The eventual relaxation of restrictions and increase in Covid vaccination uptake meant that more events could go ahead up and down the country this year and Northampton was no exception to this.
With the town's businesses opening back up came the iconic return of the Northampton Town Festival, the County Beer Festival, Pride and so much more. Many of these events were highly anticipated this year as they had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Let's take a look back at some of the happiest times Northampton residents shared together in 2021:
5. The Northampton Half Marathon
Around 500 runners took part in the Northampton Half Marathon in September, with participants commencing their 13.1 mile run at the Guildhall. The track then lopped out to The Racecourse before returning to the Guildhall, past the Shoemakers Museum and the Royal & Derngate theatre before heading out of town for some picturesque countryside views.
6. The Northampton Town Festival
The Northampton Town Festival made a big return in August with arena entertainment, live music, a funfair and a variety of food and market stalls to explore.
7. The Northants Acre Community Festival
Residents had a blast at the Northants Acre Community Festival on the first weekend of September at the Hunsbury Hill Centre. Residents got to enjoy cooking demonstrations, live music from the Kevin O'Regan band, dance performances, NLive Radio, crafting activities and food and drink. Residents also got up close and personal with three handsome alpacas called Parsnip, Pumpkin and Raymond.
8. The Earls Barton Soap Box Derby 2021
The theme for this year's Soap Box Derby was 'Earls Barton is going to the movies!' There was a total of 25 entries this year, each one dazzling crowds with their creativity. In first place was Danny Golden with his cart 'White Mills Warrior' followed by Lee Garner with 'Plonks Peddlers' and Elliot Denney with 'Hendrix McQueen'. Other striking soap boxes include 'The Hoghorts Express' - inspired by Harry Potter - by Nick Burles and 'Up The Tavern' - inspired by the Disney Pixar animated film, 'Up - by Steve Battams.