Hello Summer – Hello Music

Summertime Live at Delapré Abbey

The ‘biggest party of the summer’ is promised by organisers of a one-day festival set to sizzle in the grounds of beautiful Delapré Abbey on July 8.

Summertime Live – which launched in 2022 with a series of successful events countrywide – has assembled a brilliant line-up of live music and DJs, with performances from Artful Dodger, Rickie & Melvin, Baby D, Sonique and Wideboys ready to roll before a headline set from the Classic Ibiza orchestra.

“We cannot wait for the crowd to experience this year’s offering of amazing dance music acts,” said organiser Jonathan Ware, “The reaction we’ve seen so far has been unprecedented…” Tickets are on sale at £37.50 with a limited number remaining.

To book and for more information visit summertimelive.co.uk/northampton

Enjoy lovely Lamport as the sun shines

Now that we’re into the glorious summer months, the green spaces at Lamport Hall & Gardens are a riot of colour and the sound of birdsong is in the air. To make the most of the hazy afternoons and long evenings, the stunning Northamptonshire space is providing some wonderful entertainment.

On Saturday, July 15 Chapterhouse Theatre will deliver their adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s best-loved romantic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest in the spectacular surroundings of the walled garden.

The delightful Cecily, roguish Algernon and the formidable Lady Bracknell are unforgettably larger than life characters who will keep you wildly entertained! Picnic with friends and family and enjoy Wilde’s hilarious tale of double lives and mistaken identities presented in full period costume.

A day later (Sunday, July 16), The Tame Valley Stompers Allstars will go live with traditional New Orleans Jazz from the ‘20s and ‘30s in the Walled Garden.

On Saturday, August 5, Lamport welcomes pianist Sophia Rahman and violinist Andres Kaljuste, from Finland, for an evening of Scandinavian music, with pieces by Sibelius, Greig, Stenhammar, Eller and Pärt in the beautiful High Room.

Lamport has just launched the Northamptonshire produce picnic hamper which can be pre-ordered for the aforementioned events at £25 per person. The hamper includes sourdough bread, butter, cheese, charcuterie, pork pie, sweet pastry, cake, chutney and a soft drink, presented in a beautiful ribbontied gift box.

On the August Bank Holiday weekend the venue will host an Antiques and Collectors Fair with more than 80 stalls to browse. The Hall and Gardens are open throughout the summer on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 4pm, with the café and gift shop open until 3pm. For more information and bookings visit lamporthall.co.uk

Chester House

On July 8, 21st Century ABBA Live will deliver smash hit after another; from Waterloo and
Mamma Mia to Super Trouper, but there are other outside events to indulge in too – 21st Century Queen (July 21) will offer a royally ace set, and Spider Training (July 22) will weave a web of wonder around little folks.

Suitable for ages 4+ Spiderman and Spidergirl will offer an hour-long workshop teaching little folks the moves of a real superhero. There are five sessions running across the day.

A Kids Summer Festival (July 29 & 30) will boast inflatables, interactive live stage shows, tractor rides around the estate, a circus workshop, crafts, sandcastle building and a chance to discover the Archaeological Resource Centre.

Youngsters can Adventure into Neverland! (August 1) with games, music and dancing, enjoy The Greatest Showman Workshop (August 2, 5 & 8), enjoy a performance of The Secret Garden (August 3) by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, and if you are in the vicinity, do support the Air Ambulance Open Day (August 4).

There are lots more shows and events (including Zumba for Kids!) upcoming. Visit the website for more details at chesterhouseestate.org