Northants Uncovered

May Day Festival - Heart of the Shire Free Entry
2026-05-02 08:00 (Europe/London) | Heart of the Shires Village, Watling Street A5, NN7 4LB
Free Event with Free Parking
They have got some super local foodies lined up – with fresh pizza, Indian fusion, terrific tacos and traditional roasts – followed by amazing locally homemade cakes and treats too. There will be a licensed bar in the bandstand serving cocktails with local produce, classic and vintage cars around the site. There will be entertainment throughout the day including Morris Dancing and a Brass Band plus all the terrific, independent retailers welcoming you to Heart of the Shires. It’s free to park, free to enter and they are super dog friendly, so feel free to bring your dog too!
It’s the independent retailers that really are the heart of the site and they too are really backing the special day.
Richard Taylor, who runs the new The Plant Barn says “It’s a great opportunity for people to visit the site and see all the changes to this lovely setting. We are part of the south-side extension and have a fantastic range of indoor and outdoor plants, pots containers and gifts for the garden and gardener. For the day, we’ll be offering 10% off for Loyalty Card holders. If it’s your first visit you can sign up and use your card on the day – it’s completely FREE.”
A brand new retailer will be opening their doors for the very first time on Saturday too. Poodle Paws Dog Grooming, will be paw-fectly located right next to the very popular Dog Barn. Megan Jaques is the owner and says, “Come along, have a look around and see your pups’ BRAND NEW grooming salon for the very first time! There’ll be drinks, treat bags and pupachinos on offer for you and your fur babies too! Thank you again for all the kindness and lovely words of support these past couple of months, we are really looking forward to opening at Heart of the Shires. This is all I have wanted since I can remember and I cannot believe my dream is finally becoming a reality! I’d love to see as many of you (and your pups!) on Saturday as possible.”
Heart of the Shires Administrator, Gail Cleland says. “These free events showcase the very best of the site. We are really looking forward to the day. May Day is our first event of the year, with Food Festivals following in June and July, then Meet the Animals returns in August. Later in the year our popular Scarecrow Festival and then for Christmas we will welcome a Christmas Fayre. It’s all set to be a super year at Heart of the Shires.”
May Day kicks off the events programme. Save the date, this Saturday, 2nd May, it all starts at 10am at Heart of the Shires Shopping Village – just off the A5 near Weedon.

Interior Design Workshop at Lumina Arts Alliance
2026-05-01 12:00 - 13:30 | Lumina Arts Alliance, Whitworth Chambers George Row, Northampton, NN1 1DF, United Kingdom
Interior DesignWorkshop

Learn how to design striking, artistic looks using professional techniques and products.

This workshop gives you the full experience of working as an interior designer. You’ll explore layout, colour, texture, and lighting, learning how to transform spaces from ordinary to exceptional. You’ll also develop an understanding of design principles, mood boards, and material selection to bring harmony and purpose to every environment you create.
After a short introduction to the fundamentals of interior design, it’s completely hands-on. From the moment you begin, you’ll experiment with floor plans, palettes, and design styles, seeing how subtle choices can redefine a space. Working alongside other participants, you’ll share ideas, sketch concepts, and refine your creative eye through guided feedback. By the end, you’ll have designed your own professional interior concept, ready to showcase as part of your creative portfolio.
For all funded courses visit https://www.luminaartsalliance.org.uk/

Cottesbrooke Gardens Open
2026-04-26 02:00 - 17:30 | Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens, Northampton, NN6 8PF
NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME
Cottesbrooke Gardens Open
Sunday 26th April 2026 from 2.00pm – 5.30pm
Celebrating 80 years of supporting the NGS

From Chawton': A Jane Austen performance by Beckis Cooper at Lamport Hall
2026-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9EZ, United Kingdom
Performing at Lamport Hall on 25th April:
Jane Austen’s characters would like to spend an evening with you.

From Chawton …

Jane Austen has a problem. She has relocated to Chawton to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside but her lively cast of characters are causing her a lot of bother.
Come and join Mrs Elton, Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse
and many more as they seek to entertain you and fight for their
right to be heard in Jane’s novels.

‘My characters all appear to be very demanding and most difficult indeed.’

Written & Performed by Beckis Cooper

Alpaca Walk at Hideaway Farm
2026-04-19 10:30 - 11:45 | Hideaway Wood Farm, A45 London Road, Dodford, NN74SR, United Kingdom
A unique opportunity to meet our walking boys up close before heading out on a beautiful walk with your own alpaca through our newly planted woodland with stunning views across the countryside.
Our boys love getting out of their paddock to meet new people, explore the land and find all the best forage and it’s good for us too. The benefits of spending time in nature are well known and combining that with a walk and getting to know and spend time with your own alpaca is a real boost for our wellbeing.

On arrival we’ll introduce you to our herd (each with their own unique personality!) and share some information about alpacas and how we take care of them.​ We’ll also share some health and safety guidance and tips on handling and leading respectfully.
We will then match you to the most suitable alpaca for you and after a brief introduction to your alpaca in terms of name, personality and particular quirks, we’ll be off!
We’ll take them on a walk around our 28 acres of land exploring tracks that meander through our newly planted woodlands and around the open wetlands.
We’ll then head down to The Hideout to wash our hands and use facilities before heading off.

Local Author Book Signing at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
2026-03-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 4 - 6 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Two local authors, former Mayor and Councillor Dennis Meredith, and Peter Dietrich, poet, photographer, and travel-reporter, will be presenting and signing copies of their respective new books at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 7th March from 11am – 4pm.
Dennis Meredith has written a new novel titled Destiny of a Gangster, which is a thriller about a young East London kid growing up after the war to become a petty crook and eventually a renowned gangster. “It’s a page-turning and thrilling read for my readers” the author says.
Peter Dietrich has released a new volume of poetry, images, and collected writings titled Nobody Knows Where the End of the Road Is, adding to his many other works of poetry, photography, and children’s books already available locally.

In Conversation with Paul Morley: Far Above the World: The Time and Space of David Bowie
2026-02-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Prince William School, Herne Road, Oundle, PE8EBS, United Kingdom
Renowned music biographer and journalist, Paul Morley joins us in conversation about his latest book – ‘Far Above the World: The Time and Space of David Bowie’ – a landmark exploration of David Bowie as an everlasting cultural force and changemaker.
In the ten years since the death of David Bowie in 2016 there has been no loss of interest in and fascination with his life, music and driven, complex personality. He is definitely one musician, one performer, destined not to be forgotten. The significant grief and sadness that greeted Bowie’s death has evolved into a deeper, enduring love for his music, style, wit, artistic curiosity, sexual energy, flamboyant outsider spirit and insatiable, provocative appetite for life.
Far Above the World documents one of the UK’s greatest creative artists, through the spectacularly colourful and vibrant journey of a man who constantly reinvented himself and his music. Bowie lived in the future, using the pop song to chronicle overwhelming and dangerous times, searching for the light, and creating a communication channel between post-war 20th century times and where(ever) we are now. This anniversary book will place him in the now and next, as much as is past, and argue that his songs, and his messages, reflections and warnings become ever more relevant and compelling as time passes.
The evening will feature an interview with Paul by Festival Curator, Karen Rust, an audience Q&A and a book signing afterwards. It’s part of the Oundle Festival of Literature.
Tickets are £12.50

Top Gs Like Me
2026-02-23 19:00 - 2026-03-07 23:00 | Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
A new comedy, set in Northampton, about growing up online.
Transforming the Derngate auditorium into a skatepark, this Made In Northampton production dives headfirst into the influence of online culture, the pull of toxic masculinity, and the search for identity in the digital age.
Aidan’s lost. His best mate’s starting uni, his mum can’t get out of bed, and his new side hustle has questionable legality. Meanwhile, he’s stacking shelves at the supermarket wondering if this is all he’s cut out for. He’s got hobbies – hanging out at the skatepark and doom scrolling his days away.
As he’s lapping up the algorithm ‘Hugo Bang’ appears with the promise to help Aidan become the alpha he was born to be.
Will Hugo Bang help Aidan get his life back on track, or will he lead Aidan to a darker, more dangerous place?
Directed by Jesse Jones, this brand-new play by local playwright Samson Hawkins (author of Stratford East’s critically acclaimed Village Idiot) crackles with dry humour and a modern-day wit.
Top Gs Like Me was developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.

NMTC Youth - School of Rock
2026-02-19 19:00 - 2026-02-21 19:00 | The Cripps Theatre, Northampton, NN1 5RT, United Kingdom
Northampton Musical Theatre Youth – School of Rock
Get ready to stick it to the man! Northampton Musical Theatre Company (NMTC) proudly presents School of Rock, the electrifying hit musical based on the iconic film. Bursting onto the stage at The Cripps Hall Theatre, this high-energy show follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn as he turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band. Featuring an incredible live youth ensemble and enough power chords to raise the roof, this is a feel-good, family-friendly celebration of music, rebellion, and finding your true voice.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll classroom — book your tickets now and join the band!

VALENTINES BURLESQUE at The Black Diamond
2026-02-14 19:00 - 23:00 | Black Diamond Club, Lower Harding Street, Northampton, NN1 2JL, United Kingdom
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Glitterbug’s VALENTINES BURLESQUE at The Black Diamond

This Valentine’s Day, treat your special someone to a night of elegance, allure, and unforgettable entertainment at The Black Diamond.
Join us for an intimate evening featuring a tantalizing burlesque show that will captivate your senses.
Show only £20 per person
🍽 Dinner & Show Package: From £49.99 per person – includes a 2-course set menu meal (served from 5 PM – 7 PM) plus entry to the show.
OUR VALENTINE’S MENU
Appetisers
Crispy Deep Fried Calamari – served with basil mayo and lemon wedges
Brussel Pate – served with brioche, onion chutney, rocket and cherry tomatos
Mixed mediterranean vegetable grill (V/GF) – served with halloumi cheese
Vegan Chicken Strips (Vg) – served with salad and mexican salsa
Main Course
Grilled 8oz Ribeye Steak (GF) – served with fries and peppercorn sauce
Mixed Mushrooms Risotto (V/GF) – served with parmesan cheese and truffle oil
Pan Fried Salmon Fillet (GF) – served with crème fresh cucumber, dill salad and new potatoes
Butternut Squash and Lentil Vegan Wellington (Vg) – served with seasonal vegetables and tomato sauce

Northants Wedding Show, Franklin's Garden
2026-02-08 11:00 - 15:00 | cinch Stadium, Franklin's Garden, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG
FREE ENTRY! FREE PARKING!

With over 30 years experience of running wedding shows, we are excited to be back with the Northants Wedding Show and hope that you can join us.
There are around 40 exhibitors to see at this show, all local to this area with great reputations. You will also see some great wedding cars outside the entrance too!
The wedding show runs from 11am – 3pm and admission is free!
If you would like further information on this show or any other show, please feel free to contact us on 01908 305123 or email events@centralexhibitions.co.uk.

Jack Savage Lumora Exhibition
2026-01-30 18:00 - 22:00 | Northampton Town and County Club, 9 George Row, Northampton, NN1 1DF, United Kingdom
You are cordially invited to my solo exhibition at the Oak Room, Northampton Town and County Club.

Opening to the Public:Friday, 30th January 2026, 6 pm – 10 pmSaturday, 31st January 2026, 2 pm – 8 pm

I am delighted to invite you to my solo exhibition, set within the enchanting surroundings of the historic Northampton Town and County Club.
As both a member of the Club and director of Lumina Arts Alliance CIC, this exhibition is a very special occasion for me.
Curated by the esteemed artists & gallerists Khari Worrell & Angelina Pretty, the show presents a series of works that reflect my artistic vision within a space steeped in over 250 years of heritage.
I warmly invite you to come and experience the unique atmosphere of the Oak Room and the art it will hold. I very much look forward to welcoming you.

The Number One Gary Barlow Tribute Act
2026-01-23 18:00 - 23:30 | Towcestrians Sports Club, Greens Norton Road, Towcester, NN12 8AW, United Kingdom
Dan Hadfield delivers a polished tribute to Gary Barlow, performing Take That classics and solo hits with spot-on vocals and warm stage presence. A nostalgic, crowd-pleasing show celebrating one of Britain’s best-loved songwriters.
Friday 23rd January 2026
Doors 6pm | On yer bikes 11:30pm
Towcestrians Sports Club

Lifelines: The work of Sculptor Nicolas Moreton
2026-01-17 10:00 - 2026-03-22 16:00 | Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 4 - 6 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery presents a solo exhibition of the stone carving of Nicolas Moreton to the public. The artist has been described as a modern master of the medium of stone carving and his works are collected worldwide. He has exhibited extensively at venues such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Royal Academy and at Burghley House.
“His work is sensual, intimate and in many ways quite wondrous – a true labour of love. See it and you will be drawn into its magic like a magnet.”
The exhibition has two strands celebrating human life and the force of water.

Art Exhibition – Ian Murphy: The Light Within
2026-01-11 10:00 - 2026-02-13 16:00 | The Heseltine Gallery, Chenderit School, Archery Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, OX172QR, United Kingdom
Artist Ian Murphy travels internationally with his sketchbook, capturing the essence of places he discovers – places that exude the qualities of neglect and abandonment – in a way that shows the ‘beauty in imperfections.’ His paintings not only embody the history of the site but also symbolise the importance of how people exist within their communities.
The presence of a hidden light source is an important ingredient which gently manipulates the audience into wanting to ‘walk in’ to the painting, trying to follow an enticing journey through to the inner courtyard or through a partially obscured passageway. This exhibition will show recent work from visits to Venice and Asia, which will be for sale.
Artist talk Sunday 11th January at 2pm. The exhibition is open Sundays to Fridays 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The People's Chorus
2026-01-10 14:00 - 15:30 | The Lab, 95 - 97 Charles Street, Northampton, NN13BG, United Kingdom
Songs of Activism and Social Engagement for People of Conscience.
A monthly choir featuring songs from social issues of the past and present.
Every second Saturday
2 – 3.30pm at The Lab, Northampton.

A Ghost Story at the Royal & Derngate
2026-01-08 19:00 - 2026-01-17 19:00 | Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Winner of BEST NEW PLAY at the WhatsOnStage Awards, this supernatural thriller stars James Bye (Eastenders), Natalie Casey (2 Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps), Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks) and Shvorne Marks (Three Little Birds).
Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny & The Battersea Poltergeist, 2:22 A Ghost Story comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with a host of acclaimed star performances. It’s a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear… What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?
“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME”
Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they’ll know.

A Unique ODDS & SODS Art Exhibition and Sale at Rooftop Arts Centre Corby
2026-01-07 11:00 - 2026-01-30 16:00 | Rooftop Arts Centre, 27 New Post Office Square, Corby, NN171PB, United Kingdom
A Unique ODDS & SODS Art Exhibition and Sale at ROOFTOP Arts Centre, Corby.
If you are looking for an affordable piece of original art work look no further.
Rooftop Arts are hosting an exciting vibrant collection of art work created by local artists,
including acrylic and oil paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics and more.
Discover the extraordinary ” ODDS & SODS” exhibition in the heart of Northamptonshire, at the ROOFTOP Arts Centre in Corby.
Why Visit the “ODDS & SODS” Exhibition?

Inspiring Artworks: Admire unique and imaginative pieces that combine various artistic techniques and styles.
Affordable original pieces of work created by our Rooftop artists and students.
Over 50 pieces of creative works that will inspire and delight,

Practical Information:

Exhibition Dates: Wednesday, January 7th – 30th
Location: ROOFTOP Arts Centre, Corby

Silverstone's Lap of Lights
2025-12-12 19:00 - 2026-01-03 23:00 | Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN, United Kingdom
This winter, Silverstone’s Lap of Lights returns by popular demand, transforming the home of British motorsport into a glittering festive wonderland. Bigger, brighter, and even more breathtaking, the world-famous Grand Prix circuit becomes a spectacular celebration of speed, light, and seasonal spirit.
Drive your own car around the legendary track, guided by a dazzling trail featuring ten immersive light installations, 35 lasers, and over 7,000 LED panels, an electrifying festive experience that merges motorsport heritage with Christmas magic.
After your lap, continue the adventure with a glide around the Ice Trak rink, weaving through the iconic F1 garages before heading to Silverstone’s festive food and drink garage. Here, guests can savour yuletide favourites such as German sausages and mince pies, warm up with mulled wine and hot chocolate and sample mouth-watering sweet treats, the perfect way to round off your Lap of Lights experience.
New for this year, Santa’s Garage in partnership with LEGO, offers a truly magical experience for younger visitors. Step inside Father Christmas’s high-octane workshop to see an exclusive LEGO F1 car and trophy, get up close to real F1 cars and meet Santa and his team of mischievous elf technicians as they prepare his sleigh. It’s a festive pit stop that combines the magic of Christmas with the thrill of motorsport, creating memories to treasure.
And for those looking to tick off their Christmas list, Lap of Lights also offers the perfect opportunity to shop Silverstone’s official merchandise, ideal for finding unique stocking fillers and gifts for motorsport fans of all ages.
Perfect for families, friends, and racing enthusiasts alike, Lap of Lights offers an unforgettable journey through themed zones that react and shimmer as your car passes by, all to the upbeat soundtrack of ELF FM, blending racing-inspired beats with Christmas classics.
Route highlights include:

Glittering Gateway through the iconic Copse Corner
Sledspeed Straight charging through Maggots and Becketts
Fastest Lapland finale down the legendary Hamilton Straight

Race towards Christmas this winter with Lap of Lights at Silverstone, where festive wonder meets motorsport magic.
Spaces are filling fast for this unmissable festive drive-through spectacular. Bring your family or a car full of friends – one ticket covers everyone. Secure your place from just £50 per car.
Tickets for Santa’s Garage are now on sale and selling fast! Book early to secure your slot, prices start from £18.
Top up your Lap of Lights experience with an unforgettable skating session at the Ice Trak. Prices start from £8.45 per person.

Dickens of a Christmas in Olney
2025-12-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Olney, Market Place, Olney, MK464BA, United Kingdom
Dickens of a Christmas
The first Sunday in December: Sunday 7th December

Usually held on the first Sunday in December from 10:00am until 4:00pm, Dickens of a Christmas brings a taste of Victorian England to Olney.
This very popular event attracts many visitors to enjoy the sense of days gone by. Stall holders dress in costume of the era, selling all manner of merchandise, at the Market Place, offering many opportunities to purchase Christmas presents as well as supporting local charities.
Craft fairs can be found in The Olney Centre run by the Olney Lions Club, and in the Carlton House Club.
Enjoy the old fashioned fair, street organ, street entertainers, singers and the Olney Brass Band.
A park and ride service is available from the Yardley Road Industrial Estate.

A Christmas Celebration by the Northampton Male Voice Choir
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | St. Giles Church, St. Giles Terrace, Northampton, NN1 2BN, United Kingdom
A Christmas Celebration directed by Stephen Bell
7pm Saturday 6th December in St. Giles Church Northampton
A celebration of the season with the Northampton Male Voice Choir
Adults £14 Under 16s £12 Under 11s Free
Tickets from Ticketsource.co.uk/nmvc

Kelmarsh Christmas Fair
2025-11-29 11:00 - 2025-11-30 15:00 | Kelmarsh, Main Road,, Northampton, NN6 9LY, United Kingdom
Kelmarsh Christmas Fair
Saturday 29th November 2025
SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER I 11AM – 3PM
Step into the spirit of the season at the Kelmarsh Hall Christmas Fair, set within the beautifully decorated rooms of our historic country house. Browse a hand-picked selection of artisan stalls offering unique gifts, festive decorations, local produce, crafts, and seasonal treats – perfect for finding those special Christmas presents. Enjoy the season as you explore Kelmarsh dressed in its festive finest. Warm up with mulled wine and mince pies, and take in the joyful atmosphere with live music and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
What to expect:
A variety of artisan and independent stallholders
Seasonal food and drink, including mulled wine and hot food stalls
Festive music and entertainment
Access to the decorated Hall and a Victorian Christmas in the basement
Bring friends and family for a magical day out in the countryside, and start your Christmas season in style.

Christmas Lights Switch On Northampton 2025
2025-11-22 12:00 - 18:00 | Market Square, Northampton, United Kingdom
Enjoy a stocking-stuffed line up of free festive fun as we begin the countdown to Christmas! Northampton’s Annual Christmas Lights Switch On returns to the Market Square with a packed schedule of live stage entertainment, community stalls, festive workshops and activities, celebrating the most magical time of year.
Activities & Workshops 12 – 6pm

The Night Before Christmas crafts and storytelling on a Northampton Heritage Bus, plus the ‘Christmas Mae Mouse’ Trail with The Wild Tribe
Face painting
Balloonist Elves
Lemonpop Christmas Community Canvas
Alfie the Elf Make & Take Crafts
Silent Christmas Disco including SEND session – BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT EVENTBRITE
Winter Wonderland Stilt Walkers
The Northampton Rotary Club Santa Sleigh
Gift and Craft stalls
Festive Bar by VandB Northampton
Live stage entertainment hosted by John Griff from 12pm

12.15pm Dholvibes Drummers
12.40pm Break Dancing Elves
12.45pm Choir performance
1.45pm Break Dancing Elves
2pm The Starlight Sisters Vintage Vocal Trio
3pm Nene Valley Community Band
3.50pm Break Dancing Elves
4pm Northampton College Performance
4.15pm Royal & Derngate Peter Pan Panto – meet the cast
4.30pm The Deco Panto Beauty & the Beast preview
4.55pm Switch on countdown!
Don’t miss the big switch on at 5pm, with The Mayor of Northampton Cllr Jane Birch, Father Christmas and some very special guests!
5.15-6pm The evening will be topped off by The Funk Odyssey Party Band, playing soul and disco classics from across the decades!
The switch on will illuminate trees on the Market Square, All Saints’ Church Piazza, Guildhall Square, Abington Square and at Becket’s Park, along with lights throughout the town. The town council has invested in new Christmas lighting schemes for the town centre and the Wellingborough Road. We hope residents and visitors enjoy the festive atmosphere as we continue to improve and evolve the lighting over the next couple of years.

Delapre Winter Light Trail
2025-11-22 08:00 - 2025-12-31 17:00 | Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW, United Kingdom
Event Details

Fri 22nd November – Tue 31st December
Step into an enchanting new illuminated light trail at Delapré Abbey this winter!
Discover an array of breath-taking light installations whilst wandering through sparkling tree lines, tunnels of light, soundscapes and larger than life illuminations throughout the grounds.

TICKET PRICES

Child: 3-15 | Adult: 16-59 | Senior: 60+
Family: 2 adults + 2 children

Child tickets from £12.50
Adult tickets from £17
Senior tickets from £12.50
Family tickets from £50
FREE infant (0-2) tickets must be added to your order during booking.
SeeTickets booking fees apply.

Biosphere at GenFest
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00
Olivia Foan’s BIOSPHERE is a new play about our relationship to nature, technology and the planet we call home. BIOSPHERE will premiere in Foan’s hometown of Northampton as part of Royal & Derngate’s GenFest, their annual festival of new writing, on Friday November 21 at 7 PM.
Playwright Olivia Foan was inspired by the infamous 1991 ‘Biosphere 2’ experiment, in which eight crew members were sealed inside a vast Arizona biodome. The real-life mission, intended as a prototype for establishing life on other planets, slowly descended into disaster when the crew’s survival was threatened by the instability of their ecosystems, and their own relationships.
Foan’s new play imagines what such an experiment would look like today. BIOSPHERE is an exploration of our fraught relationship with nature and technology in the age of climate change, asking vital questions about who holds the power to decide the future of our planet.
BIOSPHERE is produced by Part of the Main, a London-based theatre company creating work that is political, provocative, and accessible. It is directed by Part of the Main’s Artistic Director, Olivia Munk, and is funded by Arts Council England. This performance will be made accessible to blind and visually impaired patrons through audio description.

GenFest 2025: MotherHood – by Claire Nelson
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
A woman opens the door at two in the morning and tries to hang on to normal. Lisa doesn’t have the right words or know what questions to ask in this new world of crime and law. So, what happens when doing the right thing isn’t the right thing anymore? This solo show explores the world of knife crime from a fresh perspective as a woman is forced to confront the unfamiliar world her son has collided with and compromise on what she thinks she believes in.

Lot of legal stuff being said that I don’t even get and they ask if I’m an appropriate adult. Well yeah… I’m his mum?’Throughout all this, however, Lisa maintains a lively down-to-earth approach to life and the play aims to find humour in the most random moments as well as showing the impact on a mother trying to hold it all together.Based on real events and lived experience, this story is told with an original soundscape created by In-Spire Sounds and the voices of young people who have developed music with them through the ‘Inspiring Change Through Music’ project.MotherHood is the state of being a mother, but what if you’re a mother in a state?

Theatre: Lovett at GenFest, Royal & Derngate
2025-11-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
“Where was God when Mrs Lovette needed him?”
Newly-widowed Mrs Lovett needs to find a way to survive. Using skills learned from a whaler father, a courtesan mother and a butcher husband, Eleanor “recalibrates” her life – and her relationship with God.
An original story set before her infamous partnership with Sweeney Todd, we discover what would later lead her to turn pie-maker.
You may think you already know Mrs. Lovett, but this new play explores what made her: the brutal choices and disappointments of a life in poverty. When the difference is life or death, morality becomes a moveable feast – and
Eleanor is getting hungry…
BoonDog Theatre is a multi award-winning collaborative theatre company based in the Midlands, creating exciting new stories for the stage.
A core team of Creative Director Lucy Roslyn and Productions Director Jamie Firth focus on making intimate, character driven pieces working with a team of collaborators from various disciplines to bring them to the stage, telling stories that start conversations that last long beyond the audience leaving the theatre.
Their work is almost always darkly comic, always aims for the heart, and what they describe as “covertly political”. Their work is led with a passion for detailed research when it comes to historical or psychological elements. BoonDog Theatre are proud to be Associate Artists of Royal & Derngate, Northampton.

GenFest 2025 Artist Development Festival, Royal & Derngate
2025-11-16 17:00 - 2025-11-22 17:00 | Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Sunday, 16th – Saturday, 22nd November
GenFest 2025 – Artist Development Festival at The Royal & Derngate Theatre
Details: An annual festival celebrating new work and supporting freelance artists. Highlights include:

Launch Event: Sunday, 16th November, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Student Take Over: Monday, 17th November, 7:00 PM
Lovett: Tuesday, 18th November, 7:30 PM
Red Rosa: Thursday, 20th November, 7:00 PM
The Investigations: Tuesday, 18th November, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Disparate Harmony: Tuesday, 18th November, 6:00 PM
Writing Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely: Sunday, 16th November, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
In Good Company Advice Surgeries: Tuesday, 18th November, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Festival Passes: Various packages available, including student and general passes.
Royal & Derngate

Winter Wonderland Fundraising Event for Northamptonshire MIND
2025-11-15 15:00 - 19:00 | The Elgar Centre, 1 High Street, Upton, NN5 4EN, United Kingdom
🎅 Christmas Fundraising and shopping event in aid of Northamptonshire Mind 🎄
📅 Saturday 15th November
🕒 3pm – 7pm
📍 The Elgar Centre Upton NN5 4EN
🔽 Event Highlights 🔽
🎶 Free live music from Rock Choir Northamptonshire (at 3:30pm & 4:30pm)
🎅 Santa’s Grotto
🛍️ Over 30 local crafters
🎨 Face painting and glitter tattoos
☕ Hot drinks and cakes
🍔 Pizzas burgers and fish and chip vans
🚗 Free Parking and accessible access
💚 Support a Cause That Matters:
All proceeds benefit Northamptonshire Mind an independent charity dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Come for the magic stay for the cause! ✨

Laxton Artisan Fair
2025-11-15 11:00 - 2025-11-16 17:00 | Laxton Village Hall, High Street, Laxton, NG22 0NX
In the small hamlet of Laxton Village there is a busy creative community of artists and makers who gather every year with local friends to host a small fair in our village hall.

This year we welcome all visitors on November 15th and 16th from 11am until 5pm with tea, coffee and cakes available. With a curated handmade collection from local artists and makers which includes pottery, paintings, prints, jewellery, wooden items for the home , vintage garden items as well as fragrant products for the body and home.

Taking part are:

Artist and printmaker Claire Morris-Wright from Laxton
www.Clairemorris-wright.com

Silversmith and jewellery maker, Sarah Steele from Drayton
Instagram – Sarah_steels_silver

Priddy Essentials from Uppingham – creators of an eclectic range of perfumes, candles, creams etc all handmade and beautifully packaged.
www.Priddyessentials.com

Liza Jowsey from Leicester- printmaker and artist – Royal Academy 2025 artist
Instagram – Lizaleejowseyartist

Lynne Taylor from Laxton – artist/ceramicist – handmade objects of use from her Laxton studio
Instagram – lynnetaylorstudios

Judy Roberts from Uppingham – antiques and collectables
Selling an interesting range of finds from her time living in France

Flavell trading from Bringhurst – handmade original / individual items for the home
www.Flavelltrading.com
