Across Northampton, a lot has happened in the 12 months of 2023.
Businesses have opened, and closed, market traders were moved off the historic Market Square, A-list celebrities visited the town for a huge gig and there was even a massive Postcode Lottery win, as well as so much more.
To reflect on the year, Chronicle & Echo has put together a year in review for Northampton in 2023, by selecting one of the biggest, or one of our most read stories, from each month of the year.
Here are stories from each month of 2023, which made headlines in Northampton.
9. August
Late on Tuesday August 22, 2023, a huge fire took hold of the former Fat Cats and Balloon Bar building in Bridge Street. Nine crews were called to the scene and the area was cordoned off for most of Wednesday August 23, 2023. The cause is yet to be determined and the road remains closed, even at the end of the year. A business in Bridge Street has recently spoken out about its frustrations and how the closure is affecting business. Photo: Submitted
10. September
Royal & Derngate postponed all of its September performances, and many in October, after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), which is a "lightweight form of concrete", made in a way that makes it "much weaker". Entrance to the theatres was prohibited until mid-late October, when they reopened with temporary entrances avoiding the foyers where RAAC was found. The concrete was also found in a number of schools across Northampton in autumn 2023, leading to some temporary closures. Photo: Royal & Derngate
11. October
Duston Village Chippy scooped yet another award when they won best fish and chip establishment in the Midlands and The Food Awards England 2023. The business has won awards in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022 and this year. Photo: Duston Village Chippy
12. November
The long-awaited huge new Home Bargain on St James' Retail Park opened on Friday November 24, 2023. Eager customers queued for hours after £1 million was spent converting the former Toys 'R' Us unit into the homeware store. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds