Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th July 2026

Don’t miss this super sweet family event at popular play cafe in Northamptonshire later this month

Don’t miss the two opportunities to attend this super sweet family event at a popular play cafe in Northamptonshire later this month. Jaime Elderton is the founder of The Storybook Play Cafe in Bishops Court, Daventry, which she launched after selling her former business specialising in pop-up events for pre-loved children’s clothing.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th July 2026

Here’s your chance to meet the makers behind business at Northampton garden centre that houses 50 crafters

Here’s your chance to meet the makers behind the business at a Northampton garden centre that impressively houses nearly 50 independent crafters under one roof. The Shack, which opened at Woodmeadow Garden Centre in March 2024, began with 31 traders and has continued to increase its capacity.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 13th July 2026

Free hot desking one day a week at this Northampton venue that recently celebrated three years since £14m transformation

There is free hot desking available one day a week at this venue for the month of July, all in aid of a worthy cause. It was in February 2023 when Vulcan Works opened at the heart of Northampton town centre following a £14 million transformation.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 10th July 2026

Spots still available for in-demand highland cow experience and afternoon teas on family-run Northants farm

Spots are still available for an in-demand highland cow experience and afternoon tea combo on a family-run farm in Northamptonshire this summer. Colready Highlands Farm has proudly been in the Deeley family for more than 100 years and it was during the pandemic when Joanna and her son Thomas Dyer took over.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 10th July 2026

Hottest street food pop-up returns to popular Northants garden centre this month – here’s all you need to know

The hottest street food pop-up is returning to a popular Northamptonshire garden centre this month, and here is everything you need to know ahead of the esteemed event. The classic edition of Bite Street NN is returning to Bell Plantation Garden Centre in Watling Street, Towcester, as it takes up its residency there for the second half of summer from July until the end of September.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 10th July 2026

Much-loved Northants family farm offering reduced ticket prices until September to minimise cost of summer days out

A much-loved Northamptonshire family farm is offering reduced ticket prices until September, to minimise the cost of summer days out. Mini Meadows Farm, on the border of our county and Leicestershire in Welford, evolved from the owner’s hobby to an attraction that holds a special place in the hearts of its 80,000 annual visitors.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 9th July 2026

It appears this national health and beauty chain will be unexpectedly returning to Northampton town centre

It looks like a national health and beauty chain, which appeared to close down for good when the company entered administration, will be returning to Northampton town centre after all. Bodycare on Abington Street shut for the final time in September 2025, after signs were put up in the windows saying everything must go.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 9th July 2026

Iconic landmark in Northampton to host UK’s largest celebration of African culture, music and heritage later this month

An iconic landmark in Northampton is preparing to host the UK’s largest celebration of African culture, music and heritage later this month. 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 • 9th July 2026

Two independent businesses join forces to share store on market town high street in ‘really exciting new chapter’

Two independent businesses have joined forces on a Northamptonshire high street, and sharing a bricks and mortar store is hoped to be the start of a “really exciting new chapter”. In recent weeks, Cécile Harris from The Slow Life moved from her existing premises on Towcester’s high street to Miller & Chalk at 213 Watling Street with founder Louise Miller-Chalk.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 8th July 2026

Two years since couple took ‘leap of faith’ to launch successful permanent jewellery venture in Northampton

It has been two years since this couple took a “leap of faith” to launch their permanent jewellery venture in Northampton and they are looking back on the successful journey so far. Jackie and Phil Firestone are the brains behind Evermore Permanent Jewellery, with a background in selling stainless steel jewellery for Jackie and welding for Phil before he made the move to Northampton from the US.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 8th July 2026

Michael Thompson: ‘I hope today provides Kim’s family and friends with some comfort,’ say police after guilty verdicts

Michael Thompson has been found guilty of all four charges against him, including the murder and rape of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson, after standing trial for the past six weeks. The 56-year-old, of Pinewood Road, was found guilty of murder, rape and two charges of committing an act tending and intended to pervert the course of public justice on July 8 after the jury spent 11 hours and 38 minutes deliberating.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 8th July 2026

Michael Thompson: 56-year-old found GUILTY of murdering and raping Kimberley Thompson after six-week trial

Michael Thompson has been found guilty of all four charges against him, including the murder and rape of Kimberley Thompson, after standing trial for the past six weeks. The 56-year-old, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kim – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9 2025.

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.