Teddy Bears Picnic

Visitors will have the exciting opportunity to interact with Goldilocks and the Three Bears and take part in the Teddy Bear Trail around the estate. The inside of the Castle will be decorated with Teddy Bears, who will ‘bear’ special clues, helping the children solve the themed anagram in the activity booklet. Rockingham Castle. Also on 27th June and 28th August.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Saturday 17th

Midsummer Carnival of Celebration

Step back in time to Elizabethan England when minstrels played and jesters entertained. A festival fit for royalty as the court of Elizabeth I takes over the castle grounds for a celebration of colour, pageantry, and spectacle. Runs until 16th July. Warwick Castle.

W: www.warwick-castle.com

Sunday 18th

Jousting and Medieval Living History Village

Knights and horses combine for a hard-hitting and fun Medieval Jousting display on the Tilting Lawn. Enjoy the living history village and Jester display! Rockingham Castle. W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

South Kilworth Riding Club Show

The Club was established in the 1980s and holds four open family orientated shows a year in the grounds of Stanford Hall. There are classes for everyone from the complete beginner to the more experienced rider with a friendly, fun and supportive atmosphere. W: www.stanfordhall.co.uk

Father’s Day

Steam train rides 11am-3pm. Treat Dad to first class travel as you indulge in a delicious afternoon Cream Tea whilst gently rolling through the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. All accompanied fathers ride for free. Northampton and Lamport Railway. W: www.nlr.org.uk

Saturday 24th

Duxford Air Show

Fuel your senses with fast flying, all action aerobatics in the air above and a jam-packed programme of entertainment on the ground below at the family-friendly Duxford Summer Air Show. Also on 25th June.

W: www.iwm.org.uk

July

Saturday 1st

STP Summer Nationals

National Drag Racing Championship event, with a huge variety of race cars and bikes. Oulton Park.

W: www.oultonpark.co.uk

Wellingborough Carnival and Party in the Park

Returning to Croyland Park, Wellingborough on the 1st & 2nd July. A fun packed weekend of live music from local bands Grand Quatro and New Harmony, singer Luke White and Taylor Swift and Prince tribute acts, entertainment from GLJ Theatre and Carnival Duo. The Carnival will parade through the town on Saturday and arrive at the park where there will be a variety of stalls, Stevens fun fair and lots more to keep the whole family entertained.

W: www.wellingboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

Saturday 8th Party in the Park

Rushden Town Council will once again be hosting Party in the Park on Sat 8th July in Hall Park.

W: www.rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

Sunday 9th

Summer Festival of Music - New and Second Generation Concerts

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust will celebrate the achievements of its County Ensembles at the Summer Festival of Music: New and Second Generation Concerts from 12noon-6pm. Northamptonshire has always had a proud reputation for the quality of its top youth music ensembles, which are widely recognised as amongst the best in the country - this is a celebration of the aspiring New and Second Generations! Tickets for both events can be booked via the Derngate box office or online.

T: 01604 624811

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!

W: www.royalandderngate.co.uk

To receive 20% discount on tickets quote “PTIMES20” over the phone or online!

Castle Theatre

Wellingborough www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Saturday 27th May

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (PG)

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. Also on 31st May and 1st June.

Tuesday 30th May

Goldilocks And The Three Bears

Brought to you by the team behind last year’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ - this hilarious and spectacular pantomime style show will include some of the very best seasoned performers, top circus & speciality acts as well as all the ingredients of a family show that KD Theatre Productions have become known for.

Friday 2nd June

Dreamcoat Stars

Journey into a colourful production featuring vibrant and energetic songs from the most loved shows.

Saturday 3rd June

Woman Like Methe Little Mix Show

An energetic show that follows in the footsteps of the awardwinning girl band, Little Mix.

Friday 16th-Sunday 18th June

Dinosaur World Live

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family.

The Core

Corby, Northants www.thecorecorby.com

Friday 2nd-Saturday 3rd June PINOCCHIO

Puppetry, shadows, illusion and especially composed music combine to create a show with something for all ages; it is inventive, visually and verbally witty with a big heart. For ages 4 and up.

Saturday 17th June

Sparks Present The Very Sticky Sandwich

Join Sparks on a fun-filled summer adventure set in a quiet country village that is over run by wasps one summer. How will the villagers pull together to get rid of the stripey pests? Sparks is their youngest group of theatre makers aged 5-11, who meet weekly during term time to play drama games and create new stories, characters, and performances.

Thursday 5th-Sunday 8th October

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

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!

Masque Theatre

Kettering www.masquekettering.co.uk

Sunday 9th July

Matilda The Musical Jr

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

The Old Savoy

Northampton www.theoldsavoy.co.uk

Tuesday 31st May

Fireman Sam Saves The Circus

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, actionpacked show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.

Sunday 25th June

FROZEN SING-ALONG

Join in and sing along with Elsa and Anna while you help save Arundel!

ROYAL & DERNGATE

Northampton www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th June

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!

Wednesday 14th-Thursday 15th June

Dragons And Mythical Beasts

From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss this spellbinding adventure, live on stage!

Thursday 29th JuneSaturday 1st July

Zog

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Sunday 9th July

Summer Festival Of Music

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust will celebrate the achievements of its County Ensembles at the Summer Festival of Music: New and Second Generation Concerts from 12noon-6pm. Northamptonshire has always had a proud reputation for the quality of its top youth music ensembles, which are widely recognised as amongst the best in the country - this is a celebration of the aspiring New and Second Generations! To receive 20% discount on tickets quote “PTIMES20” over the phone or online!