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Will Mellor Christmas QUote

The festive season is fast approaching, with plenty for the whole family to enjoy, along with a special celebrity guest appearance!

Kettering Borough Council is proud to announce that actor, singer and model, Will Mellor, will kick off the Christmas in Kettering 2019 celebrations by turning on the town’s lights! The Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and more recently Line of Duty star will take to the stage at the eagerly anticipated BIG Switch On event on Thursday 28th November, starting at 4pm.

The full, fun and festive schedule for the BIG Switch On will be released soon, so keep your eyes peeled as you won’t want to miss what’s in store this year!

What’s more? There’s a host of events to get you into the Christmas spirit while supporting your town centre on the Kettering Market Place, you’ll even have the chance to get your skates on and enjoy the ice rink!

Kettering Christmas Market with Ghost Caribou luminated shadow shows – Thursday 5th December, 4pm – 8pm

Teenage Market and Small Business Saturday – Saturday 7th December, 9am – 4pm

Christmas Fun Day – Saturday 14th December, 10am – 4pm

Christmas Carols – Saturday 21st December, from 2pm

Will Mellor said:

“I’m excited to be kicking off Kettering’s Christmas festivities by switching on the town’s lights. I’m looking forward to a brilliant night and meeting the people of Kettering!”

Councillor Scott Edwards, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, said:

“The Christmas Light’s Switch On in Kettering is always an exciting event and each year it gets bigger and better. I look forward to further details of the programme being announced soon and do hope you will join in the festivities in Kettering this Christmas.”

Will Mellor to switch on the town’s lights as Christmas in Kettering is announced!

Kettering Town Centre Sunset

Historic England has announced that Kettering town centre will receive funding up to £2 million for its town centre, as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone project.

Kettering has been chosen as one of 69 high streets in England to be revitalised by a £95 million cash injection by the government, of which £21.1 million has been allocated to the Midlands.

Earlier this year, Kettering Borough Council submitted an Expression of Interest for £1,985,000 over 4 years, supported by local groups such as Kettering Civic Society, Friends of Museum and Art Gallery, local churches and Kettering Town Centre Partnership.

The next step is to work closely with Historic England to agree a Programme Design, which will confirm the level of funding provided to each area, and what the money should be spent on. This process should be completed by January 2020, with project set to go live in April 2020.

The funding can be used for a variety of projects, including:

  • Completing essential repair works in historic buildings and revealing forgotten features of buildings by restoring shop-fronts and façades.
  • Stimulating commercial investment in high streets by demonstrating how historic sites can be successfully repurposed.
  • Developing education projects and bespoke events to help reposition historic buildings as community hubs at the heart of local towns and villages.
  • Helping address the UK wide skills shortage of heritage professionals in expert fields like stonemasonry and conservation by providing local property owners, residents and businesses with the opportunity to train in these areas.

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Meadow Road Park

Kettering’s Meadow Road Park is now open following the first phase of major improvements!

Visit the town centre destination park and you will find new play equipment, footpaths, safety surfacing, lighting, CCTV and natural seating areas.

Kettering Borough Council improved Meadow Road Park using money from agreements negotiated as part of recent local housing developments. Improvements to this important open space will provide a place to play, work out or relax in a town centre destination park enhanced by the offer of nearby shopping and places to eat.

A consultation took place during December and January to hear the views of local people on the proposals, which were used to influence the final design of the park. 

The park will continue to evolve over the course of the year so expect to see more additions over the coming months, including:

  • New bank slides
  • New picnic benches to complement the current natural rock seating
  • Sand play
  • Fitness zone equipment
  • Further landscaping
  • Fencing to mark the area were dogs must be kept on a lead
  • Planting of silver birch trees
  • New gateway entrance at the top of Meadow Road

Further information will be provided when the second phase of works are underway. You can find out more about the project at www.kettering.gov.uk/meadow-road-park

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green-flag

Rockingham Road Pleasure Park in Kettering has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the best in the country. The park is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Brendan Coleman, Head of Environmental Care Services at Kettering Borough Council, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy. We have a full management plan for Rockingham Road Pleasure Park with a vigorous maintenance regime from a dedicated and highly experienced team supported by the Friends of Park Group. This Award recognises and highlights that people in Kettering are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.”

Cllr Greg Titcombe, Kettering Borough Council’s All Saints Ward Councillor and Vice Chair of the Friends of Rockingham Road Park said:

“The Council and the Friends of Park Group are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag award again. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication and community input that goes into maintaining the park to such a high standard”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said:

“It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

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Now in its fifth year running, KettFest is a celebration of what our small market town has to offer with arts, music, community and culture.

The festival will run from Friday 12th – Sunday 14th July, kicking off with a launch party at Kafe Bloc and Kettering Art Centre will host Rolling in the Aisles Comedy Club: Special KettFest edition with Radu Isac and Olaf Falafel.

Kettfest 2019 3

Come along on Saturday to see Kettering Town Centre steeped in colour, activity and community spirit with live music, circus workshop, art installations, exhibitions, talks, performances, dance classes, spoken word, art, food and Teenage Market.

There’s plenty of entertainment at the following venues –  

  • Kino Lounge
  • Kettering Library
  • Newlands Centre
  • Bean Hive
  • Toy Box
  • Green Patch
  • Parish Rooms
  • Market Place
  • The Shire Horse
  • The Three Cocks
  • Prince of Wales
  • Toller Church
  • The Yards in conjunction with Schtumfest and Aura

Then relax on Sunday with Kettering & District Art Society monthly art fair at the Kino Lounge and Bands in the Park with Voices Aloud choir at Rockingham Road Pleasure Park.

For the full timetable of activities please visit – www.kettfest.org

Kettfest 2019 2

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Health Wellbeing Festival Kettering

Kettering Borough Council is hosting a weekend of health and wellbeing activities for the Borough of Kettering on the 22nd-23rd June 2019. The free festival will have more than 40 stalls at Northampton Road Recreation Ground on Saturday and at Boughton House on Sunday, plus a number of different activities at many different locations.

Come and get involved in the weekend to find out more about how local organisations can support your health and wellbeing. You’ll find something for everyone, with a range of information and activities for all interests and ages, we even have pet health consultations, so you can bring the whole family. All events across the weekend are free of charge for you to come and enjoy.

On Saturday there will be more than 40 fun stalls and activities at Northampton Road Recreation Ground from 10am to 4pm. You’ll find Taekwondo demonstrations, Pilates tasters, children’s zorb football, free fruit kebabs, health checks, penalty shootout, fire engine, crazy bikes, free bike maintenance checks, free pet wellbeing consultations’, CPR workshops, lots of free sport taster sessions and much more. On Sunday 23rd you can explore the amazing grounds of Boughton House with our health walks, join in with activities and workshops, including tai chi, judo, crystal therapy, massage, yoga, meditation and arts and crafts.

Health & Wellbeing Festival

 

Local organisations have also joined the festival with taster sessions at Kettering’s rugby, tennis, swimming, cricket, volleyball and cycling clubs, as well as complimentary therapy sessions at the Newlands Centre and activities at Kettering Museum and Gallery. You can find out the full list of activities and stalls at www.thisiskettering.com/health-and-wellbeing-festival

Health & Wellbeing Festival

Shirley Plenderleith, Head of Public Services at Kettering Borough Council, said:

“This is our first Health and Wellbeing Festival and we are really pleased with how organisations, groups and individuals are getting on board with what we are trying to do. We’re really looking forward to the weekend and hope that people from the Borough will take this opportunity to come out and see the range of opportunities that are available to them locally to improve their health and wellbeing.”

Cllr Scott Edwards, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Leisure, said:

“The weekend is about promoting all different aspects of wellbeing, for all ages, including physical, social and mental. This is what the local authority is all about – bringing everyone together for the benefit of the Borough. I hope that people will come along and see what is on offer at either or both of the varied programmes. Hopefully we can build on this in the future with feedback from all involved.”

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Bands in the Park

Enjoy local bands on summer Sundays in Kettering!

Come along and enjoy a selection of popular local bands and groups at Rockingham Road Pleasure Park this summer. All performances are on Sundays and will start at 3pm, with donations going to Cransley Hospice. If the weather is inclement, performances will be held in the nearby All Saints Church.

Here is the full programme and line-up for 2019:

There is great fun to be had and lots to do for all the family at one of Kettering’s top parks. The bowls green and crazy golf course will be open from 2pm daily. Come swing, slide and twist your way around the ever exciting playground, winding BMX track area and natural play space, or stay for a gentle workout in the impressive outdoor gym.

Guy Holloway, Head of Corporate & Cultural Services at Kettering Borough Council, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to come and soak up the music in the sun. Ten top quality bands and performers will once again help raise funds for a very good cause at the Cransley Hospice.”

Cllr Scott Edwards, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Leisure, said:

“With live music in the bandstand, and fun to be had at the playground, BMX zone and gym area, Rockingham Road Pleasure Park really is the place to be this summer for free entertainment.”

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Kettering Museum and Gallery is celebrating its highest combined visitor figures after welcoming 38,837 visitors last year.

The Alfred East Art Gallery saw its highest visitor figures in fifteen years as 19,940 people passed through the doors in the twelve months up to March 2019. Last summer’s ‘Looking in Wonderland’ exhibition of Alice In Wonderland etchings was a massive hit, and the current ‘Prints Charming’ exhibition has also proved popular, alongside a regular programme of film nights, lunchtime talks and art workshops.

The Manor House Museum saw a 9 year high, booming to 18,897 visitors. ‘Local Treasures: The British Museum comes to Kettering’ was a major contributor to this increase, as visitor figures rose by 30% on the same months last year (September – January). 5,699 people visited the exhibition which featured loans from the British Museum, including the world-class Desborough Mirror and Desborough Necklace; the first time they had returned to the Borough since being discovered in Desborough during the 19th century. The current Design Icons exhibition offers a nostalgic view of design icons from the 60-80s, and family events during in the summer and autumn also proved popular in attracting visitors to the Museum.

Kettering Museum and Gallery is looking to build on last year’s success with a series of new exhibitions and events in 2019/20. From May, the museum will host a brand new ‘Out to Play’ exhibition, with local author Ian Addis, looking at the history of parks and outdoor spaces across Kettering. In January 2020, the gallery will receive a number of loans from the Tate for ‘2020 Vision: a Contemporary View’. These loans will complement contemporary artists from the permanent collection, and will be the first time it has had loans from the Tate.

Guy Holloway, Head of Corporate & Cultural Services at Kettering Borough Council, said:

“We are delighted to see more and more people visiting these key cultural venues in Kettering, and we are anticipating another productive year ahead. With the Museum hosting world class treasures from the British Museum last year, plans for the Gallery to borrow from the Tate in January, and the regular local history, art and family fun activities, we really are proud of the variety offered by Kettering Museum and Art Gallery.”

Cllr Scott Edwards, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community & Leisure, said:

“I am thrilled to hear that almost 40,000 visitors have been able to enjoy the cultural offer on their doorstep in Kettering. These numbers highlight the quality of the programmes, projects and exhibitions on offer throughout the year at Kettering Museum and Art Gallery.”

Health Wellbeing Festival Kettering

Calling all sports clubs, associations and anyone with an interest in promoting health & wellbeing – come and take part in the first ever Kettering Wellbeing Festival

Kettering Borough Council is planning a weekend of health and wellbeing activities for the Borough of Kettering on the 22nd-23rd June 2019.

We’re looking for groups, clubs, associations, individuals and businesses to help provide access to the huge range of activities that promote healthy behaviours and improve wellbeing, across Kettering Borough.

The weekend is about promoting all different aspects of wellbeing, for all ages, including physical, social and mental. With that in mind, we’re looking for anything from football to flower arranging, walking to watercolours, yoga to yodelling!

The festival is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of who you are and to meet individuals who could benefit from the great things you do.

There is no charge to take part!  We’ll be promoting the fun at Northampton Road recreation ground and Boughton House, and beyond.

Northampton Road Recreation Ground and Boughton House will both be used as showcases for some activities but it’s not just about Kettering; we would love events in the other towns and villages to reach everyone.

To register your interest head to www.kettering.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing-festival or to discuss further, please call 01536 534 313 or email healthandwellbeing@kettering.gov.uk by 26th April. 

Shirley Plenderleith, Head of Public Services at Kettering Borough Council, said:

“We want local people to have access to the full range of activities supporting good health and wellbeing. Get in touch and let us know what you can offer so we can show that the Borough of Kettering is a great place to be.”

Cllr Scott Edwards, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Leisure, said:

“We feel this festival can be the seed from which improvements in their health and wellbeing can grow. If local groups and clubs join in, we can promote their activities and show people the variety of activities on offer in the Borough of Kettering. We want this to be sustainable and capable of growth which is why we want to work with everyone to make this a success.”

Easter fun for all the family in Kettering

Easter Egg Hunt, Playschemes, Play Days, Sport Schemes, LEGO Day, Craft Activities and FREE Parking!

The Easter bunny has helped us to create a Spring Times Garden Creature themed egg-cellent egg and word hunt and we would love for you to join us! From Saturday 6th to Saturday 20th April, 10am – 4pm, Kettering Borough Council in partnership with local shops, will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt in Kettering town centre. 

To join the Easter Egg Hunt, pick up a map and word search from the Manor House Museum for a suggested cash donation of 50p. Follow the map to find the 15 Easter eggs that have been hidden in various locations in the town centre. On each egg you will find a word that is hidden in the word search on your map.

When you finish the Easter Egg Hunt, don’t forget to return your map and collect a delicious treat from the sweet shop, ‘The Shop’ on Gold Street. One lucky participant will even win a big Easter surprise thanks to ‘The Shop’.

Just pop down to the Manor House Museum to pick up your map and start hunting!

New Easter Playschemes around the Borough are free presenting Steve the Magician new 2019 Magic Show, Geddington Village Hall on Monday 8th April, Desborough Library on Friday 12th April, Broughton Village Hall on Tuesday 16th April and The Centre at Mawsley on Thursday 18th April. No booking required, except for Desborough Library please contact them directly.

Come along and join us for our New for 2019 Play Days, every Wednesday of the school holidays on Kettering Market Place from 10am – 3pm, with a free fun packed programme of activities for all the family. You will also find exciting things to do in the Manor House Museum, Alfred East Art Gallery and the museum and gallery gardens. 

Looking for something sporty to do over the Easter holidays? Why not get involved in one of our sports activity sessions! Whether it be working on your skills or trying something new, we have loads to offer from Football, Athletics, Multi-sports and more! Don’t miss out on your chance for a free swim at Kettering Swimming Pool or get involved on the Cycle for Cransley and 5K Family Fun Run to help raise money for Cransley Hospice. Check out the 2019 Easter Holidays Activities programme for full details and much more.

Easter activities & LEGO Play Day at Kettering Museum & Art Gallery:

Let your imagination run wild as the popular LEGO Play Day returns to the Museum and Art Gallery from 11am-3pm on Friday 12th April. Come along and make your own creations and see if your model is a winner! Lego is provided, with DUPLO for little ones. Please be aware that this event is expected to be very popular.

If you’re looking for some Easter arts and crafts activities, then treat the kids to craft fun workshops at The Manor House Museum:

  • Colourful Key Wind Chimes – Tuesday 9th
  • Springtime Spoon Puppets – Wednesday 10th
  • Clay Play – Thursday 11th
  • Excellent Easter Wreaths – Tuesday 16th
  • Bunny in a Basket – Wednesday 17th
  • Easter Egg Decorations – Thursday 18th

The sessions will last approximately 1 hour and take place at 10.15am and 11.45am. Booking is essential as the museum’s arts and crafts activities are very popular and often sell out.

  • Children – £3
  • Kettering Leisure Pass Holders – £2
  • Young Friends of Kettering Museum and Art Gallery – FREE

To book, please call the museum on 01536 534 219 or email museumandgallery@kettering.gov.uk

FREE drop in crafts are also available on Saturday 6th and 13th April, all day. The Manor House Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4.45pm (last admission 4.30pm), please note the Museum will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. We are open Easter Saturday.

FREE PARKING!

There will free car parking at Council owned car parks all day over the Easter weekend from Good Friday, 19th April to Easter Monday, 22nd April. The FREE parking will be in Kettering Borough Council car parks on London Road, Queen Street, School Lane, School Lane Pop & Shop, Wadcroft and Commercial Road. Easter in Kettering is looking busy for with lots of activities to enjoy!

Guy Holloway, Head of Corporate and Cultural Services at Kettering Borough Council, said: “The Easter Egg Hunt was a great success last year and will provide a wonderful opportunity to visit Kettering town centre and its shops this Easter. The Museum and Gallery also have a fantastic range of craft activities to keep children busy. Over the two weeks, children in Kettering can get creative and learn about the museum right on their doorstep.”

Councillor Scott Edwards, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Leisure, said: “I’m so pleased to see the Easter Egg Hunt and kids’ workshops in Kettering, once again. These activities offer a wonderful way for younger visitors to interact with the Museum and Gallery and their town centre, and have a free fun-filled and educational day out.”

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