THE re-opening of Northampton's Royal and Derngate theatres is being celebrated this weekend with an open day at which visitors can explore the new building and watch a variety of exciting performances - all for free.

The Return and Discover event - on Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12, from 11am each day - is described as a unique experience for all the family.

Visitors will be able to tour the refurbished buildings, and will be able to book places for shows, workshops, and tours by signing their name on the day.

The entertainment will include a step back in time to the original opening of the Royal in 1884. A Chris Dunkley play, performed by a professional and community cast, will be a humorous retelling of the opening.

Also in the programme is Edinburgh Festival Fringe First winner The Receipt, by Will Adamsdale, which follows a man on a journey through modern life after he becomes obsessed with finding the owner of a discarded receipt.

Men In Black - secret agents on stilts who create dance and improvised foolery - will roam the streets of Northampton and make appearances at both theatres on Saturday.

Circo Rum Ba Ba, a well-established women's circus theatre who create wacky characters and crazy costumes, will be part of Saturday's programme, and local break-dance group Rabble Alliance will excite audiences on Sunday with their slick, high-energy, dance routines.

Weapons of Sound will turn rubbish into musical instruments and perform tunes composed themselves.

The Royal and Derngate Community Gospel Choir will thrill visitors on Saturday, and the cast from hit children's production What Makes us Tick will perform and invite audiences to 'get involved' on Sunday.

A variety of workshops throughout the weekend, will include acting for adults, a writing workshop, and sessions for children of all ages.

Spokeswoman for the Royal and Derngate Rachel Myall said: "The Return and Discover weekend is full of fun, free, experiences for the whole family, and will give visitors the opportunity to explore the new building.

"We are very excited to be open again and hope a lot of people join us to celebrate."

The Royal and Derngate theatres have been closed since April last year for a £15m refurbishment, which included restoring the Royal to its original style.