Primary Times Northamptonshire - May Half Term 2025
Hello Readers
Welcome to our May Half Term issue. It doesn’t seem long since the Easter break, but we are looking forward to the bank holiday weekend and half term ahead.
We have a selection of activities and days out detailed in our Half Term Fun feature so that you can plan your week.
This time of year brings with it plenty of annual events, many of them much loved calendar favourites for lots of local families!
Wellingborough’s Party Weekend is not to be missed, and you can learn about history and watch jousting at Rockingham Castle. Plus, you can even take fans to meet Bluey at Northampton & Lamport Railway!
Our next issue, out from 30th June, will be our bumper one, covering all the summer holidays and more.
Louise
INSIDE
Local NEWS
From choosing an extracurricular hobby, a tutor, or the right school for your child, we have a round-up of news from local venues, including a great Kids Pass membership offer from Everyone Active.
Four weeks of free training for new beginners at TISKA Karate
TISKA (Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association) has clubs nationally and internationally. The Chief Instructor currently teaches over 33 new beginners’ classes per week to students in Beaconsfield, Chalfont St Peter, Amersham, Berkhamsted, Dunstable, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire and has taught many students to Black Belt standard and beyond. Karate is the ultimate in selfdefence and promotes fitness, self-awareness, confidence, etiquette, respect and self-discipline. Students at TISKA start from the age of four upwards, and as a family-orientated club, many families train together.
The Chief Instructor offers all new beginners four weeks of free training upon joining TISKA. For all enquiries, please contact them directly.
T: 01753 882012 W: www.tiska.com
Four weeks of FREE training for beginners
Kumon’s Free Registration offer opens a world of possibilities
Kumon is the world’s leading supplementary education provider, with more than 60 years of experience and over 3.5 million students worldwide. The Kumon Maths and English Study Programmes deliver proven academic results and are available in your area. Now is the perfect time to discover the benefits of Kumon for yourself as local Kumon Study Centres are offering Free Registration to new and returning students throughout the month of June. For more information and to book your child’s Kumon free assessment, contact your local Instructor via the website.
W: www.kumon.co.uk
Save money on family fun with Everyone Active
Do you want to get your kids active while saving money? If so, Everyone Active has just the offer for you. Everyone Active is a leading leisure provider which runs Moulton Leisure Centre and Daventry Leisure Centre, both of which want to help families in local communities to move more. The centres are run in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council.
When you sign up to their award-winning swimming lessons, sport courses or a children’s birthday party, you will receive a 12-month Kids Pass membership.
Kids Pass entitles you to fantastic offers on family activities, which include:
• Up to 40% off at theme parks, zoos and safaris
• Up to 40% off cinema tickets, seven days a week
• Up to 30% off on family days out
• Up to 20% off on dining out
You can save up to £400 a year by using Kids Pass, with this offer available at participating sites until Tuesday 31st March 2026. What’s more, kids who sign up to swimming lessons get free swimming too! For more information, visit www.everyoneactive.com/kidspass
Aspire provide School Career Pathway Programmes
At Aspire Education Academy the courses are designed to support individuals in upskilling and preparing for a successful return to the workforce, particularly within the Education Sector. They aim to ignite a passion for lifelong learning and professional development, by offering six-week, online School Support Programmes, delivering accredited qualifications.
During the courses, you will have the opportunity to meet with local employers and the National Careers Service to support you kickstarting your classroom career, as a Teaching Assistant or 1:1. Also, the work of their Champions Team is integral to promoting different equality, diversity, and inclusion themes which will further contribute to your overall growth.
Apply today and join Aspire in creating a brighter future in education – one where your personal and professional growth is at the forefront. For more information contact Kristy Taylor at kristy.taylor@aspireeducationacademy.co.uk or on
Take the stage – join an NMPAT County Ensemble
Is your child learning an instrument or singing, and ready for the next step? NMPAT County Ensembles offer opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills, perform at venues like Northampton’s Derngate, and become part of a vibrant musical community.
Their award-winning ensembles rehearse weekly during term time at 125 Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4AZ. Primary school-aged children can get involved with the junior ensembles, which include a choir, an orchestra, bands and more!
Auditions are free. A termly subscription is required for membership, with financial support available for families in need. Apply by Friday 23rd May. Auditions for 2025-26 will take place during the week commencing Monday 7th July. Discover the full list of ensembles and more details at www.nmpat.co.uk/auditions
Free
Premier League Kicks football sessions are available in Northamptonshire
Northampton Town Football Club are proud to be a part of the Premier League Kicks initiative, that aims to bring young people together through football. The programme uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential. The Premier League Kicks sessions are offered to children aged 8 to 18 and are suitable for all abilities to turn up and play (player details will then be taken at the first session). Session are FREE to attend and run across various venues within Northamptonshire. Please check online for more information or contact Zoe Pugh.
E: zoe.pugh@ntfc.co.uk W: www.ntfccommunity.co.uk
An education that’s Made for Girls
Your daughter’s future is built in Early Years. Children’s views of the world are shaped at a young age, and sadly gender stereotypes are ingrained by age seven. Northampton High School girls are more resilient compared to those in a co-ed environment. 79% of the girls at age nine feel confident they can overcome problems in life, compared to 58% of girls nationally. They’re also more likely to take risks, communicate well and make a difference in the world.
In this all-girls school, they subvert gender stereotypes by believing in every single one of their girls, who in turn, learn to believe in themselves. Experience the power of an education which is 100% Made for Girls. Scan the code to read more about the benefit of a girls only education and you can book now for a tour.
W: www.northamptonhigh.co.uk
Discover the opportunities Quinton House can offer your child
Quinton House School in Northampton, provides an independent education catering for girls and boys aged 3-18. A holistic approach to education seated alongside excellent pastoral care, results in academic excellence for their students. Recently being awarded the quality mark for ‘ACE’s School of Character Education’, Quinton House takes great pride in nurturing an environment where students lead the way and exceed their own expectations. If you are looking for your child’s first school, or their next steps into secondary education and would like to find out more about life at Quinton House school, please visit their website or call their Admissions team on 01604 684828
W: www.quintonhouseschool.co.uk
Family EVENTS
The nicer weather has arrived, bringing with it lots of annual family-friendly events! From a carnival weekend to racing and even jousting, we have an array of calendar favourites detailed here. You can even meet Bluey over the bank holiday weekend!
KIDS
UNDER 5 GO FREE
The Main Event: 300MPH Thrills at Santa Pod
FRIDAY 23RD-MONDAY 26TH MAY
Experience Europe’s biggest drag racing spectacle at The Main Event, from Friday 23rd until Monday 26th May at Santa Pod Raceway! Witness Top Fuel Dragsters, Nitro and Nostalgia Funny Cars, Jet Cars, and Pro Mods tear down the strip at up to 300MPH in the thrilling FIA/FIM European Championships. Beyond the track, the Live Action Arena brings jaw-dropping stunts from Terry Grant and Lee Bowers, plus roaring Monster Trucks. There’s plenty of family fun – from the fun fair and inflatables to roaming dinosaurs, Mini Monster Trucks, and FREE pit access to meet the racers up close. Enhance your day with VIP Hospitality and enjoy prime views and exclusive perks and you pick your day with Flexi-Day tickets. Plus, complimentary camping is offered with all multi-day tickets, and kids under 5 go FREE! Unmissable speed. Unbeatable fun. Only at The Main Event! Book now at www.santapod.com or call 01234 782828
Bluey Weekend at The Northampton & Lamport Railway
SUNDAY 25TH & MONDAY 26TH MAY
Bluey is visiting The Northampton & Lamport Railway on 25th & 26th May! Award-winning TV favourite Bluey will be appearing at Pitsford & Brampton Station at intervals on both days.
Take a return train ride through the Northamptonshire countryside, see Bluey and more. Don’t forget to take your camera! A Souvenir Shop will be selling a wide range of gifts, books, toys and other goods, the “Platform 3 Buffet” will be serving hot/cold drinks, snacks and freshly prepared hot food, and there are Public Houses next to the Pitsford & Brampton and Boughton Stations to visit before or after your train ride. Plus, enjoy a walk along the Brampton Valley Way next to the stations, and parking is free. A great day out for all the family over the bank holiday weekend!
W: www.nlr.org.uk
Jousting & Medieval Living History Village at Rockingham
SUNDAY 15TH JUNE
Explore the thrills and spills of medieval life at Rockingham Castle as the Knights of Nottingham take to the Tilting Lawn in an epic display of skill and bravery! Thundering horses, the clashing of swords and plenty of surprises promise to make this an exhilarating fight for victory! Set in the stunning grounds of Rockingham Castle, this jousting spectacle is an unmissable opportunity to watch this ancient sporting tradition come to life. Away from the excitement of the joust, families can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of a medieval encampment. Discover what knights ate for breakfast and how armour was made. Have a go at some training and find out what happened if you became ill or injured. Check online for further information and tickets.
W: www.rockinghamcastle.com
Wellingborough 2025 Party Weekend
SATURDAY 5TH & SUNDAY 6TH JULY
Get ready, Wellingborough! The Carnival and Party in the Park returns to Croyland Park on 5th & 6th July, promising a weekend bursting with colour, music, and community spirit. Saturday kicks off with the spectacular Carnival Parade, winding its way through town before landing in the park for an afternoon of live entertainment, family fun, and tasty food. On Sunday, the Party in the Park continues with more music, activities, and a chilled-out festival vibe perfect for all ages. Whether you’re dancing by the stage, enjoying local food stalls, or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. It’s a celebration of the town’s vibrant culture, creativity, and community – don’t miss it! Take your friends, your family, and your festival spirit for a weekend to remember!
The next school break is just around the corner, and we have some great ideas of places to go and things to do over the bank holiday weekend and half term week. From exploring Northampton to a theme park day out or a trip to soft play, there are lots to choose from.
Help name Weston Favell’s sponsored Guide Dog
Visit Weston Favell Shopping Centre this May half term and help name their sponsored guide dog! Collect a storyboard from the customer service desk, write a short story about a guide dog, and suggest a name. The most creative entry will win a prize, and the winning name will be given to their sponsored pup. Once finished, return your entry to the customer service desk. Northampton Guide Dogs will be fundraising at the centre on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May. The winner of the competition will be announced on Thursday 29th May. They will also be taking along some adorable guide dog puppies for you to meet and greet. Get involved in this heartwarming event and help make a real difference to the lives of those who need it most.
W: www.westonfavellshopping.com
Step back in time to the experience the Great Fire of Northampton
Families visiting Northampton town centre can step back in time to the fateful day in 1675 when the Great Fire of Northampton began with a spark from a cooking stove. Download the Explore Northampton app on your phone to follow the augmented reality ‘Great Fire Trail’, walking between historic locations along the fire’s path of destruction and learning more on the way. The trail will be available on the app from 29th May and covers just under a mile, taking a minimum of 30 minutes. Scan the QR code to download the Explore Northampton app today.
Northampton Town Council has created the trail as part of the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton. More information can be found online. W: www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/greatfire350
Plan a visit to Tigers over May half term
Tigers Indoor Play is excited to welcome everyone to their second site in the Kettering Leisure Village just off junction 8 of the A14. Offering Go-karts, a thrilling drop slide, massive play frame, and a dedicated under 5’s section with its own roleplay village, Tigers Indoor Play is suited for children of all ages. Plus, Tigers offers a great venue for children’s parties with two themed party rooms to choose from, those being the Seaworld room and the Jungle room. You will also receive a delicious buffet platter for the kids, unlimited cordial drinks and your own dedicated party host team. The centre is open from Wednesday to Sunday with three timed sessions per day. To book your party now or for any further information, please call on 01536 215448
W: www.tigersplaykettering.co.uk
A-MAY-ZING adventures await at Wicksteed Park
Visit Wicksteed Park from 24th May until 1st June from 10.30am until 5pm for an action-packed May half term adventure that the whole family can enjoy! Wristbands start from just £22 when booked in advance, giving you unlimited access to over 25 rides and attractions. There are also family tickets available starting from just £56 for a family of three!
Children under 0.9m get to experience the joy of Wicksteed Park for FREE with an accompanying paying adult. Don’t miss out on this a-MAY-zing half term, book online now.
W: www.wicksteedpark.org
Please see the website for details of height restrictions. Rides and attractions may be closed for maintenance or may not operate during inclement weather. The Garden Wheel will be closed for ongoing maintenance. Please check website for the latest availability updates.
May half term adventures at Stanwick Lakes
School holidays are filled with family fun at Stanwick Lakes! From adventure trails to the climbing tower, nature walks and bike hire, there’s plenty to enjoy. This May, discover the Animal Travels Trail, learning about the incredible journeys of birds, mammals and insects – and take home a toy animal as a reward!
Inside the Visitor Centre, don’t miss the Animal Travels exhibition, featuring real-life artefacts like a woolly mammoth tooth and an auroch horn.
Visit the Heritage Museum for crafty animal puppets, or meet Kessandra, a giant kestrel puppet with a six-metre wingspan, created by local teens and a professional puppeteer. Ranger-led pond-dipping and den-building return – book ahead to guarantee your spot! While you’re there, explore the Bronze Age roundhouses or a bird hide.
W: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
WOW
What’s on Where in Northamptonshire
Details of What’s on Where across the county, all in date order to help you plan your weeks ahead. Don’t forget to mention that you saw it in Primary Times!
THIS SEASON
Tigers Indoor Play
Daventry and Kettering Venues
www.tigersplaykettering.co.uk
Two local soft play venues with great facilities, including play zones and activities for all ages, plus refreshments are available too. Perfect whatever the weather!
Kids Pass
Everyone Active Leisure Centres www.everyoneactive.com/kidspass
Sign up to Everyone Active’s awardwinning swimming lessons, sport courses or a children’s party at participating sites and be rewarded with a 12-month Kids Pass membership. Receive up to 40% off cinema tickets seven days a week, up to 40% off at theme parks, zoos and safaris, plus discounts on dining.
Little Stars
Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust
www.nmpat.co.uk/littlestars
NMPAT has been providing music and performing arts activities to children and young people for fifty-five years. ‘Little Stars’ specifically designed for children under 7 years old offers weekday sessions for babies and pre-school children, in addition to after school classes for EYFS and KS1 children. Strings Stars and Recorder Club provide opportunities to learn a musical instrument in a fun and relaxed environment for Years 2 & 3. FREE taster session available.
A-MAY-zing Adventures
Wicksteed Park www.wicksteedpark.org
Adventures await this May at the home of children’s play! Open on all weekends during May, plus bank holidays and over half term. All attractions will be open 10.30am-5pm, with wristbands from £22.
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!
Northampton Guide Dogs will be fundraising at the centre on these two days. They will be bringing along some adorable guide dog puppies for you to meet and greet.
Friday 23rd May
Open Water Swimming
Stanwick Lakes www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Open Water Swimming sessions are returning from today. Check online for the provisional dates for your diaries, running until September.
Friday 23rd-Monday 26th May
FIA Main Event
Santa Pod Raceway www.santapod.co.uk
Feel the rush of 300MPH action at The Main Event! Witness Top Fuel Dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars, Jet Cars, Monster Trucks, and thrilling stunts. Plus, lots of extra fun for the kids, from the fun fair and inflatables to roaming dinosaurs, Mini Monster Trucks, and FREE pit access to meet the racers up close. It’s the ultimate family day out – plus kids under 5 go FREE!
Saturday 24th May
Festival of Nature
Wicksteed Park www.wicksteedpark.org
Kettering Nature Group’s first ever Festival of Nature at Wicksteed Park. Enjoy a day of exploration, learning and fun with the whole family!
Daventry Leisure Centre www.bolt-events.com/daventry-comic-con
Meet your favourite characters from TV, film, and gaming! Take selfies with the amazing movie cars on display, browse exhibitor stalls filled with fantastic toys and collectable goodies, take part in free activities including gaming, photo opportunities, competitions, workshops and more! Tickets are available to purchase online.
Help name their sponsored guide dog! Collect a storyboard from the customer service desk, write a short story about a guide dog, and suggest a name. The most creative entry will win a prize, and the winning name will be given to the sponsored pup. Once finished, return your entry to the customer service desk. The winner of the competition will be announced on Thursday 29 May.
Enjoy fun-filled adventures at Gulliver’s every day during May half term. Book early to save more on your theme park tickets or extend the fun with a magical short break!
Animal Travels Trail
Stanwick Lakes www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Learn about the incredible journeys of birds, mammals and insects – and take home a toy animal as a reward! Inside the Visitor Centre, don’t miss the Animal Travels exhibition, featuring real-life artefacts like a woolly mammoth tooth and an auroch horn.
Crafty Animal Puppets
Stanwick Lakes www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Visit the Heritage Museum for crafty animal puppets, or meet Kessandra, a giant kestrel puppet with a six-metre wingspan, created by local teens and a professional puppeteer.
Saturday 31st May Dragon Boat Festival
Billing Aquadrome | www.dragonboatevents.co.uk
The Northampton Dragon Boat Festival, in aid of Ailsa’s Aim, takes place on Saturday 31st May at Billing Aquadrome. Teams will compete along the thrilling 200m race course, while several hundred spectators eagerly watch. Beyond the exciting races, a wide array of bankside entertainment is set to ensure a fabulous day out for the entire family!
Box OFFICE
A selection of family-friendly theatre shows taking to the stage over the next few months.
Castle Theatre www.castletheatre.co.uk
Tuesday 27th & Wednesday 28th May
BING’S BIRTHDAY
Get ready for an amazing celebration with Bing’s Birthday, a brand-new live stage show packed with fun, laughter and surprises! Join Bing and his friends Sula, Pando, Coco, Amanda, and, of course, Flop as they prepare for Bing’s very special day. Full of new heartwarming moments and catchy new songs, all brought to life by first-class puppeteers, this 1 hour 10 mins show is perfect for families and little Bingsters who want to experience the delightful CBeebies series in a whole new way – live on stage!
Thursday 19th June
TAYLORMANIA
An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self-obsessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.
Saturday 28th June
DISNEY’S SNOW WHITE
Exiled into a dangerous forest, a gentle princess finds her life at risk from her jealous wicked stepmother in this live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney fantasy animation.
Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd July
NOAH: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE
A lively, family-friendly retelling of the biblical story of Noah and the Ark. Featuring upbeat songs, energetic dance, and plenty of fun moments, this uplifting production celebrates faith, hope, and love for all ages. Performed by Compass Theatre Company, it showcases an amateur cast of local adults and children bringing the story to life with passion and enthusiasm.
Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th July
IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.
The Core www.thecorecorby.com
Friday 6th-Sunday 8th June
THE KOALA WHO COULD
Join Kevin, King of the stayingstill-kings, and his friends kangaroo and wombat in an Australian Outback adventure, as they learn that “life can be great when you try something new!”.
Saturday 14th June
THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER AND THE PIRATES
Presented by the youngest theatre group Sparks, this charming story is adapted and written by Lindsey Warnes and directed by Kim Laughton.
The Old Savoy www.theoldsavoy.co.uk
Thursday 29th May
PRINCESS LIVE
Imagine your favourite princesses but as you’ve never seen them before.
Saturday 31st May
NATURAL HISTORY
MUSEUM – DINOSAURS LIVE!
For the first time since 1881, the home of dinosaurs, Natural History Museum, is going on tour!
Sunday 1st June
TAYLOR FEVER VIP
A tribute show packed full of the icons’ most popular songs including ‘Karma’ ‘Shake it off’ ‘Cruel Summer’ and many more.
Saturday 14th June
TOM GATES EPIC STAGE SHOW
With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show! Ages 3+.
Royal & Derngate www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Wednesday 21st-Saturday 24th May
PIG HEART BOY
From the multi-award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, this brilliant novel is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by Winsome Pinnock, and is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu in a Unicorn coproduction with Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership.
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!.
Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd May
BING SING
Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust presents a celebration of their singing heroes, featuring a massed primary school choir formed from schools across Northamptonshire.
Wednesday 28th May
RUDE SCIENCE
BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it’s a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantlyconstructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science.
Thursday 5th-Saturday 7th June
THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS
A stellar show based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th June
NMPAT: THE FESTIVAL
This event provides a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate the talents, skills and boundless enthusiasm of young people from across Northamptonshire, to bring a truly memorable experience to the audience.
Sunday 29th June
GUS BAND: WALLACE AND GROMIT
A special experience with the GUS Band as they play the live soundtrack alongside the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers!
Sunday 6th July
NMPAT SUMMER
FESTIVAL OF MUSIC: GENERATIONS
An opportunity to share inspiration and aspiration with the junior and training ensembles and the second generation of county music students.
Say you saw it in Primary Times
NORTHAMPTON CARNIVAL 2025
SATURDAY 14TH JUNE from 12noon
THE RACECOURSE PARK, KETTERING ROAD NORTHAMPTON NN1 4LG
The Elements of Carnival Earth, Wind, Fire, Water
GRAND PARADE • FUNFAIR • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON STAGE VARIOUS FOOD OUTLETS & COMMUNITY STALLS
You can get involved in this wonderful inclusive free community event… just email northamptoncarnival@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk
Follow us on Social Media – The Northampton Carnival Facebook Instagram
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO ROCKINGHAM’S MEDIEVAL EVENT IN JUNE
Explore the thrills and spills of medieval life at Rockingham Castle as the Knights of Nottingham take to the Tilting Lawn in an epic display of skill and bravery on Sunday 15th June. Thundering horses, the clashing of swords and plenty of surprises promise to make this an exhilarating fight for victory! Set in the stunning grounds of Rockingham Castle, this jousting spectacle is an unmissable opportunity to watch this ancient sporting tradition come to life.
For your chance to win a Family Ticket to this fantastic event, simply send your email titled Rockingham Castle to competitions@primarytimesmag.com and you will be placed into our prize draw. When you enter make sure you give us your name, address, email, child’s age and school. Please note: Primary Times will only use your details to contact the competition winner.
The Family Tickets includes two adults and up to three children aged 4-16 years. Children under three are free of charge and 17+ are considered adults.
