After so many events and new business openings were postponed during 2020 due to the pandemic, this year is looking rather busy for many people.
From rearranged theatre shows, to grand openings that have been pushed back, to events that were due to take place this year anyway, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Northamptonshire in 2021.
Strictly Come Dancing professionals will visit theatres across the county, a much-awaited museum will open, iconic planes will take to the skies and new type of food festival will take up residence in a county manor for a weekend.
And although some events may still be up in the air due to Covid-19, a large number have been scheduled and are due to take place this year, Covid-dependant.
Organisers and attendees alike are hoping they will be able to go ahead, not least so we all have something to look forward to.
In date order, here are 11 events and grand openings scheduled this year in Northamptonshire.
5. Crave food festival, Lamport Hall, between Brixworth and Maidwell
The huge food festival, which will be the second of its kind in the UK, aims to provide an ‘immersive gastronomic’ experience. Cooking masterclasses, workshops and pop up restaurants will take over the historic county manor on the weekend of May 15-16. Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has been named as the headliner for the event. Tickets can be bought by searching whatdoyoucrave.co.uk.
6. Pete Tong and The Heritage Orchestra, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Pete Tong - the voice of Radio 1’s dance programmes - is taking over the home of the Saints for one night this year. The Ibiza classics show is set to be a hedonistic night of nostalgia featuring huge club tracks and the freshest hits reimagined, coupled with incredible visual effects and the latest in music technology. Tickets for the show on June 25 can be found on musicplussport.com.
7. Comedy in the Park, Wicksteed Park, Kettering
Wicksteed’s open air theatre will host some huge names in the comedy world in June. Kettering-born James Acaster will be joined by John Bishop, Rob Beckett, Al Murray, Judi Lowe and Tom Davis. Tickets for this event on June 26, plus other ones planned for the open air theatre, including 80s in the park, can be found on the Wicksteed Open Air website.
8. Flying Legends, Sywell Aerodrome
The Fighter Collection, based at Duxford, have teamed up with the Ultimate Warbird Flights, based at Sywell. The Flying Legends show will be one of the biggest displays of historic aeroplanes in the world. Hosted on the weekend of July 10-11, the event will only be available for those who have bought tickets in advance. Ticket plans will be announced in due course. Keep an eye on the Flying Legends social media for more information.