Arts & Culture News Oct’24
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Market’s grand re-opening |
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October 2024|
West Northamptonshire is gearing up for an unforgettable weekend as the newly revitalised and reimagined Northampton Market Square prepares to reopen with a spectacular celebration on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October. The two-day event promises to be a vibrant display of community spirit, culture, and live entertainment, with tribute act the Magic of ABBA and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalists Northants Sings Out headlining. BBC Introducing and Northampton Music Festival will also provide music and entertainment throughout both days, bringing some of the best emerging talent from across the country to the main stage.
Hosted by West Northamptonshire Council and supported by Northampton Forward, Northampton BID and Northampton Town Council, the grand opening will also feature a host of family-friendly activities, from creative musical performances and cultural displays to historic exhibitions and mouth-watering food and drink from local vendors. It’s also a great opportunity to explore all the fantastic goods and services the Market has to offer. |
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Ghostly Opera in Brackley |
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A charity performance for the Brackley Town Mayor’s charities, featuring the premiere of a new opera by Nick Planas. Based on Charles Dickens’ ghost story The Signal-man, this performance involves professional singers from Opera Anywhere, supported by the Brackley Student Orchestra. The charity performance also features extracts from Ravel’s ballet “Mother Goose” and other short works. Music by Nick Planas & Directed by Katie Blackwell.
Total running time 2 hours including interval.
Tickets £22 (Concessions £20) Students & Children 18 and under £9.00. Tickets available from TicketSource
Time & Venue Friday 25th October 7.30pm. Egerton Hall, Juno Crecent, Brackley, NN13 6GN |
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Showcase for Northants Artists |
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As part of the Northants and Rutland Open Studios Festival, eight Northamptonshire artists Emma Lindsay, Marisa Vanschuyver, Hilary Grayson, Cordell Garfield, Lisa Deighan, Sally Pennycate, Serena Durgheu and Carol Bullen will exhibit their diverse works at Abington Park Museum. This exhibition, featuring paintings in various mediums, is part of a larger event showcasing over 300 artists across the county.
This must-see show covers mixed media, oils, collage, batik silk and acrylic paintings, all for sale.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 7th September to 3rd November 2024. Opening times are Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. Admission is free.
Venue: Abington Park Museum, Park Avenue South, Northampton, NN1 5LW |
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Coldplay by Candlelight |
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Experience the magic of a Candlelight concert in Northampton! These unique events blend live music with a multi-sensory atmosphere, set in awe-inspiring locations. Don’t miss the chance to hear the timeless music of Coldplay at The Orangery at Delapre Abbey, all under the soft, enchanting glow of candlelight. It’s a truly unforgettable way to immerse yourself in music. Secure your tickets today to be part of this captivating experience.
The Candlelight concert at The Orangery offers a 60-minute performance, with doors opening 45 minutes prior. Please note, late entry is not allowed. The event is open to all ages 8 and above, though those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. |
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Saturday 5th October |
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Cordell Garfield Landscape Painting in Oils One Day Workshop This one day workshop is an ideal introduction to landscape painting in oils, suitable for beginners and improvers. Working from a reference photo provided and a step-by-step process, a landscape painting will be produced with attention to perspective, tonal values, colour mixing and application of colours.
Time & Venue 10am to 4pm, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery 5 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP, Cost £65
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Sunday 6 October |
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Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens – Autumn Walk & Artisan Fair Visitors are invited to a delightful Autumn Walk and Artisan Fair at Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens on Sunday, 6th October 2024, from 11am to 3pm. Browse a variety of unique artisan stalls featuring handmade crafts, artwork, homeware, candles, jewellery, and much more. There will be plenty of hot food stalls, and Sweet Peas Tearoom will be serving hot drinks to take along as guests explore the grounds.
Stroll through the stunning historic gardens, woodlands, and lakeside walks, and don’t forget to check out the magical fairy walk—where they can see if they can spot any hidden fairies! Entry is £10 per car (cash only), and dogs are more than welcome to join in the fun.
Location: Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens, Kelmarsh, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN6 9LY |
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Until 13 October |
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Northampton Museum & Art Gallery – Abstract Art A celebration of the 20th century paintings prints and sculptures in the gallery’s collection that all share an abstraction of form, from large oil on canvas paintings to angular metal sculptures.
This exhibition is a presentation of this central stream of modern art production, investigating abstract art’s unique voice, freedom of expression and artistic origins.
Free admission, opening hours Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP |
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Friday 18 & 19 October |
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Delapre Abbey – Oktoberfest Northampton
The fun doesn’t stop there—dance the night away with DJ’s and entertainers who’ll keep the energy high all evening. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event! Prost!
Time & Location GENERAL ADMISSION – 19.50 (plus £1.95 booking fee) VIP TABLE – from 35pp (plus £3.50 booking fee) Secure your tickets
Venue: Delapre Abbey, London Rd, Northampton NN4 8AW |
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Saturday 19 October |
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Flore Art Events – Budapest Café Orchestra A return visit from a group who have previously thrilled with varied and lively music inspired by the Eastern European gypsy tradition. Led by award-winning British composer, violinist and teacher Christian Garrick since 2009, this electrifying 4-piece group play gypsy and folk-flavoured music from all around the world. You can expect traditional Balkan, Russian, Hungarian and Romanian melodies delivered in BCO’s own fresh and surprising way, not to mention jazz overtones and the group’s own unique arrangements. Tickets: £20 (£10 for under 18s). Call Rosemary Read (between 9am and 6pm) on 01327 341026.
Time & Venue 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). All Saints Church, 2 The Avenue, Flore, Northampton NN7 4LX |
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Saturday 19 October |
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Cordell Garfield Introduction to Portrait Painting in Oils One Day Workshop This one day workshop is an ideal introduction to portrait painting in oils, suitable for beginners and improvers. Following a step-by-step process and working from a reference photo, a portrait will be created with attention to the proportions of the face and tonal values.
Time & Venue 10am to 4pm, Yardley Arts Centre The Old School Hall, The Square, Yardley Hastings Northants NN7 1EU, £65 if bringing your own materials / £75 materials supplied by tutor
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Sunday 20 & 29 October |
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Overstone Grange Farm – Pumpkin Patch & so much more… This year there is the biggest and best selection of pumpkins and squash ever, with over 75 unique varieties! From giant whoppers to adorable miniatures, you’ll find pumpkins in every shape, size, and color—perfect for picking. But there’s more than just pumpkins! The play patch is packed with fun activities, from sandpits to giant games, and new features like the builder’s yard and mini maize maze. Capture memories with photo spots around othe spooky scenes, and don’t miss the pumpkin cannon for some added fun!
Tickets are now available — plan your visit and enjoy a fun-filled day for all ages! Visit this Northamptonshire family run farm online for all their seasonal events. Open Weekends in October, Open Everyday from 20th – 29th October to pick your own pumpkin.
Time & Venue 10am to 5pm, Kettering Rd, Moulton, Northampton NN3 7XA |
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Monday 21 to 29 October |
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Abington Park Museum – Trick or Treat Trail
During opening hours. Trail costs £2
Venue: Park Ave South, Northampton NN1 5LW |
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Friday 25 October |
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Lamport Hall – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Maria Linares piano recital A special solo piano recital by the talented Maria Linares will be held at Lamport Hall on Friday, 25th October. Known for her emotive performances and technical mastery, Maria has captivated audiences worldwide.
The event follows a Pay What You Can model—reserve your ticket for just £1, and you can choose to make an optional donation online or in cash on the night. There’s no obligation to pay more than the £1 booking fee. If you’re unable to attend after booking, please contact Lamport Hall so they can release your ticket and provide a refund.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, with refreshments available for purchase. Maria will perform an hour-long set in the High Room. Keep an eye on the Lamport Hall’s website where the the program will be announced soon. |
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Saturday 26 October |
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Towcester Studio Band – ‘Legendary Brass’. Join Towcester Studio Band on Saturday 26th October for a seasonal concert of legendary music including the première of ‘The Legend of the Sword in the Stone’. An evening for all the family to enjoy. Tickets £10, 2 children go free with each adult ticket.
Time and Venue 7.30pm, Tove Valley Centre, Northampton Road, Towcester, NN12 7AH, Ample free parking.
Follow this link for Tickets
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Saturday 26 Oct to 3 November |
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Canons Ashby – Creepy Creatures Trail Get ready for a wild adventure on the Creepy Creature Trail! A guaranteed fun day out with the kids exploring the great outdoors while discovering amazing local wildlife that thrives in the colder months, from pumpkins and owls to bats and more.
It’s the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy fresh air and green spaces while learning about nature in a fun, hands-on way. Just don’t forget your wellies—you won’t want to be caught unprepared for this exciting autumn adventure!
10am – 3pm. No booking needed. Normal admission and £4 per trail. |
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Thursday 31 October |
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Brackley Horror House Calling all guys and ghouls! Get ready for a frightfully fun night as bring you the most spooktacular Halloween horror house in Brackley for their SEVENTH year!
Mark your calendars for October 31st and come join them at for an evening filled with thrills, chills, and ghoulish delights!
A FREE event In aid of Parkinson’s UK. Donations excepted on the day or beforehand by visiting the Brackley Horror House charity page.
What to expect: Trick or Treat: Bring your little ones to Brackley’s Best Trick or Treat house! Beware of surprises lurking around every corner! Entertainment: Live scare actors and imersive death room. Delicious Food and Beverages: Savor a variety of delectable delights, including Halloween-themed snacks and refreshing alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Cash AND card accepted.
Time & Venue 5pm Onwards, 50 Orion Drive, Brackley, NN13 6GD
Follow on facebook for further event information |
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Sunday 2 November |
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The Racecourse – Northampton’s Annual Fireworks Spectacular An unforgettable evening of entertainment starting at 4pm, featuring live music, a thrilling fire and pyro show, and fun fair rides for all ages. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at our catering village, offering a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. The excitement peaks with a spectacular fireworks display at 6pm.
Don’t miss the return of Northamptonshire’s rich history of The Gunpowder Plot, brought to life on the big screens for an immersive experience. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Follow Northampton Town Council on social media for all the latest event updates on Facebook and Instagram
Follow Northampton Town Councils webpage for more event information. |
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Saturday 9 November |
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Cordell Garfield Exploring Colour & Colour Theory One Day Workshop This one day workshop explores colour theory and the application of colour in art. The workshop is designed to help beginners and more experienced artists in understanding colour, and through practical studies students will understand how it can be used to improve their work.
Time & Venue 10am to 4pm, Yardley Arts Centre The Old School Hall, The Square, Yardley Hastings Northants NN7 1EU, £75 materials supplied by tutor
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Saturday 16 November |
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Towcester Library – Christmas Fayre Fun-filled action for the whole family! Enjoy exciting children’s activities, delicious refreshments, unique craft stalls, a tombola, and so much more from 10am to 2pm!
Location: The Forum, Moat Lane, Towcester, NN12 6AD |
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Saturday 16 November |
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Flore Arts Events – Folk Fiddle Evening Another return visit from a highly accomplished duo: Jenny Newman (fiddle) and Andy Glass (guitar). They will be supported by the massed ranks of The Big Fiddle Band. Jenny Newman’s versatile playing has been described as “traditional fiddling at its best…never less than stunning” and “a joy to listen to”, while under her direction the exciting Big Fiddle Band will bring us rousing ensemble performances of fiddle tunes from the British Isles and beyond. Tickets: £10 (£5 for under 18s). Call Rosemary Read (between 9am and 6pm) on 01327 341026.
Time & Venue |
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Friday 22 November |
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The Picturedrome – Pure Queen Pure Queen is an electrifying tribute to Queen and Freddie Mercury, led by Mark, who has captivated audiences with his breathtaking solo and duo performances. Honoring the legendary Freddie Mercury, whose untimely passing in 1991 left a lasting void in music, Mark has meticulously recreated Freddie’s stage charisma, earning him recognition as the top Freddie Mercury impersonator.
With a flamboyant production that celebrates Freddie’s timeless legacy, Mark brings years of professional entertainment experience, including appearances on BBC 1’s “Even Better Than The Real Thing.” His performances have rocked crowds of over 18,000, and his shows, “Stereo Queen” and “Pure Queen,” feature a stunning tribute to Queen’s iconic guitarist, Brian May.
Doors 8pm, this event is for strictly 18 years and over.
Venue: 222 Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4BN |
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Saturday 23 November |
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Cordell Garfield Introduction to Portrait Painting in Oils One Day Workshop This one day workshop is an ideal introduction to portrait painting in oils, suitable for beginners and improvers. Following a step-by-step process and working from a reference photo, a portrait will be created with attention to the proportions of the face and tonal values.
Time & Venue 10am to 4pm, Scribble Studio Church Street, Rushden Northants NN10 9YT, £65 if bringing your own materials / £75 materials supplied by tutor
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PLEASE NOTE: the information in these listings is current at the time of issue. Please check with the organisations before attending events |
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Useful websites for events and places to visit: |
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