#WhatsOnPulse

The D-Day Darlings:

King’s Coronation Celebration Show

Wednesday, May 3, 7pm

The nation’s sweethearts who wowed us on Britain’s Got Talent are back with a brand new show in celebration of the King’s Coronation – and it comes with a particularly patriotic finale!

Class for the Coronation: thecorecorby.com

The Toasters

Wednesday, May 3

One of the true second wave of ska bands from the US, who came together in New York more than 40 years ago. One slice or two: thecraufurdarms.com

Spear of Destiny

Thursday, May 4

Stalwart British rock band fronted by Kirk Brandon visit Milton Keynes to pull songs from their extensive 37 year career - expect to hear numbers including Liberator, Mickey, Rainmaker and Never Take Me Alive. Age of Unreason: thecraufurdarms.com

The Picturedrome Comedy Club

Thursday, May 4, 7pm

Find the funnies with Roger Monkhouse, Jen Brister, Kwame Asante and James Cook. This horse walked into a bar: thepicturedrome.com

Celebrate! Music for the Coronation

Friday, May 5, 7.30pm

Kickstart a weekend of celebrations with the Alina Orchestra who will be in concert at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Newport Pagnell. Polymnia Chamber Choir and soprano Jessica Wise will join them. Hilary Davan Wetton is your musical director. Coronation Celebration: alinaorchestra.com

Torus

Friday, May 5

Promising rock trio bring the noise to Northampton’s Black Prince hub. Did It Again: sbdpromotions.com

Best of British Coronation Party

Saturday, May 6, 8pm-1am

Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles at The Picturedrome with the best tunes from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Flags, streamers, confetti canons and cake will be on the menu.

Royal knees-up: thepicturedrome.com

Coronation Party at MK Museum

Monday, May 8

Gather your family, friends and neighbours and head to the Wolverton-based history hub to celebrate the start of King Charles III’s reign. Entry is free. Crowning glory: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Fran McGillivray Band

Tuesday, May 9, 7.30pm

Compelling blues trio with a strong following on the scene who have developed a unique take on roots music visit Bletchley Blues Club.

Still got the blues: bletchleybluesclub.uk

James Walsh

Friday, May 12

Join the singer-songwriter with Starsailor as he steps out solo in the intimate confines of The Black Prince. Charlotte Carpenter is also on the billing. Way to Fall: sbdpromotions.com

Richard Hardisty

Friday, May 12, 8pm

Join Richard on his intimate and highly anticipated debut tour when Silly Boy calls in at Northampton Underground, with anecdotes and observations about movies, missing dads and mania. Finding the funny: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Blockheads

Saturday, May 13

One of the best live bands you will ever see. And we mean it. Musicality, cheekiness and songs so well formed that most bands could only dream of delivering anything anywhere close. The Roadmender beckons. Oi Oi: theroadmender.com

History Festival at MK Museum

Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14

The return of the popular family event taking visitors through the centuries – from the Romans to WWII.

If I could turn back time: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Record Fair

Sunday, May 14, Midday-4pm

It’s time to rifle through the racks and get in a spin with the return of the Craufurd Arms record fair. Whether it’s a Shakin’ Stevens picture disc, or that limited edition Slayer blood splatter pack you’re after, you might just find it here! Wax lyrical: thecraufurdarms.com

Brafield on the Green Open Gardens

Sunday, May 14, 11am-5pm

The suggested walking route round the village includes the pond and the allotments as well as around 10 Open Gardens. A ticket to visit the gardens is £5 from Brafield Club –accompanied children under 16 years free. Well behaved dogs welcome. Proceeds to the Village Jubilee Fund. Parking is free. Bloomin’ great: 07802 533137 or email gillager@btinternet.com

Plant Sale

Sunday, 14th May 2023 10am – 1pm

Hackleton Village Hall, NN7 2AH

Mike and The Mechanics Refuelled! Sunday, May 21

Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford and his band deliver smash hits like Over My Shoulder, while sating the appetites of Genesis fans with some classics from their catalogue at MK Theatre. The Living Years: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Lawnmower Festival

Sunday, May 21, 10.30am-4.30pm

Machines aplenty will be lined up for inspection at this popular mechanical bash at MK Museum. Close shave: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

The Mousetrap

Monday, May 22 – Saturday, May 27

The world’s longest-running play – the genre-defining murder mystery from the pen of the best-selling novelist of all time comes to the new city for a five day stay. Christie classic: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords

Tuesday, May 23, 7.30pm

Hugh is a harmonica player and showman bringing joyous swing, jump, jive, rock n roll and soul, all within the blues field. Jump to it: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Boyzlife

Thursday, May 25

Join Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden as they perform songs from their studio album, Old School, and yes, they will treat the assembled to the songs of Boyzone and Westlife, too. No matter what: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Proclaimers

Friday, May 26

Incredibly, more than 35 years have passed since twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid delivered their debut album which featured the hit single Letter From America. Timeless songs with poignancy, emotional honesty, political fire and wit. Sunshine on Leith: royalandderngate.co.uk

Big Country & Spear of Destiny

Saturday, May 27

Big Country mark the 40th anniversary of their debut album The Crossing by hitting the live circuit, and they are bringing Spear of Destiny along for the ride. The Storm: theroadmender.com

The Art of Abstraction

27th May - 4th June 2023

10 - 4pm daily

Free Admission

Yardley Arts, The Square, Yardley Hastings, Northampton, NN7 1EU

Email: info@yardleyarts.org

Yardley Arts present an exciting and colourful exhibition prioritising colour, shape or movement over the representational story. Showcasing the work of over a dozen established artists - this is an exhibition not to be missed! All artwork, prints and cards are available to purchase.

Please visit our website for the full list of classes and explore your creativity in our beautiful arts centre. www.yardleyarts.org

Talk Of The Town

MAY & JUNE

Coronation Community Festival

Saturday 6th May –Guildhall Road

As part of the Coronation Celebrations, Northampton Town Council are hosting a Community Festival on Guildhall Road to showcase the town’s diverse culture and heritage and celebrate this momentous event, our residents are invited to come together with friends, family and the local community to mark this historic occasion. The day will include live stage entertainment with dance, music and shows, children’s activities and collaborative workshops, roaming entertainment as well as live coverage of the Coronation on big screens. Visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/ coronation-community-festival to keep up to date with the latest plans!

In partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Northampton BID & Delapré Abbey

Bands in the Park

Every Sunday & Bank Holiday

Monday 2–5pmAbington Park Bandstand

Our Bands in the Park season has begun at the park’s iconic bandstand! Featuring a wide range of performers including brass, jazz and concert bands, join us in the beautiful surroundings of Abington Park, meet up with family and friends and enjoy the music.

8th May - Buddy Holly Tribute Band - Kindly sponsored by The Park Café, Abington Park

14th May - Milton Keynes Brass

21st May - City of Coventry Brass

28th May - Churches Together Northampton

29th May - Sax’s Cool Band

Curtis Stigers

Monday, May 29 & Tuesday, May 30

The award-winning singer, songwriter and saxophonist is back at one of his favourite venues with a two night stay. Curtis released his latest album, Gentleman, back in 2020. I Wonder Why: stables.org

The Bodyguard

Monday, May 29 – Saturday, June 3 Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton steps into the role made famous by the late Whitney Houston in the stage version of the smash hit film, but be warned; she will only appear during the evening performances. One Moment in Time: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba

Wednesday, May 31, 8pm

Kouyate is one of the true masters of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa, and is one of Africa’s premier global artists. Together with his band, Ngoni Ba, he has revolutionised the sound of the ngoni, and worked with Damon Albarn and Paul Weller. They’ve got the lute: stables.org

4th June - Leighton-Linslade Concert Band

Oak Apple Day

Monday 29th May - From 11am –All Saints Church

This traditional event, unique to Northampton, is to remember the contribution from King Charles II for the restoration of the town after the great fire in 1675 and includes the oak leaf wreathing of the statue of the King, which is on the roof of All Saints Church, by the Mayor of Northampton.

Northampton County Beer Festival

Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd June –Becket’s Park

Live music, festival food, craft and bottled beer, ales, ciders, processco and much more!

For more details on NTC’s events and projects visit: northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/events

Or get in touch with the team: events@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk

All events and projects listed are delivered, supported or sponsored by Northampton Town Council