After so many events and new business openings were postponed during 2020 due to the pandemic, this year is looking rather busy for many people.
From rearranged theatre shows, to grand openings that have been pushed back, to events that were due to take place this year anyway, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Northamptonshire in 2021.
Strictly Come Dancing professionals will visit theatres across the county, a much-awaited museum will open, iconic planes will take to the skies and new type of food festival will take up residence in a county manor for a weekend.
And although some events may still be up in the air due to Covid-19, a large number have been scheduled and are due to take place this year, Covid-dependant.
Organisers and attendees alike are hoping they will be able to go ahead, not least so we all have something to look forward to.
In date order, here are 11 events and grand openings scheduled this year in Northamptonshire.
9. Chester Farm, off the A45 between Wellingborough and Rushden
An outdoor play area, a space dedicated to telling the story of Chester Farm and a shopping courtyard are just some of the proposals being acted upon to open at the historical site this year. Northamptonshire County Council and business partners are working hard to complete the attraction, which will be free-to-all. It is hoped the site will open to the public in October.
10. Grand opening of Northampton Museum
Northampton’s new museum and art gallery should have opened to the public in June 2020. Due to the pandemic, the grand opening was postponed, however the new attraction will open in 2021. An exact date has not been announced yet, but it is hoped the opening will take place early this year. More than £6million has been spent on the Guildhall Road museum, creating a new nine-metre-high glazed 'atrium' with space for two new galleries, a schools activity space, a cafe and a south-facing outdoor terrace.
11. New Jurassic Grill opening at Rushden Lakes
The dinosaur-themed restaurant already has a site in Kettering, but is now expanding to the Rushden Lakes complex. The grill has already proven popular in the town centre location, so the owners are hoping to reach more customers by opening a new restaurant at the huge retail park. Although a date for the grand opening has not yet been revealed, it will be this year.