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Christmas in Kettering Lights Switch On James Acaster Xmas Festive Entertainment

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.

James Acaster Christmas in Kettering Event Lights Switch On

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*:

  • all day on Saturday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd December 2017, and
  • after 3pm on Thursday 7th, 14th and 21st December 2017

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

Christmas in Kettering 2016

Christmas in Kettering 2016

Ex-Eastender Cheryl Fergison and Lighthouse Theatre panto star Lucie Downer switched on Kettering\’s Christmas lights on the Market Place last year.

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.”

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Relaxation Day

Did you know that 15th August is National Relaxation Day? Take a break from your busy schedule, give yourself some ‘me’ time and visit these fantastic locations around Kettering, all set to relieve your stress:  

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa:

Relax and unwind in Kettering Park Hotel and Spa’s tranquil setting, with a variety of treatments available from highly experienced therapists.

Offers currently available include:

  • Spa Membership: annual payment of £299 or £29.99 per month.
  • Limited Edition Membership: annual payment of £199 upon joining.

[themify_button style=”large green rounded flat embossed” link=”http://spa-and-fitness.co.uk/kettering-park/offers/” ]More Information[/themify_button]

To book, call 01536 414790 or email: spatreatments@ketteringparkhotel.co.uk

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Lake boats, Wicksteed Park:

Take a peaceful cruise around Wicksteed Park’s lake in their brand new boats for you and up to three other friends (at least one over 18) to explore and enjoy the scenery.

It’s just four tickets for every half an hour, now with canoes!

[themify_button style=”large green rounded flat embossed” link=”http://wicksteedpark.org/rides/” ]Further Details[/themify_button]

Pytchley Golf Lodge:

Does a spot of Golf do the trick to relieve your stress? Take a swing in the driving range or relax in the leisure facility, offering freshly made foods and drinks!

Prices are:

Weekdays:

  • 9 Holes: £8

Concessions / under 16: £7

Weekends / Bank Holidays:

  • 9 Holes: £10

For concessions / under 16: £7

[themify_button style=”large green rounded flat embossed” link=”http://www.pytchleygolflodgekettering.co.uk/” ]More Inforamtion[/themify_button]

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Moulton 77 Brass Band, Bands in the Park:

Relax and enjoy a *FREE* outdoor brass band performance in the Pleasure Park, Rockingham Road, on 20th August, 3pm till 4:30pm, as part of the Bands in the Park showcase!

[themify_button style=”large green rounded flat embossed” link=”https://thisiskettering.com/event/moulton-77-brass-band/” ]More Inforamtion[/themify_button]

Yoga Classes, The Orangery, Barton Hall:

Relax, Rebalance, Refresh and Revive.

Who says National Relaxation Day only has to last a day? Take some time out for yourself every Sunday evening, 7-8:30pm, to visit the Orangery at Barton Hall for a yoga session to ease you gently into the new week.

All ages welcome, but under-18s to be accompanied by an adult.

[themify_button style=”large green rounded flat embossed” link=”http://www.bartonhall.com/yoga-in-the-orangery/” ]More Inforamtion[/themify_button]

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Fermyn Woods Country Park:

Clear your head and take a stroll around Fermyn Woods Country Park, where a host of activities such as: wild-life spotting, fishing and relaxing in the Skylark Café takes place every day of the week, 9am-5pm.

It’s definitely one for the whole family this National Relaxation Day, with a wild play trail for the children.

[themify_button style=”large green rounded flat embossed” link=”https://www.northamptonshireparks.co.uk/fermyn-woods-country-park/Pages/default.aspx” ]More Inforamtion[/themify_button]

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Famous Faces blog Kettering celeb celebrities

Last week saw Kettering’s IT consultant, Karthik Nagesan, enter the Celebrity Big Brother house. His appearance on the show comes after his 7 week (bitter) sweet stint on the Apprentice late last year. As the famously confident entrepreneur settles into the Big Brother House and survives his first eviction night, here we take a look at some other famous faces who all hail from the town of Kettering:

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Charley Hull, Professional Golfer:

21-year-old Charley was born in Kettering and is currently Britain’s number one female golfer. She is also ranked at 25th in the world.  Throughout her childhood, she would be found advancing her already astounding skills at Kettering Golf Club. By the age of just 9, she won her first adult event at Turnberry. Charley was ranked third in the World Amateur Golf Rankings when she was 16 and turned professional in 2013. Since then she has achieved successes on the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour (winning Rookie of the Year). Charley was also the youngest competitor to participate in the international Solheim Cup  and became a champion on the European circuit in 2014, before turning 18. In 2016, she won the prestigious CME Group Tour Championship, the season-ending event of the LPGA Tour and represented Great Britain in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

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James Acaster, Comedian:

Best described as one of the UK’s finest comedians, James Acaster has received acclaim worldwide for his many comedic awards. He won the 2015 Chortle Award for Best Show and Best International Show Award at the 2014 New Zealand International Comedy Festival! Besides being a TV and Radio regular, James also carries out independent projects, including his comedy series ‘Sweet Home Ketteringa.’ Here he visits different locations in Kettering to reconnect and reminisce about the town he grew up in.

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Sean Dyche, Premier League Football Manager:

Former professional footballer and now top flight manager, Sean worked wonders to keep Burnley in the Premier League last season. Sean was born and raised in Kettering Town, and kick-started his career in football with Ise Lodge YFC. He then joined Nottingham Forest as a youth-team player. He then went on to play for Chesterfield, Bristol City, Luton Town, Millwall, Watford and Northampton Town before gaining a managerial position for Watford in 2011 and Burnley in 2013.

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Hugh Dennis, Comedian:

The comedian, actor, writer and impressionist was born in Kettering, 1962, and later moved to the East End of London. Hugh is best known for performing in the BBC’s Mock the Week, and playing Pete Brockman in the series, Outnumbered.

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Andrew Stone, Pineapple Dance Studios Star:

Andrew Stone is the all-singing, all-dancing, former dance instructor at the Pineapple Dance Studios, born in Kettering, 1972. He took part in the popular 2010 television series alongside Louie Spence and Tricia Walsh-Smith. In 2012 Andrew also appeared in the Celebrity Big Brother show.

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Faryl Smith, Soprano Singer:

Back in 2008, Faryl Smith  gave a stunning soprano performance that took her to the final of Britain’s Got Talent. Following this spectacular achievement, she secured the largest record deal ever awarded to a schoolgirl. Faryl was born and raised in Kettering, and has received a multitude of awards after singing at numerous prestigious events. Her many accomplishments include: singing in the 2009 FA Cup Final in front of 400 million television viewers, the Festival of Remembrance where she performed in front of the Queen, and at many performances at sporting events at Wembley stadium. 

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The Temples, Rock Band:

The Temples were originally a home studio project, formed in Kettering, 2012. The Psychedelic-Rock band is made up of: James Bagshaw (lead singer and guitarist), Tom Walmsley (bassist), Adam Smith (keyboardist and rhythm guitarist) and Samuel Toms (drummer). They are signed with Heavenly Records, where they released their first debut album. The Temples have already embarked on a headlining tour around Europe, North America and Australia! Other accomplishments include performing their hit single, Shelter Song, on the Ellen DeGeneres show in 2014 and announcing their second studio album, Volcano, in March 2017.

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Welcome Post
Welcome to the all-new This is Kettering website, designed to provide visitors and residents alike with information on upcoming events, things to do and places to eat, drink and shop in the heart of North Northamptonshire.

From fun family activities at local attractions and some of the best theatrical and comedy entertainment around, to fabulous ways to enjoy our stunning countryside or finding out things you didn’t know about our heritage; Kettering offers something for everyone.

This website  follows up on the This is Kettering Facebook page and we’re keen to be positive and celebrate the highlights and hidden gems in and around the local area – this is a perfect opportunity to show the real Kettering and the great things that we have to offer.

The Borough has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and fun family activities at local attractions, including the country’s first theme park, Wicksteed Park. The local area provides beautiful rolling countryside and quaint villages to visit as well as stately homes such as Boughton House and Rushton Hall and historical landmarks such as the English Heritage Sites of Rushton Triangular Lodge and Geddington’s Eleanor Cross.

We’ll be adding more content as we go including new food and drink listings and regularly providing information on local events, such as Kettfest and Kettering By The Sea. In our regular blog we will provide a special focus on some of the best places to visit, events not to be missed and places to stay, as well as giving advice on how to make the most of your time in Kettering.

Whether you live locally or are just visiting for a day, we’ll look to show you that there’s plenty to do in and around Kettering!

***We’ve also launched an Instagram page to show off and highlight some of the best sights from around the Borough of Kettering – find us at @ThisisKettering on the app. We’d love to feature photos from local people around the borough too so if you’d like to have your photo included tag in @thisiskettering, use #thisiskettering or email thisiskettering@kettering.gov.uk ***

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