The Theatre By The Pond at the village hall was opened on Bank Holiday Monday with a series of special performances.

The amphitheatre-like space can seat 200 to 300 people on its grass steps, and was one of three projects unveiled at the event.

Roger Griffiths, chairman of Yelvertoft Village Hall management committee, said: “Over the years we’ve been redeveloping the village hall and the surrounding grounds.

“This particular event marked the extension to the village hall, which was the building of new changing rooms and committee room.

“The changing rooms serve the new sports field which has a football pitch and cricket ground, and also the option for a further football or rugby pitch if needed.

“And the third thing was we have a pocket park and we put the theatre there next to the water, so it’s called the Theatre By The Pond.”

Already performing arts groups from the local area and beyond are expressing an interest in performing in the unique venue.

At the opening event around 100 people turned out for music and other performances from local groups.

Mr Griffiths said: “This is a pretty unique place - it’s one of the biggest in the area.

“It’s already attracting attention, and Northamptonshire County Council is putting together a list of the groups interested in using it.”