Northamptonshire Tourist Guide - Articles
Northamptonshire Events 2011
Below is a list of the main Northamptonshire events for 2011. Whatever your interests, there is always plenty of things to do for all ages, including festivals, major sporting events, Open Air Theatre and special Christmas events.Northamptonshire is not just a holiday destination for the spring and summer, try a visit in the autumn and winter too - you will not be disappointed. Every year, the events in the county get better and better and bigger and bigger, so read on to find out what fantastic Northamptonshire events are scheduled for 2011.
Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
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JUNE 2011
Friday 10th June - Sunday 12th June
8th Literary Festival at Althorp House
Over the past seven years the Althorp Literary Festival has evolved into one of the unmissable events of the English summer. This will be the first time that the Festival will be held over not two, but three days.
Hearing famous authors in the setting of one of England’s best loved historic houses has proved to be a winning combination.
Althorp is not all about books. We also have included in the programme concerts, drama, and unusual tours of the 500 year-old house.
Friday 10th June– Sunday 12th June
AirAsia British Grand Prix - MotoGP
MotoGP is the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport and Silverstone is focusing its attentions on delivering another exhilarating AirAsia British Grand Prix on 10-12 June 2011. MotoGP’s highly anticipated return to Silverstone, in June 2010, was a resounding success, praised by riders, fans and media alike, and the Northamptonshire circuit is planning an even bigger two-wheeled festival in 2011.
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JULY 2011
Sunday 3rd July
Retro Show – Santa Pod
The Retro Show is a classic car and bike show with a difference: Unlike most shows where you park up in a field and sip tea, this is an action-packed day where you can take part in the racing and show & shine whatever type of retro machinery you have.
Retro Show is open to all retro vehicles including cars, bikes, scooters and lorries from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Featuring: all day RWYB, Drag Demos, ESC Drag Racing, Show & Shine, Rally School, Traders, Auto Jumble, Club Stands, Weekend Camping, Vehicles 4 Sale Paddock, Evening Entertainment, Fun Fair Rides and more.
Friday 8th July – Saturday 9th July
Merry Tom Folk Festival – Brixworth Country Park
Northamptonshire’s newest music festival will attract audiences from across the country to Brixworth Country Park in July.
Managed by key personnel from the hugely successful Spratton Folk Festival, the new Merry Tom Folk Festival already has a full lineup of 12 nationally and locally recognised bands including Celtic folk-rock specialists Mad Dog Mcrea and Northampton’s favourite artists Little Johnny England and The Angels’ Share.
The event is planned as a family oriented, easily accessible summer festival featuring a wide range of live music supported by children’s entertainment, workshops, food and craft stalls as well as onsite camping facilities.
Friday 8th July – Sunday 10th July
Formula 1 Santander BRITISH GRAND PRIX
Few sporting occasions match the intensity, glamour and drama of the FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX and whether a wide eyed first timer or seasoned veteran the experience is breathtaking.
Nothing beats the atmosphere at Silverstone when a British driver takes to the circuit. In 2011 both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will be aiming to impress the loyal British fans at their home race and hoping to mount the steps of the Silverstone podium.
Saturday 16th July – Sunday 17th July
Dragstalgia – Santa Pod
Santa Pod goes back to the way we were with Dragstalgia, a weekend dedicated to drag racing, hot rods and bikes from a bygone era with classic dragsters and funny cars, altereds, hot rods, American muscle and more.
There will be Championship Drag Racing and Run What Ya Brung sessions on the track along with the Fireforce Jet Car and 2 seater Dragster Rides. Off track there will be Show & Shine, Live Music, Traders, Cacklefest, Historic Car Display and much more.
Sunday 24th July
Althorp Revealed
Over the past eighteen months a careful team of experts have been working tirelessly to restore the facade and roof at Althorp. To celebrate the start of the summer holidays Althorp is offering visitors the chance to view the results; grounds entry to Althorp will be free of charge on Sunday 24th July.
Bring a picnic, or enjoy the locally sourced food in the Althorp Cafe. The Althorp Gift Shop will be open to all visitors and guests can take a relaxed walk in the gardens and view the Round Oval Lake.
If you live locally to Althorp and have not visited before, why not take the chance to view the spectacular Georgian Architecture at its finest.
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AUGUST 2011
Friday 19th August – Sunday 21st August
Northampton Balloon Festival
The 2011 Northampton Balloon Festival being held at Billing Aquadrome just outside Northampton will be the 22nd event and one that we hope will be a spectacular sight in the skies over Northamptonshire.
Whilst ballooning is a weather dependant activity the balloonists want to fly, so if the conditions allow, the balloons will be flying at both 6am and 6pm on each of the three days of the event.
At 9.00pm on Saturday evening, we will also be having a “Balloon Glow”. Come and watch the balloons turn into giant lanterns tethered to the ground, pulsating to the music – its magical!
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SEPTEMBER 2011
Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th September
Rockingham Castle Country Fair
Rockingham Castle will host its annual Country Fair featuring Birds of Prey, Heavy Horses, Working Dogs, Ferret Racing and much more. There will be cookery demonstrations, wine tasting and plenty of have- a- go activities. There will also be a lovely selection of quality arts, crafts, food & drink exhibitors.
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OCTOBER 2011
Sunday 9th October
World Conker Championships
The opening ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. local time and long range weather forecasts already indicate fine conditions.
Organised by Ashton Conker Club, the competition first took place in 1965 and has grown year-on-year ever since. Nowadays, teams from all over the world meet for the competition. The competitors play on eight white podiums in the playing arena and go through rounds until the winner emerges and is lead to the Conker Throne and crowned with conkers.
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NOVEMBER 2011
Monday 21st – Monday 28th November
Rockingham Castle – Victorian Christmas
The Castle Courtyard decorated with illuminated trees offers a warm welcome to visitors. It's Christmas Eve 1849 and the Castle is decorated for a nostalgic Victorian Christmas. The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas lunch. Guided tours in period costume take place throughout the day. Christmas shopping with a difference with the Gift Shop offering an exciting range of gifts for friends & family. The Castle restaurant is open for lunch, tea & supper or just a cup of something hot and a mince pie.
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DECEMBER 2011
Throught December
Wicksteed Park – Those were the days 1940’s – 1970’s Christmas Specials
Travel through the Golden Years of 1940's - 70's. From movies to musicals, rock to pop, there is something for everybody! Live show with lunch and tea. Tickets Show and Lunch: £22.00 Show Only: £13.50. Please refer to the website for dates.
Tuesday 20th December
Wicksteed Park – Christmas Party
Festive fun, games and Christmas Disco! Celebrate the season with Wicky Bear! 12 Noon - 2pm £3 each with FREE Adult entry
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Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
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JUNE 2011
Friday 10th June - Sunday 12th June
8th Literary Festival at Althorp House
Over the past seven years the Althorp Literary Festival has evolved into one of the unmissable events of the English summer. This will be the first time that the Festival will be held over not two, but three days.
Hearing famous authors in the setting of one of England’s best loved historic houses has proved to be a winning combination.
Althorp is not all about books. We also have included in the programme concerts, drama, and unusual tours of the 500 year-old house.
Friday 10th June– Sunday 12th June
AirAsia British Grand Prix - MotoGP
MotoGP is the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport and Silverstone is focusing its attentions on delivering another exhilarating AirAsia British Grand Prix on 10-12 June 2011. MotoGP’s highly anticipated return to Silverstone, in June 2010, was a resounding success, praised by riders, fans and media alike, and the Northamptonshire circuit is planning an even bigger two-wheeled festival in 2011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY 2011
Sunday 3rd July
Retro Show – Santa Pod
The Retro Show is a classic car and bike show with a difference: Unlike most shows where you park up in a field and sip tea, this is an action-packed day where you can take part in the racing and show & shine whatever type of retro machinery you have.
Retro Show is open to all retro vehicles including cars, bikes, scooters and lorries from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Featuring: all day RWYB, Drag Demos, ESC Drag Racing, Show & Shine, Rally School, Traders, Auto Jumble, Club Stands, Weekend Camping, Vehicles 4 Sale Paddock, Evening Entertainment, Fun Fair Rides and more.
Friday 8th July – Saturday 9th July
Merry Tom Folk Festival – Brixworth Country Park
Northamptonshire’s newest music festival will attract audiences from across the country to Brixworth Country Park in July.
Managed by key personnel from the hugely successful Spratton Folk Festival, the new Merry Tom Folk Festival already has a full lineup of 12 nationally and locally recognised bands including Celtic folk-rock specialists Mad Dog Mcrea and Northampton’s favourite artists Little Johnny England and The Angels’ Share.
The event is planned as a family oriented, easily accessible summer festival featuring a wide range of live music supported by children’s entertainment, workshops, food and craft stalls as well as onsite camping facilities.
Friday 8th July – Sunday 10th July
Formula 1 Santander BRITISH GRAND PRIX
Few sporting occasions match the intensity, glamour and drama of the FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX and whether a wide eyed first timer or seasoned veteran the experience is breathtaking.
Nothing beats the atmosphere at Silverstone when a British driver takes to the circuit. In 2011 both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will be aiming to impress the loyal British fans at their home race and hoping to mount the steps of the Silverstone podium.
Saturday 16th July – Sunday 17th July
Dragstalgia – Santa Pod
Santa Pod goes back to the way we were with Dragstalgia, a weekend dedicated to drag racing, hot rods and bikes from a bygone era with classic dragsters and funny cars, altereds, hot rods, American muscle and more.
There will be Championship Drag Racing and Run What Ya Brung sessions on the track along with the Fireforce Jet Car and 2 seater Dragster Rides. Off track there will be Show & Shine, Live Music, Traders, Cacklefest, Historic Car Display and much more.
Sunday 24th July
Althorp Revealed
Over the past eighteen months a careful team of experts have been working tirelessly to restore the facade and roof at Althorp. To celebrate the start of the summer holidays Althorp is offering visitors the chance to view the results; grounds entry to Althorp will be free of charge on Sunday 24th July.
Bring a picnic, or enjoy the locally sourced food in the Althorp Cafe. The Althorp Gift Shop will be open to all visitors and guests can take a relaxed walk in the gardens and view the Round Oval Lake.
If you live locally to Althorp and have not visited before, why not take the chance to view the spectacular Georgian Architecture at its finest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 2011
Friday 19th August – Sunday 21st August
Northampton Balloon Festival
The 2011 Northampton Balloon Festival being held at Billing Aquadrome just outside Northampton will be the 22nd event and one that we hope will be a spectacular sight in the skies over Northamptonshire.
Whilst ballooning is a weather dependant activity the balloonists want to fly, so if the conditions allow, the balloons will be flying at both 6am and 6pm on each of the three days of the event.
At 9.00pm on Saturday evening, we will also be having a “Balloon Glow”. Come and watch the balloons turn into giant lanterns tethered to the ground, pulsating to the music – its magical!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 2011
Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th September
Rockingham Castle Country Fair
Rockingham Castle will host its annual Country Fair featuring Birds of Prey, Heavy Horses, Working Dogs, Ferret Racing and much more. There will be cookery demonstrations, wine tasting and plenty of have- a- go activities. There will also be a lovely selection of quality arts, crafts, food & drink exhibitors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 2011
Sunday 9th October
World Conker Championships
The opening ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. local time and long range weather forecasts already indicate fine conditions.
Organised by Ashton Conker Club, the competition first took place in 1965 and has grown year-on-year ever since. Nowadays, teams from all over the world meet for the competition. The competitors play on eight white podiums in the playing arena and go through rounds until the winner emerges and is lead to the Conker Throne and crowned with conkers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOVEMBER 2011
Monday 21st – Monday 28th November
Rockingham Castle – Victorian Christmas
The Castle Courtyard decorated with illuminated trees offers a warm welcome to visitors. It's Christmas Eve 1849 and the Castle is decorated for a nostalgic Victorian Christmas. The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas lunch. Guided tours in period costume take place throughout the day. Christmas shopping with a difference with the Gift Shop offering an exciting range of gifts for friends & family. The Castle restaurant is open for lunch, tea & supper or just a cup of something hot and a mince pie.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 2011
Throught December
Wicksteed Park – Those were the days 1940’s – 1970’s Christmas Specials
Travel through the Golden Years of 1940's - 70's. From movies to musicals, rock to pop, there is something for everybody! Live show with lunch and tea. Tickets Show and Lunch: £22.00 Show Only: £13.50. Please refer to the website for dates.
Tuesday 20th December
Wicksteed Park – Christmas Party
Festive fun, games and Christmas Disco! Celebrate the season with Wicky Bear! 12 Noon - 2pm £3 each with FREE Adult entry
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