From Ashes to Restoration: The Great Fire that Reshaped Northampton

The Week of Words - dedicated to celebrating how words shape art, stories, community and connection - is set to launch at The Creative Place on Northampton Market Square and everyone is invited to participate. Beginning on National Writing Day, Thursday 19th June, The Creative Place will be issuing free creative writing packs, with prompts inspired by the Great Fire of Northampton, to get people writing. Designed originally for young people, they are now available to all and anyone can request a digital pack or collect a physical one. Once submitted, finished pieces may be included in Northampton Film Festival’s animated film about the Great Fire of Northampton, which will be screened on Northampton Market Square in September. The Creative Place (TCP), considered one of the world’s smallest arts centres, will host a number of other events during the Week of Words, including: Friday 20th June: A gathering of an array of local authors for a meet and greet with the public, including the Northants Authors collective 10am-12pm and author of the Grumpy Rosetta children’s books Juliet Timpson 1pm-5pm. Saturday 21st June: 1) A variety of free sessions on Reading, Writing and Performance designed for young people, including a session...

The Week of Words - dedicated to celebrating how words shape art, stories, community and connection - is set to launch at The Creative Place on Northampton Market Square and everyone is invited to participate. Beginning on National Writing Day, Thursday 19th June, The Creative Place will be issuing free creative writing packs, with prompts inspired by the Great Fire of Northampton, to get people writing. Designed originally for young people, they are now available to all and anyone can request a digital pack or collect a physical one. Once submitted, finished pieces may be included in Northampton Film Festival’s animated film about the Great Fire of Northampton, which will be screened on Northampton Market Square in September. The Creative Place (TCP), considered one of the world’s smallest arts centres, will host a number of other events during the Week of Words, including: Friday 20th June: A gathering of an array of local authors for a meet and greet with the public, including the Northants Authors collective 10am-12pm and author of the Grumpy Rosetta children’s books Juliet Timpson 1pm-5pm. Saturday 21st June: 1) A variety of free sessions on Reading, Writing and Performance designed for young people, including a session...

The final UK concert performance for County Youth Brass Band and County Youth Concert Band.  Further details will be shared closer to the date, and tickets will be available from the ParentPay Shop.

125th Anniversary year Every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 6th April to 28th September 2 - 5pm   Enjoy live performances from local bands and musicians at the Abington Park Bandstand, every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from April through to September.* Bring your own chairs, picnic blankets/rugs and relax within the picturesque surroundings of Abington Park. This year's performances start on 6th April and run through to 28th September. Please view the full 2025 schedule below. *There will be no Bands in the Park performance on 21st September, but you can enjoy the Rockin' Roadrunner Festival instead! Please note that performances may be shortened or cancelled in the case of inclement weather. Updates will be provided on our social media accounts when possible. 125th Anniversary Celebration Event - Saturday 17th May 11am - 4pm Marking 125 years of the bandstand in Abington Park with fun for all the family with activities, stalls and musical performances. MORE INFORMATION: www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/bandsinthepark Bands in the Park 2025 calendar  

The Mystery Tours - 'The Great Fire of Northampton' Sunday 29th June at 5pm, Sunday 31st August at 5.30pm and Saturday 20th September at 5.30pm.  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.  Tour Highlights   St. Mary’s Street Stand at the very spot where the fire began and discover how a single flame in a thatched house led to devastation.  Market Square Hear the dramatic accounts of desperate townsfolk, the crumbling of historic buildings, and the narrow escapes from the inferno.  All Saints’ Church See how this iconic landmark rose from the ashes, thanks to King Charles II’s donation of timber.  Sessions House Marvel at one of the first buildings to be rebuilt, symbolizing the town’s determination to recover.  Meeting Point: St. Peter’s Church, Northampton (Outside main gate)  End Point: Top of Abington Street  Duration: 90 minutes (approximately)  Suitable for: Adults & children over 10  Tickets: £15 (including booking fee)  Important...