Thousands enjoy day of community, culture and civic pride for Northamptonshire Day

27 October 2025

Thousands of residents and visitors joined celebrations in Northampton Market Square on Saturday (25 October) for the inaugural Northamptonshire Day event, bringing the heart of Northampton to life in a showcase of civic pride and demonstrating why Northamptonshire is the perfect place to live, work, visit, invest, and thrive.

Organised by West and North Northamptonshire Councils in partnership with Discover Northamptonshire and partners, the full-day event featured live music, family-friendly activities, flavour zones, heritage experiences and more - all designed to celebrate the people, heritage, culture and businesses that make our county special. 

From the moment festivities began at 1pm until the evening’s headline performance by 80s Live!, visitors enjoyed a packed programme of fun and entertainment. Highlights included watching the circus entertainers and magicians, feeding the alpacas and a pumpkin patch in the Family Zone; local produce and live cooking demonstrations in the Savour the Flavour Zone; and heritage re-enactments, storytelling and traditional crafts in the Culture and Heritage Zones. 

“The event is really good – it reminds me of the old Northamptonshire Day events we used to attend. It’s been very good for trade. Lovely atmosphere, lots of people, and lots of families – that’s just what you need.”An attendee, Rachel of Northampton

“I was very keen that we delivered this event to celebrate our county and show our dedication to the whole community. To see so many people come together in Northampton Market Square and join us to celebrate everything that makes Northamptonshire unique, is fantastic.

“This event has shown that when we bring together our heritage, culture, businesses, and people, we can create something very special. This event is a testament to the fact that Northamptonshire is a must-visit and must-invest destination. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for what’s next – particularly our largescale ice rink and festive activities that we have planned this December.”

WNC’s Leader Cllr Mark Arnull

The success of this event was thanks to strong support from sponsors including Wilson Browne Solicitors, Silverstone Park, Northants Sings Out, Northampton College, Billing Aquadrome, Crockett & Jones, Silverstone Circuit, Hilton Northampton, Made in Northamptonshire, EMW Law, Delapré Abbey, University of Northampton, the South Midlands Local Skills Improvement Plan, Northampton BID and Discover Northamptonshire. Next year’s event has already been agreed to take place in Kettering, North Northamptonshire.

“As someone who was born and has lived all my life in the county, it was an extremely proud day for me personally but also for our wonderful county.

“It was amazing to see everyone come together for such an exciting event and celebrate all that makes Northamptonshire great - the atmosphere was exceptional. We’re determined to put Northamptonshire on the map, somewhere residents are proud to call home and events like this really help.

“Alongside partners, I am so pleased with everything we achieved and look forward to welcoming the Northamptonshire Day celebrations to Kettering in 2026.”

Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

Residents and businesses are now invited to share their thoughts on the event by taking part in a short survey. Entrees will be in with the chance of winning some amazing prizes, including weekend tickets for MotoGP 2026, a trip to Mini Meadows Farm’s Christmas Experience, £300 vouchers for Crockett & Jones shoes, and tickets to the Northampton Ice Rink. Take part via the Council’s consultation hub.