January has hit Oakley Vale: the Monday of months. We can see why it gets such a bad rep – it’s cold, the holiday treats are all gone, and we’re trying to stick to new year’s resolutions!
That’s why we’re looking to the future. Thankfully, the days are getting lighter, and 2026 is shaping up to be a good year for our community. There are only 60 days until the grass looks greener and the sun hangs in the sky until the evening. While we wait, we’ve got a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon for Oakley Vale this year coming up.
While you’re navigating the month, don’t forget to look back at our recent blog for an extra boost: Surviving January – and tips for the rest of the year.
And if you need an immediate fix for those January blues, we’re also sharing how we’re celebrating Burns Night in Oakley Vale. First, we have a wholesome story about a few community champions at a local sustainability awards. Read on!
Celebrating champions at RAIN’s ‘Flood & Toast’ Awards
Winners include Oakley Vale Primary School and our very own Oakley Vale Rangers
A huge congratulations is in order for Oakley Vale Primary School, who recently took home the Gold Award at the RAIN ‘Flood & Toast’ Awards!
The school was recognised for its brilliant work in educating pupils on flood risk and the changing climate, with assemblies, tree planting, and the installation of multiple SuDS planters.
A special shout-out must also go to our wonderful Oakley Vale Rangers. They received a Certificate of Merit for their work in offering free music lessons to young adults in exchange for their tree planting and litter picking – all efforts that make our neighbourhood bloom into a place we’re proud to call home.
It’s stories like these that remind us how much heart our community has, even in the depths of winter!
Burns Night in Oakley Vale: Celebrate a Scottish legend
We live in Oakley Vale. Of course, we’re sharing how to celebrate Burns Night. Being part of Corby, famously known as “Little Scotland”, means we don’t do things by halves when it comes to honouring the National Bard!
It’s the perfect excuse to break the “Monday of months” cycle with a bit of tartan, a lot of laughter, and some traditional Scottish soul.
Whether you’re in it for the haggis or the dancing, or just need a January pick me up, there are two great opportunities to celebrate Robert Burns this month:
• Corby Silver Band Club Burns Night – Friday 23rd January
An evening of traditional music and culture, with haggis neeps and tatties and a toast to the land we live in. Tickets are £28 – book here.
• Corby and East Northants CLP Burns Supper Fundraiser – Saturday 31st January
Head over to the West Glebe Park and Pavilion on Saturday 31st January. Come join us for a night of Scottish fun, food, and fundraising! It’s a brilliant way to warm up a cold winter Saturday with some local community spirit.
Anything else on this month? Well, we may be ditching the pressure of resolutions this year, but you can always choose to show some love to our local shops and restaurants. Check out how to #ShopLocal in Corby in our blog.
Small Businesses to support in Corby
What’s on in 2026: Your roadmap to the year
January and February: The early starts
• The Big Garden Birdwatch (23rd – 25th January)
The world’s largest garden wildlife survey is back! Last year, many nature lovers across Oakley Vale counted birds, with the whole UK counting 9.1 million!
With 38 million birds lost from UK skies in the last 60 years, every bird you count in Oakley Vale gives RSPB vital insight. Grab a tea, find a window, and spend an hour helping build a local picture of nature.
• Holocaust Memorial Day: 27th January 2026
A meaningful event hosted by Corby Town Council to reflect and remember. This year’s theme is ‘Bridging Generations’ focusing on how we pass on stories of the past to protect the future.
You’re invited to listen to a short presentation by Mayor Callum Reilly, followed by a private screening of the film A Real Pain. To book your FREE seat, email Rachel at events@corbytowncouncil.gov.uk.
Where: The Savoy Cinema
Interested in history? Want to understand more about how Corby’s heritage has shaped our values today? Read more here.
The history of Oakley Vale
Spring: Music & culture
• British Country Music Weekender: 3rd – 6th April 2026
A cosy, inclusive weekend break for fans of country music and line dancing. Enjoy dance tuition and live sets from artists like Mickey Page, Nadine Somers, and DJ Lee’s Country Disco. Contact Westline Country for details.
Where: Voco Rockingham Forest, Corby, Northamptonshire.
• Season of entertainment – The Core at Corby Cube - Spring 2026
The Core has an electric lineup ahead, packed with tribute acts for legends like Diana Ross, George Michael, Meatloaf, and Luther Vandross.
Find out more on here.
Summer: The big moments
• Corby Pride: June 2026
Celebrate love and diversity. Keep an eye out on Corby Pride’s website and socials for the exact date of the parade and festival.
• Corby Highland Gathering: 11th – 12th July 2026
A huge celebration of Corby’s Scottish heritage at Charter Field. Expect pipe bands, the All-England Highland Dancing Championships, and a funfair for the whole family to join in with. Find out more here.
Autumn: Celebrating our favourite festivities
• Oktoberfest – The Spread Eagle – October 2026
The steins and bratwurst return for a weekend of Bavarian fun in the heart of the town. After a successful event last year, the pub promises it to be even bigger and better for 2026. Mark your calendars and find out more here.
The big sports summer: where to watch in Oakley Vale
You won’t have to travel far to catch the biggest games of the year.
• World Cup 2026 (11th June – 19th June 2026):
Catch the atmosphere at The Harpers Brook or the Hazel Tree Corby. Visit their websites for the fixtures.
• Wimbledon Tennis (29th June – 12th July):
The Holiday Inn Corby is showing Wimbledon on the big screen, with strawberries & cream, and a glass of Pimms – a perfect balmy afternoon for just £10. More info here!
• F1 British Grand Prix (5th July):
Win 2 tickets for Silverstone F1 Grand Prix at the Hazel Tree Corby, just by popping into the pub across any (or all) of these three race weekends to get yourself in the draw. You just need to buy one of its selected drinks and enter your details – then you’re in the running!
We hope that a little glimpse of the excitement to come has helped pull you out of the January slumber.
From gold-medal-winning schools to a summer full of sport and Scottish heritage, there is so much to be proud of right here on our doorstep. We can’t wait for a brilliant 2026 together!
