WHAT’S ON WHEN ONGOING

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. Daventry Country Park, NN11 2JB.

W: www.daventrydc.gov.uk/

Daventry Leisure Centre

The centre is open with a reduced list of activities and available spaces.

W: www.everyoneactive.com/

Linton Zoo

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

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/ fineshade-wood/gruffalosculptures-fineshade-wood

Trilogy Leisure

Cripps recreation, Danes Camp, Duston Sports, Lings Forum and Mounts Baths are open for family fun and pre-booked holiday activities.

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

Lyveden New Bield

Explore the outdoors at Lyveden, grab your coat and lace up your boots to step into a Springer landscape 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

Redwell Leisure Centre

Redwell and Waendal Leisure Centres in Wellingborough offer residents the chance to stay fit and active. Visit www.Placesleisure.org for information.

Walking Trails at Salcey Forest

Situated just 7 miles from Northampton, Salcey Forest has walking trails to keep the family fit and active. There is also a Zog walking trail. Details are on their website.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/salceyforest/

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 Years.

T: 01536 400033

Childbase Careers

Are you looking for a Career in Childcare? At Childbase, success is rooted in a commitment to the individual, professionally and personally. There are a variety of roles within Childbase nurseries from Apprentices, qualified and unqualified practitioners to Team Leaders. In addition to competitive salaries, there are a range of financial and wellbeing benefits via Perkbox and Thrive to support colleagues.

To see the latest vacancies or colleague profiles visit www.childbasecareers.com

NMPAT

NMPAT enables music and artistic education opportunities for children and young people. The Trust has a national reputation for the quality and consistency of its provision and alumni can be found in nearly every conservatoire and professional orchestra in the country! Ask your school about opportunities for lessons with NMPAT or visit www.NMPAT.co.uk

March

Monday 13th

Spring is Calling at Weston Favell Shopping centre

Spring is calling, will you answer? You could WIN a National Trust annual membership for your family in Weston Favell Shopping centre’s latest giveaway! From 13th-27th March. Discover the Spring phone box located on the lower mall and snap a photo before sharing on social media to enter, tagging @westonfavellshopping and using ‘#WFSpringisCalling’.

W: www.westonfavellshopping.com

Childrens workshops

Childrens pottery workshop

4th April 10am £20

Childrens mosaic workshop

11th April 10am £20

Childrens painting with wool

12th April 10.30am £25

10%

Off

The Galleria, 96c High St, Burton Latimer, NN15 5LA Call 01536 238295 or visit us on Facebook The Galleria - Burton Latimer

* 10% off workshop bookings when quoting the code PTEASTER

Sunday 19th

Northampton and Lamport Railway

Cream teas available for Mother’s Day on the Northampton and Lamport Railway.

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

Monday 20th

Accessible AfternoonNational Space Centre

The National Space Centre’s Discovery team are hosting an afternoon to support children, young adults and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for SEND visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience. Tickets are £5 for visitors (free for under 5s) and include full access to the awardwinning National Space Centre, including the Sir Patrick Moore planetarium.

W: www.spacecentre.co.uk/

Saturday 25th

Aplique Workshop

Create a small fabric picture of an Indian elephant using appliqué and stitch with the expert help of the Visualise Textile Group. All materials provided. 1-3.30pm. For ages 7-11. £5 per person. Abington Park Museum. W: www.northamptonmuseums.com/

Sunday 26th

Sulgrave Manor Open Season

Sulgrave Manor near Banbury opens today for the 2023 season.

W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

The Fast Show

The season-opener for all performance and modified car enthusiasts inc RWYB and clubs. Santa Pod Raceway. W: www.santapod.co.uk

Friday 31st

Easter at Stanwick Lakes

A baby animal themed trail around the beautiful solstice lake with a prize at the end and Easter themed crafts in the visitor centre, running until 16th April. There’s a fixed assault course, adventure trail and check out their fabulous new play tower. Café outlets for refreshments along the way while exploring by bike or on foot. W: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk

Wear A Hat Day

Get involved in Wear A Hat Day, one of the UK’s most popular annual charitable family-friendly fundraisers. Help children to explore their individuality and creativity, learn to work together and think of others – in a really fun way. All while raising funds to help find a cure for brain tumours – the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Register now for your free fundraising pack: W: www.wearahatday.org

April

Saturday 1st

Mission Moon

Join the Discovery team to find out more about NASA’s Artemis missions. Drop-in sessions, talks and sit back in the UK’s largest planetarium to discover more about the past, present and future of lunar exploration. National Space Centre, including the Sir Patrick Moore planetarium. Running until 16th April.

W: www.spacecentre.co.uk/

Easter - New Life on the Farm

Witness wild birds hatching, to lambs skipping through the fields. What’s more you will be able to watch the livestock team bottle feed the cade (orphan) lambs at 10am and 2pm each day. Running until 9th April. Sacrewell Farm, Thornhaugh.

W: www.sacrewell.org.uk/events/ easter-event/

Easter Eggstravaganza

Get your bonnets ready for Wicksteed Park’s Easter Eggstravaganza! Why not give yourself a treat this easter that’s even sweeter than chocolate? Hop around the park and try out the brand new ride The Garden Wheel! Take part in the Easter Egg hunt where you can win a delicious treat – not only that, but you could also be in the chance for an amazing prize where you get to feed the Meerkats! Other dates available.

W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Monday 3rd

Easter Fun at Everdon

Outdoor Learning Centre

Take your children along to Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre for some Easter Fun. Games & Activities in the Centre Garden, followed by afternoon tea and refreshments to include homemade sandwiches and cake! 3rd April (SEN only)-5th April. Running 3-5pm. To book your place please E: everdon@westnorthants.gov.uk

Tuesday 4th

Easter Egg Trail

An Easter trail around Abington Park Museum with a chocolate egg as a prize for every child. Running until 9th April. £2 per trail. Abington Park Museum. W: www.northamptonmuseums.com/

Spring Rainbows

Create and decorate a macrame rainbow hanging, full of colour and fun to celebrate the start of Spring. £4 per person, ages 5-12. Abington Park Museum.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com/

Thursday 6th

Clay Portraits

Create your own self or other person portrait out of clay, taking inspiration from The Power of the Portrait exhibition. All materials supplied. Ages 5-12. £4 per person. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. W: www.northamptonmuseums.com/

Friday 7th

Festival of Power

Santa Pod Raceway presents Festival of Power an Easter weekend extravaganza. Headlined by the famous Jet Car Shootout with five fire breathing jet vehicles! Plus, 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters and the first round of the National Drag Racing Championships. Off track there is just as much excitement with stunt shows on two and four wheels. Other side attractions include a family circus and children’s entertainment. 7th-9th April. Day tickets from £33 (booking fees apply)

W: www.santapod.com

Easter Fun at Delapre Abbey

Easter trail with a chocolate prize running 7th-10th April.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Saturday 8th

Easter Egg Specials

Have fun aboard the Northampton and Lamport Railway and celebrate Easter with a fun train ride and a chocolate treat. Running 8th-10th April.

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

Sunday 9th

Easter Themed Open Days at Sulgrave Manor

Follow the Easter trail through the garden and Manor and enjoy activities dotted along the way. 10.30am-4pm. Sulgrave Manor. Running until 11th April.

W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/

The Magic of Easter at Holdenby House

Alice will lay the trail for the Easter Egg Hunt in the gardens, each day she will hide her Golden Egg, containing £100. Her friends will be on hand with lots of fun and activities for all to enjoy from, egg painting, egg rolling, face painting, traditional fete games, croquet or shopping at the market stalls. Also on 10th April.

W: www.holdenby.com

Easter House Opening & Easter Egg Trail

Go along to Deene Park, Corby for lots of Egg-citement as you explore the House & Gardens! Child admission includes a Garden Easter Egg Trail. Also on 10th April.

W: www.deenepark.com/

Hop Across To Rockingham

There will be plenty of egg-citement at Rockingham Castle as the Castle & Gardens opens this Easter Bank Holiday! It will be their first open day of 2023, with both the Castle and grounds open to explore. Collect your leaflet and start exploring the Gardens to seek out the Nursery Rhymes Easter Trail. Also on 10th April. Tickets:

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Friday 21st

Home Education & Pre-school Activities

At Foxhill Farm (Daventry). Led by experienced Rangers from Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre. Pre-school (age 2-4) activities run 10am-noon & Home education sessions run 1-3pm (also on 19th May, 16th June, 21st July, 15th Sep, 20th Oct).

E: everdon@westnorthants.gov.uk

Saturday 29th

Brampton Bear Specials

Running April 29th,30th and May 1st. Northampton and Lamport Railway. W: www.nlr.org.uk/whats-on/

Plant a Pumpkin

Plant a pumpkin seedling in a compostable pot to take home and grow. £1 per pumpkin and normal admission prices apply. 11am-2pm. Canons Ashby. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/v

Sunday 30th

A Royal Jousting

Family fun at Holdenby House. Also on 1st May.

W: www.holdenby.com

May

Friday 5th

Home Education & Preschool Activities at Daventry Country Park

Led by experienced Rangers from Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre. Preschool (age 2-4) activities run 10amnoon & Home education sessions run 1-3pm (also on 2nd June, 7th July, 1st Sept & 6th Oct). Limited spaceplease book sessions

E: everdon@westnorthants.gov.uk

Sunday 7th

Coronation Themed open Day

Follow the Coronation trail through the garden and Manor and enjoy activities dotted along the way. Also on 8th and 9th May. Sulgrave Manor. W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/ whats-on

Rushden Town Council

The council hosts a range of events throughout the year. Starting with the King’s Coronation, which will be celebrating with a Big Lunch in Hall Park on Sunday 7th May 2023. Racing ahead to the Annual Soapbox Derby on Sunday 4th June. Rushden Town Council will once again be hosting Party in the Park on Sat 8th July in Hall Park and the ever popular Proms on 2nd September and Bark in the Park on 3rd September. If you wish to find out more follow on social media or W: www.rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

Friday 12th

Home Education & Pre-school Activities at Brixworth Country Park

Led by experienced Rangers from Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre. Pre-school (age 2-4) activities run 10am-noon & Home education sessions run 1-3pm (also 9th June, 14th July, 8th Sept, 13th Oct).

To book sessions please E: everdon@westnorthants.gov.uk

Save The Date

Saturday 10th June

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. Credit Card Hotline : 0116 231 8431 or www.wistow.com

Saturday 10th June

Northampton Carnival 2023 – “Celebrating The People Who Came” www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk or northamptoncarnival@yahoo. co.uk for an application form

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 12noon. 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.

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!

Learn an essential life skill with confidence at Northampton Swimming Club

Northampton Swimming Club is a not-for-profit organisation that provides swimming lessons and coaching every day of the week after school and at weekends for children of all ages, in and around Northampton.

They are based at The Northampton High School, The Duston School, Weston Favell Academy and Headlands School. Their classes range from Parent and Baby lessons, to advanced lessons, to development squads and international swimmers within their competitive programme. They are a Swim England SwimMark accredited club with fully qualified teachers and coaches. Their aim is to help children to gain a life skill, improve water confidence and learn new skills in a fun and safe environment, whilst achieving badges and certificates at every level. During school holidays they host intensive swimming and stroke development courses to aid the development of each swimmer. Please check out their Easter Intensive course Information on page 15. For more information, please contact Sophie Ings on coach.ings@northamptonswimming.com.

The Lighthouse Theatre Kettering

We have lots to look forward to in 2023, including:

Monday 3rd April 1:30pm

The Jungle Book

Friday 14th April 1pm & 4:30pm

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Tuesday 25th - Saturday 29th April 7:30pm (Tues-Fri) 11am (relaxed viewing), 2:30pm and 7:30pm (Sat)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Wednesday 31st May at 2:30pm

High Jinx

Please check our website for more! www.lighthousetheatre.co.uk

Castle Theatre

Wellingborough www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Thursday 30th MarchSaturday 1st April

Wellingborough Gang Show

Bringing a brand new show with songs from across the years, something to suit all ages - a night full of colour, dance, and great costumes.

Tuesday 4th April

Pop Divas Live

Pop Divas Live! is the UK’s number one pop concert experience featuring tributes to all your favourite female pop stars.

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!

Monday 10th April

The Amazing Bubble Man

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science, and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe favourite, he has sold out there for the last twelve years.

Tuesday 11thThursday 13th April

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly do not expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised!

Friday 21st April

RICHARD JONES- AN EVENING OF MAGIC

Richard Jones rose to fame as the only magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent and has since won the Prestigious Gold Star accolade within the Inner Magic Circle, the highest honour in The Magic Circle.

The Core

Northampton www.thecorecorby.com

Saturday 18th March

Sparks Presents Springtime Adventures

Spring into action with the youngest theatre groups Sparks as they delight and entertain you with stories and characters with a springtime theme.

Wednesday 29th-Thursday 30th March

Dinosaur World Live

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

Tuesday 25th April

Twirlywoos Live

Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us! Expect mischief, music, and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.

Friday 12th-Sunday 14th May

Dragons And Mythical Beasts

Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family.

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.

The Old Savoy

www.theoldsavoy.co.uk

Tuesday 4th April

THE LITTLE MERMAID – AN UNDERWATER MUSICAL ADVENTURE

From the producers of Rapunzel, it’s time to make a splash and join Ariel; her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch, and a whole host of fabulous characters in this brand-new adaptation. Expect lots of fun, singing and dancing, all brought to you by a fantastic and energetic company of wonderful performers.

Thursday 13th April

Dinosaur

Adventure Live

“The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth” 65 million years in the making… Are you ready for the adventure? Join our intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as we journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs.

Sunday 16th April

Mark Jonescomedy For Kids

The hilarious panto star in his all new family laughter show.

Sunday 30th April

The Magic Of Science

Live on Stage. Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Experience the non-stop action packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination.

Royal And Derngate

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Wednesday 22nd-Saturday 25th March

TWIRLYWOOS LIVE!

Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us! Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.

Thursday 6th-Saturday 8th April

Dinosaur World Live

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

Saturday 8th April

The Wind In The Willows

A beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic by award winning theatre company Box Tale Soup, featuring wonderful puppetry, innovative theatre and a charming original score.