Start your summer the right way as we share the highlights of our May diary.
The bank holiday has given us a welcome taste of the summer ahead. As the spring blossom matures into lush greenery, May is shaping up to be a fantastic month for the local community.
With the days stretching longer, there’s much more time to enjoy everything from a quiet stroll to a night full of dancing to Northern Soul tunes. It’s a good job, too, because we’ve got a busy schedule to match.
Whether lacing up our shoes for National Walking Month or bidding a fond farewell to the Mayor’s term of office, we can’t wait to celebrate the very best of what Oakley Vale has to offer.
Read on for the full highlights of what’s coming up!
A moment to reflect on an ambitious start to the term
As the summer term kicked off, our local schools wasted no time diving back into some inspiring and exciting activities.
At Corby Technical School, Year 12 students impressed the Department for Work and Pensions during mock interviews. Their professionalism was so “outstanding” that one interviewer remarked they’d happily hire every student they met!
Meanwhile, Year 9s from Brooke Weston Academy turned into detectives at the University of Leicester. From analysing DNA to exploring campus life, students showcased brilliant teamwork and curiosity, gaining a real head start on their future career paths.
If you’re interested in discovering what makes Oakley Vale such an inspiring ‘Place to Learn’, you can read more about our brilliant schools here.
Step into Spring this National Walking Month
May is National Walking Month, and there is no better time to explore the natural beauty of our local area.
As the days grow longer and greenery begins to bloom, getting outside, enjoying the scenery, and reaching those step goals can do us the world of good.
There’s a reason walking is one of the best ways of boosting both your physical and mental health. Just a short, brisk stroll can help you clear your mind, lower stress levels, and brighten your mood by releasing those important feel-good endorphins.
Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature helps us feel more grounded, and our local parks and woodlands provide the perfect escape.
Here are some tips for walking more:
1. Find your favourite route
With half term on the horizon, there are walking activities for the whole family to enjoy, including fun interactive challenges:
- The Corby Heritage Trail: Perfect for history and exercise – More info here.
- Love Explore Interactive Walks: A great way to keep the kids engaged – More info here.
For more suggestions, we’ve curated a list of our favourite walking routes in the area.
2. Join a Wellbeing Walk
For those who prefer some company or are looking to meet new neighbours, Corby offers fantastic Wellbeing Walks. These are free, led by trained volunteers, and are designed to be short and accessible, perfect for a safe, social way to stay active.
You can find the full schedule of upcoming walks, including times and meeting points across Corby, on the council website:
3. Stay comfortable
You don’t need mountain-climbing equipment to enjoy Oakley Vale, but a little prep goes a long way. To make the most of National Walking Month, make sure you’re wearing comfortable, supportive footwear and dressing in light layers.
Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated while you explore Oakley Vale’s trails.
Whether it’s a solo stroll to decompress after work or joining a community group on a Saturday morning, let’s make the most of National Walking Month together.
Happy walking, Oakley Vale!
The Mayor’s Month: A final fundraising push
As the Mayor prepares to hand over the chains of office, May is set to be a whirlwind of activity to hit those final charity goals.
From glitzy black-tie balls to choir concerts that fill the Cube with song, it’s a non-stop victory lap for our town’s local causes.
• The Mayor’s Ball – Friday 8th May
Hosted at the VOCO Rockingham Forest Hotel, this evening of dinner, music, and games is raising vital funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities, Home-Start Corby and Lakelands Hospice.
Tickets are £40 each and include an arrival drink, two-course dinner, music, games, and a raffle.
• The Variety Show – Sunday 10th May
Corby Silver Band will be performing as part of a charity concert in support of the Mayor’s charities. ‘The Great Music Showcase’ will feature performances from four local musical groups with plenty of toe-tapping favourites for you to enjoy.
• Big About Corby – Friday 22nd May
An exciting evening of entertainment back at the VOCO Rockingham Forest Hotel.
This spectacular community concert brings together local schools and choirs for a massive celebration of our town in aid of Lakelands Hospice and Home-Start Corby.
Culture and entertainment: Dates for your diary
Oakley Vale and the wider Corby area are buzzing with live music and theatre this month. Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss:
• Northern Soul at The Grampian – Saturday 16th May
Get ready to feel the beat, hit the floor, and lose yourself in a night of pure Northern Soul magic.
Experience the electrifying sound of an outstanding 8-piece live band delivering the anthems you love with the passion, energy, and soul that defined a generation.
From the first horn blast to the final spin on the dance floor, this is a night built for true soul fans.
Whether you’re a seasoned all-nighter legend or new to the genre, this is your chance to dress sharp, dance hard, and keep the faith alive.
• Weldonfest – Saturday 23rd May
Featuring over 40 local DJs and bands across four music stages, alongside an extensive children’s area, this event is taking place at Corby Athletics Stadium.
• We Will Rock You – 28th – 30th May
Corby Amateur Theatrical Society proudly presents the worldwide smash-hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton, coming to The Core at Corby Cube in May 2026!
Family fun and half term highlights in May
As the school bells ring for half term, the fun is only just beginning. Discover how you can keep the kids outdoors, active, and involved in the community with these two events.
• Free Family Xplorer Event @ Corby Boating Lake – Friday 29th May
Xplorer is a fun, family‑friendly navigational challenge that combines gentle physical activity with problem‑solving. Using a simple map, families work together to explore the area, find markers, and complete challenges. The perfect way to bond as a family.
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm.
The event is free to attend with no booking is required!
• International Children’s Day Event @ Coronation Park – Sunday 31st May
A free community event to celebrate International Children’s Day.
Time: 12pm – 4.00pm.
The spirit of Corby is in full spring!
With a packed calendar and the sun hopefully making plenty of appearances, we hope this diary inspires you to explore somewhere new, support a local cause, or connect with your neighbours at one of our community events.
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