| August 2024 |
| Our monthly highlights |
| Personal Appearance by JJ Adams at Bloom Fine Art |
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| Bloom Fine Art are delighted to announce that the celebrated UK artist JJ Adams will be making a special appearance on 7 September. From 12pm to 3pm, art enthusiasts and fans alike will have the unique opportunity to meet JJ Adams in person.JJ Adams has garnered a stellar reputation for his distinctive fusion of pop art and contemporary styles. His vibrant and dynamic pieces are known for featuring familiar pop culture icons and imagery, presented with a fresh and often provocative twist. This is a fantastic chance to experience his work up close and gain insight into his creative process.Whether you’re a long-time admirer of JJ Adams or new to his captivating art, this event promises to be an inspiring and memorable afternoon. Bloom Fine Art look forward to welcoming you for what is sure to be a highlight of the art calendar! |
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| Get Fun & Creative with Polymer Clay |
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| Hang out with fellow polymer clay enthusiasts in Towcester for a fun and creative meet-up! A fun-filled day of creativity at The Sawpits Centre! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone who loves working with polymer clay. Meet fellow clay enthusiasts, swap tips and tricks, and get inspired by others’ creations. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your skills in a welcoming environment.The British Polymer Clay Guild is delighted to host international artist, Ginger Davis-Allman of The Blue Bottle Tree from the USA on her UK Tour.Get details and your free entry tickets:Time & Location11am to 3pm, Saturday 10th August at The Towcester Sawpits Centre, Richmond Road, Towcester NN12 6EX |
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| Summer reading challenge for kids |
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| Children are being urged to fire up their imaginations by taking part in this year’s ‘Marvellous Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge.Taking place at all of our libraries in West Northamptonshire, the event encourages children aged 4-11 to explore new books and stories as well as take part in free activities, from arts and crafts to music, dance, and more.Young artists aged 5-12 are also invited to enter an art competition for a chance to win prizes and see their work on display. |
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| August’s event listings |
| Now Open for entries |
| Northampton Film Festival Do you have a short or feature length film you’d love to see on the big screen locally? NFF 2025 is now open for entries, accepting short films up to 20 minutes in length, or feature films, ready for the festival in March.Films can be drama, documentaries, creative commercials, art films, music videos or non-traditional films – there’s categories which suit all film types including categories for young and new filmmakers, and they love a film with a link to Northamptonshire.Please see https://filmfreeway.com/NorthamptonFilmFestivalUK for rules and how to submit. |
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| Throughout August @ WNC libraries |
| Musical play – A Home for Harmony will visit libraries in West Northamptonshire this August as part of its Summer 2024 Tour.Written by Renata Allen and produced by the People’s Theatre Collective, the play is created specifically for young children and uses engaging music to inspire emotional resilience and confidence, ensuring families can enjoy the performance while recognising its valuable messages.The play follows the touching story of Sam, a disabled person, and their loyal assistance dog, Bouncer, whose home is disrupted when a stray cat named Harmony appears on their doorstep and is welcomed into their family.The play is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring accessible elements for audiences with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including sensory and musical components, Makaton sign language, and non-verbal storytelling to ensure that every child can enjoy and engage with the performance.For more information and to see the full list of tour dates and venues, visit the People’s Theatre Collective’s website. To find your local library and see a list of events, visit the WNC Libraries webpage. |
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| Saturday 3 August |
| Walgrave Village Hall – VIVA FIESTA Fun DayGet ready for an action-packed day of excitement and joy at the Walgave Viva Fiesta Fun Day! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a spectacular array of activities including:Bouncy Castle: Jump and play to your heart’s content! Face Painting: Transform into your favourite characters. Arts and Crafts: Unleash your creativity with fun projects. Live Entertainment: Enjoy thrilling performances and music. Zorbs: Roll around in giant inflatable balls! Delicious Food: Savor mouth-watering treats.Animal Encounters: Meet and greet adorable animals.Time & LocationFree Entry, 12pm to 5pm, Walgrave Village Hall and Field, 1 Newland Road, Northampton, NN6 9PZ |
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| Tuesday 6 August |
| Summer Storytelling at Brixworth Country ParkAn unforgettable story telling experience, brought to you by the BB Society and Big Bubble Theatre Company. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of BB’s beloved children’s books, “The Little Grey Men” and “The Badgers of Bearshanks”. Big Bubble Theatre Company will bring the magic of the natural world to life, using captivating story telling!This event is Suitable for primary ages and features Immersive storytelling, Hosted by actors in character, Fun and enchanting trail, offering an interactive experience.Time & Location 10.30am to 12.30pm @ Brixworth Country Park, Northampton Road, Brixworth, NN6 9DGFree event (just the cost of parking) |
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| Thursday 8 August |
| Mikron Theatre Company – Common Ground: ‘Rambling and our rights of way’Join Mikron Theatre Company on a ‘hill-arious’ ramble through the history of land access in England. From ze Norman Conquest to loitering in lockdown, via The Mass Trespass at Kinder Scout. The Pendale and District Ramblers are looking forward to celebrating ‘in stile’ on their 50th anniversary walk, but the path has been blocked by the landowner. How will they find their way through? Their quest for freedom and fresh air won’t be easy, as they navigate bulls, beavers, and wandering sheep. Grab your boots and waterproof for a meander with Mikron on a hike through history.Time & Location Brightwell Recreation Ground off Church Street, Byfield, Daventry, 7pm |
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| Friday 9 to 10 August |
| Chacombe Village Hall – Summer Abstract Art WorkshopCaroline Chappell is inviting anyone over the age of 16 to make abstract paintings and collages with her.Take along your own equipment or borrow Caroline’s if you choose. All papers will be supplied, although for the collage you might want to take your own personal papers and your own canvas for the final piece.Take along a table cover, PVA glue and your own coffee cup. Light refreshments will be supplied.The workshop takes place over two days the 9 to 10 August 10.30am to 3.30pm and costs £150To book your space and find out more contact: carolinetchappell@googlemail.com/07902813527 |
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| Tuesday 13 August |
| Rita Ranger Interactive family show – Brixworth Country Park Join Ranger Rita for a 30 minute fun, fact-filled interactive show for all the family. The audience helps Ranger Rita with the animals she meets, including Owl, Otter, Spider, Heron and Bat. You’ll be jumping up and down like a frog, standing on one leg like a heron and practising echolocation like a bat! Will you help Ranger Rita protect and preserve our nature reserves?Event highlights: Suitable for all the family Hosted by actors in character Interactive experience Free event (just the cost of parking)Time & LocationShow times: 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pmLocation: Brixworth Country Park, Northampton Road, Brixworth, NN6 9DG |
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| Friday 16 to 18 August |
| Northampton Racecourse – Northampton Balloon Festival The annual Northampton Balloon Festival promises to be a spectacular event filled with excitement and fun for the whole family. Experience the breath-taking sight of colourful balloons filling the sky, creating a mesmerising display you won’t want to miss.But that’s not all – the festival offers a wide range of attractions to enjoy. Delightin the variety of inflatable attractions, perfect for kids and adults alike. Savour delicious festival food from an array of vendors, offering everything from classic fair treats to gourmet delights. Quench your thirst at the well-stocked bars, providing a selection of refreshing beverages. Birds of prey displays and so much more. A day not to be missed.Open from 12pm to 10.30pm each day. Location: Northampton Racecourse, Northampton, NN2 6JA |
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| Sunday 26 August |
| Everdon Village Green – Everdon Grand Fete A premier village fete in the south Northamptonshire area. With activities for all ages, people return time and again to picturesque Everdon to enjoy the August Bank Holiday.For five decades, the Everdon Village Fete has been a celebration of unity, bringing together residents and visitors alike in a vibrant tapestry of stalls, games, and performances. From the laughter of children partaking in sack races to the melodies of local musicians filling the air, each year has woven new threads into the rich fabric of our shared history.The main event kicks of at 2pm on the Village Green on the August Bank Holiday Monday. Daventry NN11 3BL |
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| Coming up at Lamport Hall |
| Lamport Hall – Upcoming Events 25th – 26th August – Antiques and Collectors Fair 31st August – 29th September, Wed – Sun, Northants and Rutland Open Studios Central Exhibition 13th September – Oxford University Dramatics Society Taming of the Shrew 14th September – Heritage Open Days Victorian day 22nd September – Cycle for Cynthia Check the Lamport Hall website for further event information |
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| Looking ahead – September |
| Northants & Rutland Open Studios (NROS) Its bigger than ever! |
| This flagship event is the Northants and Rutland Open Studios Visual Arts Festival, renowned as the largest of its kind within the region. Held every September, this festival turns the spotlight onto the artists and their creative process.This event showcases the talent of over 220 artists across 116 venues throughout Northamptonshire.Be amazed by the wide variety of media on display. There really is something for every visitor.Download the brochure of events |
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| Monday 2 September |
| Cordell Garfield – Portrait Painting Demonstration in Oils Cordell Garfield is a Northampton-based oil painter and tutor employing classical techniques in oils with a contemporary feel. Specialising in portraits, figurative works and landscapes he draws inspiration from life drawing, sketches and photography.The demonstration is the first of its kind for Scribble Studio, and offers attendees a unique opportunity to watch and listen as Cordell demonstrates how he creates a portrait painting.Time & Location The Scribble Studio Church Street, Rushden Northants NN10 9YT, 6.30pm to 9pm. The cost is £7Book the course |
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| Saturday 7 September |
| Towcester Town Hall – Towcester Handmade Fayre Towcester Handmade Fayre is the place to buy handmade gifts and original artwork, sold directly by the artists and designers who created them.This handmade fayre offers a vibrant, community-centered vibe that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and the joy of handmade goods.Time & Location 07 Sept 2024, 9.30am to 4pm, Free EntryTowcester, Town Hall, Towcester NN12 6BS, UK |
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| Sunday 8 September |
| Northampton Music Festival 2024Taking place in Northampton town centre on 8 September.A free entry event, featuring a whole genre of music from rock to opera.Keep checking the website for further details! |
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| Sunday 8 September to Sunday 20 October |
| The Heseltine Gallery – Found in the Fields An exhibition of original prints and paintings by Carry Akroyd. Celebrating nature, landscapes and connections with the poetry of John ClareSundays to Fridays, 10am to 4pm, admission is free |
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| Tuesday 10 September |
| Yardley Arts – Introduction to watercolour techniquesOn this six-week course with artist Samantha Brockway you will learn the basics of painting in watercolour and pick up tips and tricks to help you tackle your watercolour painting with confidence.Times & LocationTuesday, 10 September – Tuesday 15 October, 10.00am – 12.30am Yardley Arts, The Old School Hall, The Square, Yardley Hastings, Northampton, NN7 1EU |
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| Wednesday 11 September |
| Yardley Arts – Linocut cut Printing In this series of 3 workshops, you will be learning multi block method. Over 3 Wednesdays, you will be creating your own colourful (3-4 colours) linocuts using 3 separate vinyl blocks.Times & LocationWednesday 11 September to Wednesday 25 September, 10.15am to 2pmYardley Arts, The Old School Hall, The Square, Yardley Hastings, Northampton, NN7 1EU |
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| Friday 13 September |
| Music at Fawsley Hall Part of Fiori Musicali’s summer series 2024 – Elemental Music Fire, Water, Air and Earth. 2024 is the 250th anniversary of Priestley’s discovery of oxygen – the breath of life on earth. This significant anniversary inspires Fiori to create four programmes built around the ancient elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water, as we reflect on the vital necessity of sustaining our beautiful world.the fruits of the EarthHarvest time and the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ inspire Fiori to perform opulent music from Telemann’s ‘Tafelmusik’, while the contemplation of mother earth suggests a cornucopia of pieces built over a ‘ground’ bass, including Telemann’s haunting Paris quartet in E minor with its powerful concluding chaconne and excerpts from JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations.Telemann – Paris Quartet in E minor E Jacquet de la Guerre – Sonata for oboe and violin in G minor Morel – Chaconne in G minor JS Bach – excerpts from Goldberg Variations Telemann – Tafelmusik in G majorEva Caballero flute, Gail Hennessy oboe, Kerstin Linder Dewan violin, Poppy Walshaw cello, Penelope Rapson director/harpsichord Time & LocationSt Mary the Virgin Church, Fawsley, Northamptonshire, NN11 3BA Friday 13 September at 6pmBook your tickets |
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| Sunday 15 September |
| Northampton’s History and Heritage Half MarathonRun or cheer but do not miss out on the second edition of the Amazing Northampton Run! Take on a tour of everything great in Northampton with a route in the shape of a shoe!Be one of thousands to experiencing the 13.1 mile closed-road half marathon route through beautiful parks, along the riverside, past great sporting venues and amazing architecture. The date for your diary is the 15 September 2024.Book your place |
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| SAVE THE DATE |
| Saturday 7 September |
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| WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE TO HOST 2024 LLOYDS BANK TOUR OF BRITAIN MEN’S STAGEWest Northamptonshire will welcome Britain’s biggest professional cycle this September, as Northampton plays host to the start and finish of the penultimate stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men on Saturday 7 September.Northampton is no stranger to professional cycling, having held women’s Tours of Britain in 2014 and 2016, but this will mark the first occasion that the men’s event has come to Northamptonshire.After starting in Northampton town centre, the stage will take in a route through West Northamptonshire of around 150 kilometres (93 miles), before heading back to the finish line in Northampton.Follow the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram |
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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: |
| Northamptonshire Britain’s Best SurpriseDiscover NorthamptonExplore West Northamptonshire appDiscover NorthamptonshireArts and culture linksWNC Libraries & Events |
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| Funding and advice |
| Useful links for arts and culture funding bodies |
| The following websites offer a range of information about the funding support available to local groups and organisations:South Northants Volunteer BureauNorthamptonshire Community FoundationArts Council EnglandThe Performing Rights Society FoundationCreative LivesThe Culture, Health and Wellbeing AllianceCampaign for the Arts |
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