From Thursday 22nd July – Saturday 28th August, 10am – 4pm
Collect your passport from Kettering Swimming Pool and explore the map to find clues, claim your treat and be entered in our prize draw to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes this summer. Free to take part
TV star comedian James Acaster will help kick off Christmas in Kettering this year by turning on the town’s lights at the eagerly anticipated ‘BIG Switch On’ event. The local born comedian will take to the stage on Kettering Market Place on Thursday 30th November as part of a fun festive schedule.
The BIG Switch on will run from 5-7.30pm and, in addition to Acaster, will be hosted by Connect FM and will feature the cast of the Lighthouse Theatre’s Christmas Panto ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ plus live music and entertainment for the whole family.
Stand-up comedian James Acaster has become a regular on TV panel shows such as Mock the Week and 8 out of 10 cats and has received acclaim from around the world, including a record breaking 5 consecutive nominations for ‘Best Comedy Show’ at the 2012-2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. He also returned to Kettering to film a series of comedy shorts as he visits some of his old haunts and around the town, including Boughton House, The Manor House Museum and Wicksteed Park. *Watch all six ‘Sweet Home Ketteringa’ videos*
There will be plenty of chances to support your local town centre with late night shopping on Thursdays from 30th November. Small Business Saturday and the Teenage Market returns on 2nd December and a special Christmas Market will be held on Kettering Market Place on Thursday 14th December. There’ll also be the chance to wrap up warm and watch a festive film on the Big Screen on the Market Place on Thursday 21st December at 5pm.
As part of the Christmas festivities, and to support local businesses, Kettering Borough Council is offering FREE parking in its town centre car parks on the following days in December*:
These are in addition to the free parking that already operates in Council owned car parks on Sundays (all day) and evenings (after 6pm).
Further information on the full schedule of Christmas in Kettering activities will be unveiled over the coming weeks at www.thisiskettering.com/christmas
James Acaster said: “Kettering has always lit up my life and I am humbled to be able to do the same for Kettering”
Guy Holloway, Head of Corporate and Cultural Services at Kettering Borough Council, said: “There is an exciting line up of activities in Kettering Town Centre in the run up to Christmas this year. The programme of festivities we have put on will provide a range of attractions for the whole family. Christmas this year is definitely in Kettering!”
Councillor Lloyd Bunday, Kettering Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, said: “We’re delighted to have James Acaster switching on the lights in his home town and getting the local community in the mood for Christmas. This year\’s events include entertainment for all the family which I hope will encourage lots of people into the town centre. Over the festive period, as well as the big switch-on, there’ll be Christmas Markets, a big screen movie and free parking days to enjoy.”
There’s plenty of Halloween events going on in and around the Kettering Borough this October Half Term! From a Ghost Hunt by torchlight to a Little Monster’s Ball, come along to a Spooktacular range of child-friendly events, workshops, parties and more!
The Manor House Museum are holding some creepy craft activity sessions every day over the half term holidays to celebrate Halloween!
Tuesday 24th October: Make spooky, sparkling sugar skull masks.
Wednesday 25th October: Craft a glowing Halloween lantern.
Thursday 26th October: Create spider plant spider pots.
Sessions start at 10:15am & 11:15am.
Click here for more information.
Take a visit to the Manor House Museum for some frightful fun for all the family!
Come dressed as your favourite spook, meet the ‘jeepers creatures’ and take part in some free crafts and games, storytelling and face painting! *FREE ENTRY*
Friday 27th October, 11am till 3pm.
Click here for more information.
Celebrate Halloween at West Lodge Farm Park with a host of activities!
Ride the spooky tractor, tour around the witch’s house, listen to ghost stories, take part in pumpkin carving and wand making, dare to enter the spooky walk through and enjoy all of the usual farm fun!
From Saturday 14th till Tuesday 31st October every day apart from Friday 29th.
Click here for information on times, tickets & prices.
Save the date for the unmissable Children’s Halloween Party Spooktacular!
Come along and have fun with Just Party Entertainment.
Friday 27th October, 5:30pm till 8:30pm.
Click here for information on tickets & prices.
Wicky Bear is holding his annual Little Monsters Ball, and he can’t wait!
He and his crew will be performing some Spooktacular dances as well as hosting party games and a disco. Don’t forget to bring your favourite Halloween costume for fancy dress!
Saturday 28th October, 11:30am till 2pm.
Click here for information on tickets & prices.
The ghosts of West Lodge Past have escaped and it’s your job to find them!
Join in at West Lodge Farm Park to search the grounds to find all of the ghosts! The winner will be awarded with some spooky prizes. After the ghost hunt, visit the new adventure play area to meet the ghosts and dance at the Halloween themed disco!
Saturday 28th October, 6pm till 8:30pm.
Click here for information on tickets & prices.
Come along to West Lodge Farm Park to meet Daisy in the Witch’s house!
There will be plenty of spooky activities to keep you entertained and get you into the Halloween Spirit! Make sure you bring your favourite spooky costume, as there’s a fancy dress competition too!
Sunday 29th October.
Click here for more information.
James Hornsby is back by special request to present his outstanding one man adaption of the well-known horror story, Dracula!
Refreshments are available for a small donation. Booking in advance is essential.
Monday 30th October, 7pm till 9:30pm.
Click here for more information.