Celebrations to mark 350-year anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton
A packed programme of cultural events and celebrations is taking place to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton.
2025 marks 350 years since flames ripped through the streets of Northampton, destroying 700 of the 850 buildings in the town centre and claiming 11 lives.
To observe the anniversary, cultural and historical groups are teaming up with partners including Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Northampton Town Council and West Northamptonshire Council to put together a series of events to showcase the story of the fire and the rebuild that followed.
The celebrations were launched on Thursday, May 29 with the Oak Apple Day parade and service at All Saints Church – including the annual hanging of a wreath in honour of King Charles II who donated 1,000 tonnes of timber to help rebuild much of the town.
There will be a five-month programme of activities, including everything from art exhibitions and light shows to processions and window displays, with all community groups and organisations encouraged to get involved.
The blaze is believed to have been caused by sparks from an open fire in a home on St Mary’s Street, near the former castle site. The fire quickly spread and engulfed the surrounding buildings. As the flames raged, residents sought refuge in the Market Square but the situation grew increasingly dire, and the authorities ordered the evacuation of the area, with terrified residents forced to flee.
The fire’s destructive path left behind a scene of devastation, with prominent buildings such as All Hallows Church reduced to ashes.
While the Great Fire of Northampton caused immense destruction, it also marked a turning point in the town’s architectural development. Following the fire, efforts were made to rebuild and revitalise Northampton, leading to the construction of new buildings and a renewed focus on urban planning.
In a remarkable display of community spirit and determination, local residents and businesses rallied together, raising £25,000 to finance the ambitious reconstruction of the town centre, centred around the bustling Market Square.
Northampton Town Council has commissioned a virtual trail as part of the celebrations, to transport users back to the day of the Great Fire, with characters telling the story of the catastrophic event as it unfolded. The trail is available on the Explore Northampton app.
The 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton will be marked with a special event in Market Square to round off a week-long series of free activities across the town.
The finale of a busy events programme will be held on Saturday, 20 September, with an activity day in Market Square from 11am to 7.30pm, to be followed by a service at All Saints’ Church at 7.30pm featuring guests including Rev Richard Coles.
A big screen will show a specially commissioned animation by Northampton Film Festival and The Creative Place. The film is the result of a project involving hundreds of local people answering the question, if Northampton burnt down again tomorrow, what would people save, what would people rebuild first and what would make it feel like our Northampton again?
Local children have contributed drawings to the animation, local animators have shared their skills and market-goers have shared their thoughts through workshops, vox pops and on the ideas wall at The Creative Place. The resulting film will premiere at 1.30pm.
Throughout the day there will be an extended version of The Creative Place’s Makers Market featuring artisan producers and creatives, a bar by V&B, a performance from the Bach choir and displays from Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue plus history tours and a chance to complete Northampton Town Council’s Great Fire Trail app.
Live music and DJ sets will be provided from the likes of Inspiration FM, United African Association, CLICK Arts Foundation, Saphron and The Performing Room.
West Northamptonshire Council will also be sharing its vision for the redevelopment of Northampton town centre, echoing the efforts to rebuild the town in the wake of the blaze in 1675.
As part of the anniversary, a spectacular light show will be beamed onto All Saints’ Church every night from Monday, 15 September to Saturday, 20 September, while Fiori Musicali will perform a spine-tingling interpretation of Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks at the church at 7pm on Thursday, 18 September.
The Northants Makers Market will have a range of local makers selling handmade goods – with lots of new sellers as well as some regular friends – there will be:
– Live entertainment on stage all day
– Free activities for all from Inspiration Arts (carnival accessories workshop) & urbansketchers (sketching round the square – materials provided)
– Premiere of Northampton Film Festival’s animated short film all about the Great Fire, made with members of the community supported by CLICK Arts Foundation and West Northamptonshire Council
– More NFF short film screenings from animation to live action and heritage films
– Pop up bar from V&B
Schedule:
- 11am Northants Makers Market opens and Inspiration FM take to the stage
- 11am Carnival fire accessories drop-in workshop begins
- 12pm Short films on the big screen
- 12.30pm Mini carnival parade – if you’ve made an accessory, get involved!
- 1pm United African Association drumming
- 1pm-2pm more carnival fire accessory drop-in workshops
- 1.30pm Great Fire of Northampton film premiere
- 2pm Bach Choir
- 2.40pm Heritage and NFF short films
- 3.30pm Family-friendly Burlesque for Confidence performance
- 4pm More films made by NFF including their new Great Fire of Northampton film
- 4.30pm The Performing Room band
- 6pm Northants singer/songwriter Saphron
- Followed by The Performing Room DJ set
Northampton’s Annual Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday 1st November
Entertainment from 4 pm, Fireworks 6 pm
Don’t miss the annual event, featuring live entertainment, music, and a stunning fire and pyro show.
For more information, please visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/.
Diwali
Saturday 18th October in the Market Square
Stalls 10 am, Stage 1 pm, Parade 6 pm
Join the Diwali Festival of Light, featuring a parade and stalls in the market square, celebrating culture and community.
For more information, please contact Neelam Aggarwal-Singh on 07791618450 or email neelam@ihwo.org.uk.
Navratre – 9 Days Festival
Monday 22nd September to Friday 31st October 2025 at the University of Northampton
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the colourful musical 9-day festival.
For more information, please contact Neelam Aggarwal-Singh on 07791618450 or email neelam@ihwo.org.uk
365 years: The Day the Fire Destroyed the Town
Saturday 20th September
TBC
From Ashes to Restoration: the Great Fire that reshaped Northampton
Saturday 20th September – Sunday 5th October (Please note: not available in the afternoon on Friday 26th September or Saturday 27th September).
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
For more information, please contact Nick Gordon at Nick.gordon@westnorthants.gov.uk or visit www.northamptonmuseums.com/whatson
The Mystery Tours: The Great Fire of Northampton – 1675
Saturday 20th September, 5.30 pm in the Town Centre
Step Into the Flames of History!
Join us for an immersive journey back to September 20th, 1675, when a single spark ignited a catastrophic fire that reduced much of Northampton to ashes. Guided by our enigmatic Time Traveller, you’ll witness the unfolding disaster, hear the tales of survival, and see how the town rose from the ashes. Tickets £15.
To book tickets, please visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mystery-tours-the-great-fire-of-north
For more information, please visit www.themysterytours.com
Tipping Point – Luke Jerram
An artwork by Luke Jerram, with surround sound audio by Dan Jones
Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods
Corby
Northamptonshire
NN17 1QG
19 – 21 September 2025
Fermynwoods Contemporary Art is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of Tipping Point, a powerful new work by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram.
Showcased in the largest ancient urban woodland in the UK, at the heart of Corby town centre, Northamptonshire this September, Tipping Point uses immersive light, smoke, and sound to simulate the drama of a forest fire.
The installation features a bespoke soundtrack created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones, which includes the sounds of burning trees, whirring chainsaws, and fleeing animals, alongside ambient, melancholic music and moving global testimonies from individuals who have experienced wildfires.
The work will be unveiled from 8pm to 9:30pm on the evenings of 19, 20 and 21 September.
For more details, please visit https://fermynwoods.org/tipping-point-luke-jerram/
Fiori Musicali – HANDEL Music for the Royal Fireworks
Thursday 18th September, 7 pm at All Saints Church
A spectacular concert to mark the 350th anniversary of this significant Northampton event, featuring Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks.
Purcell – Symphony from Hail! Bright Cecilia
Purcell – Rejoice in the Lord alway
Purcell – Chacony
Handel – MUSIC FOR THE ROYAL FIREWORKS
FIORI MUSICALI BAROQUE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA and the CHOIR OF ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, NORTHAMPTON PENELOPE RAPSON conductor
Tickets: £15-£45, concessions for children, students and blue badge. Wheelchair users, free ticket for carer.
Full details & booking: www.ticketsource.co.uk/fiori/great-fire-of-northampton/e-yjpeyl
Booking opens July 20
“Fire Fantastic”
Monday 15th September – Sunday 21st September, 7 pm – 10 pm, in All Saints Church
Experience “Fire Fantastic,” a nightly light and sound show that brings the Great Fire’s history to life.
For more information, please contact Father Oliver Coss at rector@allsaintsnorthampton.co.uk.
The Amazing Northampton Run
Sunday 14th September, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm in the Northampton Town Centre
Join us in Northampton, currently Britain’s largest town, for the Amazing Northampton Run as we take you on a grand tour of everything amazing in Northampton, through beautiful parks, along the riverside, and past great sporting venues and amazing architecture.
For more information, please contact Simon Hollis at admin@gobeyondchallenge.co.uk or visit www.theamazingnorthamptonrun.co.uk/
Marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton
Sunday 14th September, 4:30 pm in The Deco Theatre, The Old Savoy
We invite you to join us in a powerful celebration of the town’s resilience, community spirit, and history. Northampton Remembers…The Great Fire of 1675: A showcase presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton aims to bring together local performers, artists, and residents to honour the lives impacted by the fire and showcase the strength and unity of the community.
Want to Get Involved?
We’re inviting local performers, artists, schools, and community groups to take part in Northampton Remembers… The Great Fire of 1675 — a powerful showcase marking the 350th anniversary of the fire.
This is a unique opportunity to perform on stage and be part of a meaningful event that brings our community together in remembrance and reflection. Whether you’re a dancer, singer, musician, or part of a creative group, we’d love to see how you can contribute to this commemorative moment.
Spaces are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis — so don’t wait!
Email tayla@theoldsavoy.co.uk to register your interest and receive full details on how to get involved.
Take the stage. Share your talent. Be part of something unforgettable
*This event is kindly sponsored by Northampton Town Council
Free Entry for everyone, tickets must still be purchased through the box office.
For more information, please visit www.theoldsavoy.co.uk/.
Tales & Traditions of the Guildhall
Saturday 13th September, 11 am – 4 pm at The Guildhall
Northampton Town Council. As part of Heritage Open Day, enjoy historical re-enactors, musical entertainment, and a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour.
For more information, please contact Andy Roberts at andy.roberts@westnorthants.co.uk.
Heritage Windows
Friday 12th September – Sunday 21st September 2025 in the Town Centre
Visit the town centre to view a special window display dedicated to the Great Fire, highlighting its significance in local history.
For more information, please visit www.discovernorthampton.co.uk/
Heritage Open Days
Friday 12th – 21st September, at NN Contemporary, 24 Guildhall Road (and various venues)
Participate in Heritage Open Days with guided heritage walks and a display of early fire engines, celebrating local history.
For more information, please visit https://nncontemporaryart.org/
Northampton Music Festival
Sunday 7th September, 12 pm – 9 pm, in the Market Square and surrounding town centre
Enjoy a day of live performances and music celebrating local artists and culture.
For more information, please visit https://northamptonmusicfestival.co.uk/.
The Official Women’s Rugby World Cup Fan Zone
Sunday 7th September, 12 pm – 8 pm, in The Market Square
Music, Art & Culture
A creative celebration of local talent and global inspiration:
- Northampton Music Festival takeover with live performances throughout the day
- Make & take activity: design your own frisbee with Lemon Pop
- MMAP: poetry and urban art from a local creative artist
- Giant games and face painting
- Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning presence
- Live match screenings: all matches will be shown (on mute during performances)
- Plus much more!
NN Contemporary Art presents the return of NN Nights – A Celebration of Art, Community, and Culture
Sunday 31 August 2025 | 2 pm–9 pm | Various Locations, Northampton
NN Contemporary Art is thrilled to announce the return of NN Nights, a vibrant, town-wide celebration of arts and culture, taking place on Sunday, 31 August 2025. Following the success of last year’s event, this edition promises to be bigger and bolder, featuring over 50 artists presenting exhibitions, performances, and participatory projects across Northampton. NN Nights was devised in 2024 by NN Associates, a professional development programme initiated by NN Contemporary Art, aiming to foster creative skills and community in the town. This year’s event, proudly built on the work established by NN Associates, now marks a significant fixture in Northampton’s cultural calendar.
For more details, please visit https://nncontemporaryart.org/news/nn-nights/
The Official Women’s Rugby World Cup Fan Zone
Sunday 31st August, 12 pm – 5 pm, in the The Market Square
Family Fun
A fun-packed day for the whole family, with plenty of things to see and do:
- Inflatable activities including a bouncy castle, Last Man Standing, surfing simulator, rodeo rugby ball, and a giant maze
- Basketball challenges with Northants Basketball
- Make & take craft: paint your own canvas to celebrate the tournament
- Giant dinosaur, Bubblologist, and Stilt Walkers roaming the square
- Spanish dance workshop and face painting
- Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning presence
- Live match screenings: Ireland vs Spain, New Zealand vs Japan, Italy vs South Africa
- Plus much more!
The Mystery Tours: The Great Fire of Northampton – 1675
Sunday 31st August, 5 pm in the Town Centre
Step Into the Flames of History!
Join us for an immersive journey back to September 20th, 1675, when a single spark ignited a catastrophic fire that reduced much of Northampton to ashes. Guided by our enigmatic Time Traveller, you’ll witness the unfolding disaster, hear the tales of survival, and see how the town rose from the ashes. Tickets £15
To book tickets, please visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mystery-tours-the-great-fire-of-north
For more information, please visit, www.themysterytours.com
The Official Women’s Rugby World Cup Fan Zone
Sunday 30th August, 12 pm – 7 pm, in the The Market Square
Festival Vibes
A lively, colourful celebration filled with music, dance, and creative flair:
- Silent Disco: choose your beat with three music channels in a party tent
- Live Stage with BBC Introducing and walk-to-stadium music route featuring local performers
- Interactive mural & eco crafts: help colour in a rugby-themed mural and make festival headbands and sound wands with Wild Tribe
- Irish Dancers, magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers and Samoan weaving workshops
- Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning presence
- Live match screenings: Canada vs Wales, Scotland vs Fiji, England vs Samoa
- Plus much more!
The Official Women’s Rugby World Cup Fan Zone
Sunday 24th August, 12 pm – 5 pm in the The Market Square
Innovation & Technology
Step into the future with a day full of interactive tech experiences for all ages:
- Explore Virtual Reality: try free VR games and test your speed on twin racing simulator pods and compete on the leaderboard
- Meet and have a photo with a giant walking robot plus have your picture drawn by an iPad caricaturist
- Creative activities: design your own flag with Lemon Pop and take part in face painting and rugby activities
- Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning presence
- Live match screenings: Ireland vs Japan, South Africa vs Brazil
- Plus much more!
End of Year Concert
Sunday 13th July, 2 pm – 5 pm, Abington Park
An opportunity to heard NMPAT’s County Youth Orchestra in their final performance of the academic year.
Tickets: £6-9 | 01604 637117
For full information, please visit nmpat.co.uk/events
Saturday 12th July
NN Contemporary, in the Art: Northampton Rooms Space @ 24 Guildhall Road. NN1 1DP
Explore a vibrant presentation of newly commissioned and archival carnival costumes, reimagined through the lens of the Great Fire / Phoenix Rising theme for Carnival 2025.
For more information, please contact Morcea Walker morceawalker@btinternet.com or Emer Grant emer@nncontemporaryart.org
Northampton Pride
Saturday 12th July, 11 am – 6 pm, in the Market Square
Celebrate diversity and inclusion at the Market Square, featuring a day of festivities and parade.
For more information, please contact Nick Allen, Nick.allen@northampton.ac.uk, or visit the official Northampton Pride Facebook Page for up-to-date information.
Summer Festival of Music: New Generation, Derngate
Sunday 6th July, 12.00 pm
A concert featuring NMPAT’s youngest ensembles – County Junior Orchestra, NMPAT Singers, County Junior Brass Ensemble, Jazz 3, County Junior Strings and County Junior Wind Orchestra.
Tickets: £10-19.50 | 01604 624811
Summer Festival of Music: Second Generation Concert, Derngate
Sunday 6th July, 6 pm
A concert featuring NMPAT’s intermediate ensembles – County Training Wind Orchestra, Guitarlactica, County Training Brass Band, Jazz 2 and County Training Orchestra
Tickets: £10-19.50 | 01604 624811
For full information, please visit nmpat.co.uk/events
Summer Choral Festival
Saturday 5th July, 6.00 pm, Christ Church
An evening of vocal and choral music featuring NMPAT’s County Youth Choir, Senior Chamber Choir, Guys & Dolls and the NMPAT Community Choir.
Tickets: £6-9 | 01604 637117
For full information, please visit nmpat.co.uk/events
Great Fire Symposium
Friday 4th July, 10 am – 3 pm, University of Northampton
Participate in the Great Fire Symposium at the University of Northampton, featuring discussions and insights on the historical event.
The Great Fire Symposium is taking place at the University of Northampton from 10am to 4pm featuring the following speakers and topics:
- Pre-fire Streetscapes of Northampton with reference to the survey of the St Andrew’s Estate by Pierce – Speaker: Bill Franklin
- From the Drapery to the Peacock, from Corn Row to the Bell : exploring the pre-1675 Marketplace – Speaker: Steve Holder
- Housing in Northampton before the Fire – Speaker: Deborah Hayter
- The Course of the Fire – Speaker: Tom Welsh
- The results of the Museum of London Archaeology survey of the St Mary’s Court House – Speaker: Mark Holmes
- Reconstructing the lost Church of All Saints – Speaker: Steve Holder
Booking essential – book your place here: https://bit.ly/4493JT5
For more information, please contact Nick Allen at, Nick.allen@northampton.ac.uk
“The Great Fire Exhibition”
June to late September at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Explore “The Great Fire Exhibition” at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, highlighting the history and impact of the Great Fire on the town.
For more information, please visit www.northamptonmuseums.com/whatson.
Northampton in Bloom
June to September 2025 in the Town Centre
Experience the vibrant fire-themed hanging baskets and planters throughout the town, featuring striking red, orange, and yellow colours. Judging for the East Midlands in Bloom competition will take place in early July, showcasing the town’s commitment to beautification.
For more information, please visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/northampton-in-bloom
Summer Jazz
Saturday 30th June, 7.00 pm at The Picturedrome
An evening of jazz and big band music… with a bar close by! NMPAT’s award-winning County Youth Big Band will perform alongside students from its innovative ‘Jazz Matters’ programme.
Tickets: £6-9 | 01604 637117
For full information, please visit nmpat.co.uk/events
The Mystery Tours: The Great Fire of Northampton – 1675
Sunday 29th June, 5 pm in the Town Centre
Step Into the Flames of History!
Join us for an immersive journey back to September 20th, 1675, when a single spark ignited a catastrophic fire that reduced much of Northampton to ashes. Guided by our enigmatic Time Traveller, you’ll witness the unfolding disaster, hear the tales of survival, and see how the town rose from the ashes. Tickets £15#
To book tickets, please visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mystery-tours-the-great-fire-of-north
For more information, please visit www.themysterytours.com
Pre-tour Concert
Saturday 28th June, 6.00 pm, Cripps Hall Theatre
The County Youth Brass Band and County Youth Concert Band present an evening of music ahead of their summer tour to Leipzig, Germany.
Tickets: £6-9 | 01604 637117
For full information, please visit nmpat.co.uk/events
Community Spirit and Determination
Sunday 22nd June, Northampton Filmhouse
Attend a dedicated film season titled “Community Spirit and Determination”
For more information, please contact, jo.gordon@namtrust.co.uk
Then Sing We All, Northampton Bach Choir
Saturday 21st June, 7.00 pm – 8.45 pm, Christ Church, 3 Christchurch Road, NN1 5LL
Northampton Bach Choir, the largest choral society in the East Midlands, presents a Jazz-inspired programme celebrating the power of the human voice and the renewal of community spirit. Will Todd’s celebrated Mass in Blue is paired with Iain Farrington’s Then Sing We All, composed in 2022 to mark the re-emergence of communal singing after Covid. Conducted by Simon Toyne, accompanied by the Jem Lowther Trio with soprano Sophie Taylor Denton, the concert is a perfect way to see in a summer evening.
Please visit https://www.northamptonbachchoir.org.uk/concert_2025_06_12_then_sing_we_all.shtml
Chamber Concert
Saturday 21st June, 6.00pm, St Benedict’s Church
Featuring NMPAT chamber ensembles such as the County Clarinet Choir, County Flute Choir, Tarrega Guitar Ensemble and NMPAT string quartets.
Tickets: £6-9 | 01604 637117
For full information, please visit nmpat.co.uk/events
Unity in Faith Walk
Saturday 21st June, 11.30 am, All Saints
Northampton’s Annual Interfaith Walk, themed around this year’s commemorations of the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675. A chance to walk through some historic parts of our town with members & friends of Northampton Interfaith Forum.
For more information, please visit www.niff.org.uk.
Week of Words – Mother Tongue Poetry Reading
Wednesday 25th June, 10 am – 5 pm, The Creative Place, Market Square
A celebration of languages with poetry reading sessions in different mother tongues (with English translations displayed).
For more information, please contact us via nncreativeplace@gmail.com
Week of Words – Industry Day
Tuesday 24th June, 10 am – 5 pm, The Creative Place, Market Square
Talks from local people working in word-related industries from Film to Publishing.
12 pm – 1 pm: Julia Thorley. Editor, writer, and author of several fiction and non-fiction books.
2 pm – 3 pm: Tony Klinger. Mutli award-winning writer and filmmaker.
4 pm – 5 pm: Sophie Campbell from Writing East Midlands.
For more information, please contact us via nncreativeplace@gmail.com
Summer Safety Event
Saturday 21st June, 10 am – 4 pm, Market Square
#StaySafe4Summer: Family fun and safety advice on offer at Northampton event
On Saturday, June 21, Northampton’s Market Square will be filled with members of the emergency services, life-saving charities, health experts, sports teams and more, all offering information and advice to help people of all ages have a safe and fun summer.
More details at www.northants.police.uk/news/northants/news/news/2025/june/staysafe4summer-family-fun-and-safety-advice-on-offer-at-northampton-event/
Week of Words – Saturday Sessions: Reading, Writing and Performance
Saturday 21st June, 10 am – 5 pm, The Creative Place, Market Square
10 am – 12 pm: reading activities for young people
12 pm – 1 pm: Creative writing session for young people ran by volunteer and writer Ellen Page
1 pm – 2 pm: Performance workshop with poet, writer, speaker Abbi Jones.
3 pm – 5 pm: Become one of 10,000 voices with Roy Leighton! Get involved with this project by recording on camera the final words of James Baldwin from his debate with William Buckley.
For more information, please contact us via nncreativeplace@gmail.com
Week of Words – Local Author Day
Friday 20th June, 10 am – 5 pm, The Creative Place, Market Square
Local authors from Northants will be in TCP with their books, come chat all things literature!
10 am – 12 pm: Northants Authors Collective
1 pm – 5 pm: Juliet Timpson, author of the Grumpy Rosetta children’s books
More to be announced soon!
For more information, please contact us via nncreativeplace@gmail.com
Week of Words – National Writing Day – Great Fire of Northampton
Thursday 19th June, 10 am – 5 pm, The Creative Place, Market Square
Pick up a free creative writing pack and submit work for our animated film.
Download the pack here for yourself https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bwzw96RDvxdq8b8hOpaPmGWij6XRk_n8/view?usp=sharing
For more information, please contact us via nncreativeplace@gmail.com
“Regeneration: Recreating Northampton,”
Wednesday 18th June – Sunday 28th September, Delapré Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW
Visit Delapré Abbey for the exhibition “Regeneration: Recreating Northampton,” focusing on the town’s revival and transformation.
For more information, please contact Amanda Nicols at Amanda.nicholls-polinska@delapreabbey.org, or visit https://delapreabbey.org/
Bands in the Park – NMPAT Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust
Sunday 15th June, 2 pm – 5 pm at Abington Park
A specially-convened ensemble, featuring NMPAT members past and present, friends, families and musical well-wishers! A relaxed and engaging afternoon of music-making in a family-friendly setting.
For more information, please visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/bandsinthepark
Community Spirit and Determination
Sunday 15th June at Northampton Filmhouse
Attend a dedicated film season titled “Community Spirit and Determination”
For more information, please contact, jo.gordon@namtrust.co.uk
Northampton Carnival
Saturday 14th June, 12 pm – 7.30 pm at Racecourse Park, NN1 4LG
Experience the vibrant Northampton Carnival, featuring colourful parades and cultural celebrations at the Racecourse.
For more information, please contact Northamptoncarnival@yahoo.co.uk or visit https://northamptoncarnival.co.uk/
‘A Most Dreadfull fire’
Tuesday 10th June to 28th August (Open Tuesday–Friday, 9 am – 4 pm) at Northamptonshire Archives Service, Wootton Hall Park, NN4 8BQ
Visit ‘A Most Dreadfull fire’: an exhibition from the archives, highlighting the impact of the fire on personal lives. Entrance is free.
For more information, please contact Sarah.bridges@westnorthants.gov.uk
Community Spirit and Determination
Sunday 8th June at Northampton Filmhouse
Attend a dedicated film season titled “Community Spirit and Determination”
For more information, please contact, jo.gordon@namtrust.co.uk
Visit “Aftermath: Regeneration through Architecture”, focusing on architectural changes following the Great Fire.
Tuesday 3rd June – Sunday 29th June at 78 Derngate Mackintosh House
For more information, please contact 78office@78derngate.org.uk, or visit, www.78derngate.org.uk/
“The Great Fire of Northampton”
Monday 2nd June – Sunday 28th September (Open Mon–Fri, 9 am – 6 pm and Sat, 9 am – 5 pm) at Northamptonshire Central Library
Check out “The Great Fire of Northampton” featuring historical artifacts and stories from the event.
For more information, please visit the website, www.westnorthants.gov.uk/list-libraries/northamptonshire-central-library or their Facebook page.
Northampton County Beer Festival 50th Anniversary
Friday 30th May – Saturday 31st May, 11 am – 11 pm at Becket’s Park
Enjoy a variety of local beers, food, and entertainment.
Buy tickets online via Skiddle: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Northampton/Beckets-Park-Bedford-Rd-Northampton-NN1-5NG/Northampton-County-Beer-Festival/40149744/
Northampton Film Festival
Thursday 29th May – September (Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 am – 5 pm) at The Creative Space Market Square
What is Northampton made of? Drop in to The Creative Place, the smallest arts centre in the world (probably) on Northampton Market Square, 10 am-5 pm Tuesday – Saturday from Thursday 29th May to take part in some fun short creative activities to answer that question!
We’re going to use the stuff you make to produce a short animated film – and you can get involved in the making of the film too. The first free film workshop, open to any Northampton resident, is on Saturday 14th June 11 am-1 pm (so you can visit the Carnival after) at The Creative Place. The film will premiere in September 2025.
For more information, please contact Becky Carrier at becky@northamptonfilmfestival.co.uk.
Bands in the Park
Sunday 6th April – Sunday 28th September at Abington Park
Enjoy a summer of band concerts every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, also celebrating its 125th Anniversary on the 17th May.
Follow the Great Fire of Northampton’s path on interactive trail
An interactive trail allowing users to follow the path of the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton will be available to download tomorrow (29th May) on both Apple and Android phones.
The augmented reality trail, commissioned by Northampton Town Council as part of this year’s 350th anniversary of the blaze, can be found by downloading the ‘Explore Northampton’ app and choosing the ‘Great Fire Trail.’
Visitors to the town centre can step back in time to the fateful day in September 1675 when the fire started in St Mary’s Street, and be guided along the trail by following narrated instructions on their phones, hearing from virtual characters who tell their stories along the way.
For more details, please visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/news/2025/05/follow-the-great-fire-of-northamptons-path-on-interactive-trail
Oak Apple Day
Thursday 29th May, 11 am at All Saints Church
Join Northampton Town Council for Oak Apple Day, featuring a Church service at All Saints’ Church, military and civic processions, traditional ceremony, and educational exhibits on the events significant history and connection to the town.
The Great Fire Augmented Reality Interactive App will also be launched, kicking off a series of commemorative events.
The event will begin from 10.30am when military contingents will muster in the Market Square ahead of the parades and Church service at 11am.
The event is free for all to attend and everyone is welcome at the Church service and traditional ceremony on All Saints’ Piazza.
For more information about the Church Service, please contact Father Oliver Coss at rector@allsaintsnorthampton.co.uk.
For more information about the parade, please contact Stuart Carter at clerk@northamptontowncouncil.co.uk.
The Great Fire of Northampton Planning Committee would like to acknowledge and express their gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who have contributed in making this period of reflection possible
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