Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 2nd October 2026

Mother opens independent, family-friendly and cosy play cafe at the heart of Northampton town centre

A mother has opened an independent, family-friendly and cosy play cafe at the heart of Northampton town centre. Diana Rulevska is the founder and owner of Tiny Tots Play Café on Bridge Street, where young children can freely play while parents relax in the cafe – and there is space for birthday parties and events too.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 2nd October 2026

Award-winning Northampton pub hopes to develop community feel a year on from major £350,000 transformation

An award-winning Northampton pub hopes to continue developing its community feel and culture almost a year on from reopening following its major £350,000 transformation. The Phipps on Wellingborough Road, formerly known as Sir Pickering Phipps pub, was redesigned, renamed and relaunched in December 2025 after a two-month refurbishment.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 2nd October 2026

Growing Northampton business takes ‘leap of faith’ to join Market Square – but says they don’t have ‘rose-tinted glasses’

A growing Northampton business is taking a “leap of faith” to join the Market Square, but says they do not have “rose-tinted glasses” when it comes to the issues that existing traders have faced. 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 • 1st October 2026

Meet the founder who took leap of faith to open private garden beauty and wellness studio in Northampton

Meet the founder who took the leap to open her private garden beauty and wellness studio in Northampton, where clients feel comfortable, relaxed and able to be themselves. Anita Priest is the owner of AP Wellness & Aesthetics Studio, which specialises in facials, massage, nail treatments, lash lifts and eyebrows.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 1st October 2026

Meet the friends of two decades who brought space for women’s wellbeing and connection under one roof to life at Weedon Depot

Meet the friends of two decades who brought to life a space for women’s wellbeing, connection and community under one roof in Northamptonshire. HERA Wellness was created by Stacey Blair and Katie Muggleton and they opened the doors to the public at Weedon Depot in January 2026.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 1st October 2026

Founder of skin, aesthetics and wellbeing clinic proudly moves into expanded premises in Northampton

The founder of a skin, aesthetics and wellbeing clinic has proudly moved into expanded premises in Northampton to meet the growing demand. Rimute Kupcikevice, known as Remi, is the founder of Skin Embassy and she is joined by two team members offering skin, aesthetics, massage and wellbeing services on Notre Dame Mews.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th September 2026

Get the date of annual Reclaim the Night march in your diary and advocate for nighttime safety for all

Be sure to get the date of Northampton’s annual Reclaim the Night march in your diary, and join important conversations that advocate for nighttime safety for everyone. Dawn Thomas has been the CEO at Northamptonshire Rape Crisis for the past 14 years, and the organisation has been offering support and advice to anyone impacted by sexual violence since March 1986.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th September 2026

Northampton business owner proudly cuts down hours at day job as venture continues to grow seven years on from launch

A Northampton business owner has proudly cut down her day job hours, to give her more time to focus on her venture as it continues to grow almost seven years on from its launch. Ruth Coote began her journey with Fred & Betty Soaps in December 2019, and what began as eight products has now increased to more than 60 over the past six years.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 30th September 2026

Dementia Sings Out group expands to Northampton following seven successful years further afield in the county

A group called Dementia Sings Out has expanded to Northampton following seven successful years further afield in the county, and the session is already proving popular. Garry Bowe is among the eight trustees who founded Dementia Sings Out in Wellingborough back in 2019, and many of them were members of a community gospel choir.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th September 2026

Looking for a fun family day out in the lead up to Halloween? Look no further than Castle Ashby Gardens’ pumpkin hunt

Looking for a fun family day out in Northamptonshire in the lead up to Halloween? Look no further than Castle Ashby Gardens’ annual pumpkin hunt, returning next month. Early bird tickets are now on sale for the pumpkin hunt, taking place from October 24 to November 1.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th September 2026

Northampton’s leading hair extensions salon celebrates being recognised among the best at national awards ceremony

Northampton’s leading hair extensions salon is celebrating being recognised among the best at a national awards ceremony, which has been described as an “exciting milestone”. Lola Hair Extensions opened its salon and academy on Wellingborough Road in July 2023, after founder Georgia Baugh launched the business back in 2011, and it has since seen worldwide growth.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th September 2026

Serial Northampton fundraiser continues giving back following friend’s aggressive brain cancer diagnosis

A serial fundraiser from Northampton, who continues to give back to others, began his fourth campaign after learning of a friend’s aggressive brain cancer diagnosis. Piotr Maciaszek found out that a friend from university had stage four glioma, which he described as the most aggressive brain cancer in adults.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th September 2026

Have you ever wanted to make your own perfume, candle or soap? Here’s the spot in Northamptonshire

Have you ever wanted to make your own perfume, candle or soap? Here’s the new go-to spot in Northamptonshire, now open from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Reverie Candle was founded by Ashley Gwati, who invites guests to wind down, daydream and create personalised scents to escape their fast-paced realities.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th September 2026

Meet the Northampton-based personal brand, corporate and event photographer named finalist in renowned awards

Meet the Northampton-based personal brand, corporate and event photographer who has been named a finalist in the prestigious Small Business Awards. Heloísa Quadros moved to the town from Portugal in 2013 and built Heloísa Photography while raising her family following its launch in November 2017.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th September 2026

Florist reflects on first four months after taking leap to open bricks and mortar Northampton store

A florist with almost two decades of experience has reflected on her first four months open, after taking the leap to open a bricks and mortar store in Northampton. Claire Hall has been working in floristry on and off for the past 18 years, having completed her first course in 2008, and her end goal was to open a flower shop.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th September 2026

Pumpkin season is FINALLY back at family-run attraction Kislingbury Sunnies and Spooks in Northants

Pumpkin season is finally back at the family-run and well-renowned attraction Kislingbury Sunnies and Spooks in Northamptonshire. Families are invited to pick their perfect pumpkin as the gates open for another season of autumn fun at this unique day out on Rothersthorpe Road.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th September 2026

Northampton teacher proud to shout about self-published children’s Christmas book centred on self-acceptance

A Northampton teacher is proudly shouting about her self-published children’s Christmas book, which is centred on self-love, acceptance and not changing yourself to fit in. Amanda Ribano is the author of ‘No One Likes Brussels Sprouts’ following the story of a vegetable struggling to find its place on the dinner table, which was brought to life by illustrator Edina Lloyd.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 25th September 2026

Fourth generation family-run business to close by 2027 after 107 years open in Northampton

A long-standing, fourth generation and family-run business has revealed it will be closing before 2027 after 107 years open in Northampton. Jones Wholesale Business Store, on Heathfield Way, will close its doors for the final time towards the end of the year – having served businesses and traders across the town and beyond for more than a century.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 24th September 2026

Friends of Billing Road Cemetery invite the Northampton community to discover the history of 13-acre site

The Friends of Billing Road Cemetery group invite the Northampton community to discover the history of the 13-acre site, which welcomed many during the recent heritage weekend. Pauline Whittall has been the treasurer and membership secretary for Friends of Billing Road Cemetery since the group was launched in February 2024, and she spoke to the Chronicle & Echo about the important work they do.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 24th September 2026

IN PICTURES: Admirable Northampton nine-year-old sells handmade bracelets and headbands in aid of vital cancer charity

An admirable nine-year-old from Northampton has hit the ground running in selling handmade bracelets and headbands in aid of a vital cancer charity. Dolly Diggin raised £70 this month for Macmillan Cancer Support after customers purchased her creations at the Spencer Arms in Chapel Brampton.