Small Business Saturday returns on Saturday, 6th December, and we will be using this as an opportunity to champion our wide range of independent town centre businesses.

Northampton town centre is set to burst into festive life on Small Business Saturday, with a packed programme of family-friendly activities, character appearances and a town-wide competition designed to encourage shoppers to explore and support local businesses.

The highlight of the activities on Saturday, 6 December will be a mischievous ‘Grinch Takeover’ in Market Square, where families can enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with the Grinch every 30 minutes between 3 pm and 5.30 pm. Expect festive fun, photo opportunities and plenty of seasonal mischief.

Earlier in the day, budding bakers can get creative at cupcake decorating workshops in the Grosvenor Gatherings unit at Grosvenor Shopping Northampton. Running from 11 am to 3 pm, the sessions are free to take part in and perfect for younger visitors looking to add a sweet treat to their Christmas countdown.

We are also launching a special Grinch-themed competition. Families are invited to hunt for Grinch puppets, hand-crocheted by the Northamptonshire Women’s Institute, that will be displayed in shops around the town.

Some puppets will be holding a letter. Collect all the letters, spell the festive word, and email your answer, along with your name and address, to info@northamptonbid.co.uk for the chance to win a family ticket for four to the spectacular Market Square On Ice rink.