Welcome to your May dose of all things Corby.
It’s time to shed those heavy coats and feel the warm sun on your face – and we’re here for it! Spring is well and truly upon us, and Corby is buzzing with plenty of events and inspiring stories.
From dance triumphs that raised a phenomenal amount for a local charity to exciting community celebrations and exciting sports news, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.
So, settle in and enjoy the wonderful happenings right here in Oakley Vale.
Strictly Corby 2025 raises £37,000 for Lakelands Hospice
Oakley Vale residents showed their community spirit at the 11th annual Strictly Corby event, a dazzling night of dance that raised over £37,000 for Corby’s Lakeland Hospice!
The event, held at Rockingham Forest Best Western, saw local celebrities from around Corby bravely step onto the dance floor. They were paired with professional dancers from MaSh Dance. After only ten weeks of rehearsals, our talented contestants wowed us with steps like the waltz, a cha-cha-cha, and show dances.
A huge congratulations to the worthy winners of the glitterball trophy, Glenn Harman and his partner Ruth Sullivan. Glenn also took home the title of top fundraiser!
We also want to give a shout-out to Gosia Jarzembska and Rick Dunsby for their fantastic second place, and to Amanda Burton and Callum McCallum who came a brilliant third. The ‘Spirit of Strictly’ award went to George Harrison and Tori Nowlan – well deserved!
The funds raised will go directly to Lakelands Hospice, which provides care and support to the Corby community. Glenn Harman’s words about the hospice’s support on the night reminded us all just how vital their work is. He said: “After losing my wife to cancer 18 months ago, Lakelands provided great support to us both through her illness and later supported me.
“Having never danced in my life, I was stepping way out of my comfort zone by taking on the challenge of doing three dances. But with the great encouragement and teaching from my dance partner Ruth Sullivan over 10 weeks, I stepped onto the dance floor with nerves I hoped wouldn’t buckle my legs. I was overcome with emotions when I realised I’d won, some happy and some sad, but seeing Ruth, my family, and friends jumping with joy brought great pride to me.”
This event highlighted the big hearts we have right here in Oakley Vale and across Corby. Well done to everyone involved – the dancers, MaSh Dance, Lakelands Hospice, and all the amazing supporters who made the night such a success!
Inspired by the generosity and want to give back in Oakley Vale and Corby?
We just published a blog packed with information on local volunteering opportunities, from supporting local charities like Lakelands Hospice and getting involved in community initiatives right here in Oakley Vale.
Read ’Volunteering opportunities in and around Oakley Vale’.
Bank Holiday bonza and Corby festivities this May
The sky is turning blue and there’s a gentle warmth in the air… perfect for a month of scenic runs and local heritage celebrations this May in Corby.
Plus, the bank holiday long weekend gives us an extra day to enjoy the music, history, and outdoor fun in Corby this month. What’s on? Take a look:
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Corby Heritage Celebration – Coronation Park – Saturday 24 May
Join the Friends of Coronation Park and celebrate Corby’s rich history at our Heritage Celebration. Enjoy live music, a marketplace of local vendors, fascinating talks and displays about the town’s past, delicious street food, and a pop-up bar. Fun for all ages!
Mark your calendars and attendance here.
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Run Rabbit Trail Festival – Deene Park – Saturday 17 May
Discover the brand-new running trails at Deene Park near Corby!
Choose your challenge: the unique Trail Mix Challenge (a different 5k every hour for 5 hours), the scenic Headlight Hop 10k, the Thump Half Marathon, or take on all three for a chance to win the Golden Carrot trophy in the final Carrot Dash!
Free Saturday night camping for all participants and their families, plus a guest speaker and live music. Book here.
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American Four Tops – The Core – Saturday 10 May
Get ready for a night of classic Motown!
Direct from the USA, Soul Satisfaction’s American Four Tops show is bringing all the sweet soul music to The Core at Corby Cube.
Experience powerful vocals, splendid harmonies, and high-stepping dance routines as they journey through all the hits you know and love from the golden era, including Four Tops, Reach Out, Baby I Need Your Loving, Walk Away Renee, Same Old Song, Loco in Acalpulco, Standing In the Shadow, and Bernadette along with other classics.
Boogie on down and book your tickets here.
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VE Day 80 – Coronation Park – Thursday 8 May
Corby Town Council, the Royal British Legion, and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets invite you to a VE Day 80 commemoration.
We will be lighting a beacon to mark the occasion, with lovely refreshments from the Air Cadets starting at 8:30 pm. At 9 pm, our Mayor and Rev Paul Frost will lead a heartfelt tribute, before a smart parade by the Air Cadets. It’s a free event that everyone’s welcome to join!
Your sports roundup in Corby
It’s been another week packed with sporting action right here in Corby! The biggest news, of course, is the fantastic achievement of Corby Town F.C., who have battled their way to a thrilling play-off final. Let’s dive straight into their semi-final success and then hear an inspiring story from one of the club’s own.
Corby Town F.C. reach play-off final
Corby Town has secured its place in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division final after a hard-fought victory against Long Eaton United.
The Steelmen, who finished the regular season strong, took on Long Eaton United at Steel Park with a narrow 1-0 victory. This will take them to a final showdown against Worcester City.
Earlier in the week, manager Gary Setchell expressed his belief that Corby Town had ‘an outstanding chance’ of claiming promotion through the play-offs. His confidence has been rewarded as the team now stands just one game away from their goal.
The highly anticipated play-off final against Worcester City will take place tomorrow, Saturday 3 May, 3 pm at Corby Town’s home ground. With a home advantage secured thanks to their runners-up finish behind champions Quorn, Corby Town will be looking to capitalize on the support of their fans as they aim to secure a coveted spot in the next division.
It’s going to be a big game! Read the match preview here.
Hear Corby Town co-owner’s story
James Longley, co-owner of Corby Town shared an inspiring story about how a challenging eight-month prison sentence led him to build a thriving business.
After an altercation on a heavy night’s drinking, he felt he had derailed his whole life. However, after his release from North Sea Camp open prison in Lincolnshire, James was determined to rebuild himself. He borrowed money to set up a taxi business, before a fortunate encounter led him to a new energy-switching venture, initially set up in Market Harborough in Leicestershire, but now proudly based in Corby.
The business helps customers to find better deals on their energy bills. Mr Longley successfully sold the company for an eight-figure sum in 2018, and now he coaches other business leaders. He recently wrote his own memoir, Power Through, to offer hope and encouragement to others who have been through the prison system.
May is shaping up to be a wholesome month. Whether you’re looking to celebrate our town’s heritage, want to enjoy some live entertainment, or enjoy cheering on our local football team, Corby has it all this month!
We hope to see you out and about in the delightful spring days ahead, enjoying the best of what our community has to offer.
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