Exciting summer line-up announced for Northampton Market Square

A packed programme of events, activities and entertainment is coming to Northampton Market Square this summer as partners come together to launch Summer on the Square.

The new events programme, delivered in partnership by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Northampton Town Centre BID, Northampton Town Council and Northampton Market traders, will bring the community together through a series of free family-friendly activities and cultural events in the heart of the town centre.

A free summer beach will take centre stage in the programme, transforming Northampton's award-winning Market Square into a seaside destination throughout the school holidays.

Running from 31 July until 31 August, the month-long attraction will feature sand, deckchairs, buckets and spades, palm trees and beach-themed decorations, creating the perfect place for families to relax, play and enjoy a taste of summer in the town centre. A range of additional activities will also be available for families and children of all ages.

The beach has been funded through a £4,500 contribution from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is expected to be one of the biggest draws of the summer, encouraging families and visitors to spend more time in the town centre while supporting local businesses and market traders. 

Alongside the beach, visitors can enjoy a selection of fairground rides delivered by award-winning Café Continental. 

The Summer on the Square programme includes:

• 18 July – Outdoor cinema delivered by Northampton BID, showing a range of family-friendly movies
• 31 July to 31 August – Summer beach, fairground rides and activities
• 6 September – Northampton Music Festival
• 11 to 20 September – Heritage Open Days and bus tours
• 13 September – The Amazing Northampton Run

The programme has been designed to make the most of Northampton Market Square's flexible events space, creating more reasons for residents and visitors to spend time in the town centre while supporting local businesses and strengthening Northampton's visitor offer.

Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "Summer on the Square is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local partners work together to create free activities and events for our communities. We're particularly excited to be bringing a free beach to the Market Square throughout August, giving families a fun and accessible attraction to enjoy during the school holidays.

"By working closely with Northampton Town Centre BID, Northampton Town Council and our market traders, we're making full use of the Market Square's impressive events space to deliver activities that encourage more people to visit the town centre, spend time here and support local businesses. This programme is about bringing communities together, boosting footfall and showcasing Northampton as a welcoming destination for our residents and visitors."

Mark Mullen, chief operating officer for Northampton BID, said: "Summer is always a fantastic time to enjoy Northampton town centre, and this programme gives people even more reasons to visit. Whether you're bringing the children to the beach, catching a film at the outdoor cinema, meeting friends for lunch or browsing the fantastic mix of independent businesses, restaurants and national retailers, there's something for everyone.

"We'd encourage people to make a day of it this summer. Every visit helps support the businesses that give our town centre its unique identity, and we're looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to enjoy everything Summer on the Square has to offer."

John Greatorex, Owner of Café Continental, said: "We’re delighted to be part of Summer on the Square and to help bring even more fun and excitement to Northampton town centre this summer. 

“Events like these are a fantastic way to bring people together and into the town centre, and we’re looking forward to seeing families and visitors enjoy the fairground rides alongside everything else on offer. We’d encourage everyone to come along, get involved, and make the most of this fantastic programme of summer activities."

Further details about individual events and activities will be announced in the coming weeks.