Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 7th July 2026

Looking to support local? This month’s market at popular village bakery is happening this weekend in Northampton

Are you looking to support local over the summer? This month’s market at a popular village bakery is happening this weekend in Northampton. Duston Village Bakery on Main Road is adored by loyal customers and impressively celebrated its centenary anniversary in June 2025, when the community arrived in their hundreds to show their support.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 7th July 2026

Hidden gem events venue in Northampton prepares for summer edition of much-loved ‘Love Local Market’ later this month

A hidden gem events venue in Northampton is preparing for a summer edition of its much-loved ‘Love Local Market’ later this month. T’s, located at the old Pitsford Quarry on Harborough Road, is known for its coffee hut, markets, charity events and family-friendly woodland walk.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 7th July 2026

Much-loved Northampton venue committed to giving customers ‘even greater value’ with new dining out discounts

A much-loved Northampton venue is committed to giving customers “even greater value” with its new dining out discounts for loyalty card holders. More than 300 people are already members of The Picturedrome’s long-running loyalty card scheme, with the independent now introducing a series of new food offers.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th July 2026

Calling all theatre fans – don’t miss out on these two open-air shows this summer at iconic landmark

Calling all theatre fans – do not miss out on your opportunity to enjoy these two open-air shows this summer at an iconic Northampton landmark. Delapré Abbey prides itself on being a place that belongs to its community and every visit, volunteer hour, wellbeing session and restored building tells a story of people coming together.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th July 2026

Founder – whose Northamptonshire business was born from resilience and turning pain into purpose – celebrates ‘incredible’ year

A founder, whose business was born from lived experience, resilience and turning pain into purpose, is celebrating an “incredible journey” so far in 2026. Ria Farmer, the founder of Rainbow Ri Holistic Health Coach at The Old Vicarage in Flore, was made redundant after 23 years with the same employer and has navigated significant health challenges for most of her life – including severe endometriosis.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 6th July 2026

Take a look at these outdoor breathwork and wellness sessions coming to Northampton very soon

Take a look at these outdoor breathwork and wellness sessions, set amongst the flowers, in the fresh air and under the open skies, coming to Northampton very soon. The two events are being hosted by Ali Mitchell, founder of Wildflowers Healing & Breathwork, at the iconic Delapré Abbey over the coming months.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 3rd July 2026

Michael Thompson: Jury sent out to begin deliberating six weeks after being sworn into murder and rape trial

The jury have been sent out to begin deliberating their verdicts six weeks after being sworn into this murder and rape trial at Nottingham Crown Court. 56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 1st July 2026

Michael Thompson: Defence says ‘truth of the case will reveal itself’ as jury urged to approach prosecution with ‘real caution’

The defence says the “truth of the case will reveal itself” when the jury retires to examine the evidence closely and reach their verdicts, as they are urged to approach the prosecution’s case with “real caution”. 56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th June 2026

REVEALED: First finalists in prestigious Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27

The first load of finalists in the prestigious Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27 have been revealed. This year’s entries for College Student, Artisan Local Product, Artisan Vegetarian/Vegan Product, and Artisan Local Drink showcase emerging talent, creativity and craftsmanship that continue to define the county’s innovative food and drink scene.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th June 2026

Looking for beautiful blooms? The 9 best rated florists across Northampton, according to Google reviews

Take a look at the nine best rated florists across Northampton, according to Google reviews. Look no further at these tried-and-tested businesses if you’re looking to treat someone in your life to some beautiful blooms.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th June 2026

IN PICTURES: 10 of Northampton’s leading sweet treat businesses and where to find these gems across town

Take a look at 10 of Northampton’s leading sweet treat businesses and where to find these gems across the town. Finding the perfect business to supply cakes and baked goods for your special occasions is no mean feat, but Northampton is plentiful with vendors ready to take your orders.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th June 2026

Summer has arrived – here are three more businesses I’ll be supporting for the first time this season

Summer has arrived and here are three more businesses I’ll be supporting for the first time this season. It was only recently when I shared three businesses I planned to visit during the spring and summer months, and now I’m back to share three more that are firmly on my list.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 26th June 2026

From Northampton to worldwide: Footwear brand celebrates decade of combining British design with Italian craftsmanship

A Northampton-based footwear brand is celebrating a decade of combining British design with Italian craftsmanship and serving customers all over the world. Founded by Taro Gibbs and Adam Bugla, Thomas Bird Shoes has grown from a small venture to an internationally recognised premium footwear brand – with the United States now being its largest export market.

Northampton Chronicle and Echo • 26th June 2026

Two businesses have announced closures in Northants market town this month – independents need your support

Two businesses have sadly announced their upcoming closures in a Northamptonshire market town this month, and this emphasises that independents need your support now more than ever. It was only recently that I published a story on how Towcester is thriving, with the majority of shop fronts open for business and three hours of free parking available to visitors.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 26th June 2026

Meet the businesses fighting for top spots across 20 categories at well-renowned Northants Life Awards

Meet the popular businesses fighting it out for the top spots across 20 categories at the well-renowned Northants Life Awards. Now in its fourth year, the ceremony is an annual celebration of the best of Northamptonshire – recognising the businesses, individuals and venues that make the county a special place to live, work and visit.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th June 2026

Robert Brown suffered blood loss from fatal arm wound in ‘tragic accident’ on bench next to River Nene, inquest hears

Fifty-seven-year-old Robert Brown suffered acute blood loss from a fatal arm wound in a tragic accident on a bench next to the River Nene and his death has been ruled accidental, an inquest heard. Mr Brown was found dead by the River Nene, behind Auctioneers Court, at around 6.30am on August 1, 2025 and a murder investigation was launched by Northamptonshire Police.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th June 2026

Michael Thompson: Defence evidence concludes as jury hears Kim say ‘every piece of hope is gone’ months before death

The defence concluded its case on Wednesday (June 24) as the six-week trial begins to draw to a close, and the jury heard Kim say “every piece of hope is gone” months before her death. 56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 24th June 2026

The sun is shining – here are three businesses to enjoy in the glorious weather this week in Northampton

The sun is shining and here are three businesses to make the most of in the glorious weather this week in Northampton. A red weather warning is in place in the town until 9pm tomorrow (June 25) and according to the Met Office forecast, we can expect to see highs of 40°C this week.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd June 2026

Britain’s Best Cake winner from Northampton shares recipe for sweet treat that promises to steal the summer season

The winner of Britain’s Best Cake Competition from Northampton has shared his recipe for a sweet treat that promises to steal the summer season. Ryan Grigg runs Pat-a-Cake Man from Pineham, which specialises in bespoke celebration cakes for every occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate events.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd June 2026

Michael Thompson: More than 550 hours of recordings recovered from murder accused’s devices, court heard

More than 550 hours of recordings were recovered from the murder accused’s devices including 108 recordings of three or more hours, the court heard. Fifty-six-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.