Europe's largest live street art celebration returns to Northampton town centre
23 July 2026
One of Europe's largest live street art events is set to return to Northampton this August Bank Holiday weekend, bringing together more than 330 artists from across the UK and beyond for a spectacular three-day celebration of creativity, culture and community.
Taking place across Northampton town centre from 29 to 31 August 2026, Wall Games will once again transform the area into a creative open-air gallery, showcasing large-scale murals, live painting, music, workshops, competitions and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.
The free-to-attend festival has become a key fixture in Northampton's cultural calendar, previously taking place in 2020, 2021 and 2022, attracting thousands of visitors and helping to establish the town as a leading destination for street art and public culture.
Founded by Northampton curator James Thompson with support from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northampton BID, Wall Games has grown from a grassroots community project into a nationally recognised cultural event, celebrating urban creativity while producing lasting public artworks that continue to enrich the town throughout the year.
This year's programme will feature:
- More than 330 artists creating live artwork across Northampton.
- Live street art battles and creative competitions.
- Interactive games and hands-on workshops.
- Live DJs and music throughout the weekend.
- Family-friendly activities suitable for all ages.
- Opportunities for visitors to meet artists and experience the creative process first-hand.
James Thompson, founder of Wall Games, said: "Wall Games is about bringing people together through creativity. Every year we see artists, families, businesses and visitors travel from far and wide to come together to celebrate art in public spaces. Northampton becomes a living canvas, and everyone is invited to be part of it."
The festival is supported by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northampton BID, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing the town centre and complementing work from the Council’s Waste team to tackle tagging and graffiti while supporting the local visitor economy and championing Northampton's thriving creative sector.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: "We are delighted to support Wall Games, Europe's largest live street art celebration, and to welcome an event of this scale and reputation to Northampton.
“As well as attracting visitors, boosting the local economy and showcasing our area's growing cultural offer, the festival reflects the wider investment we are making in street art projects across West Northamptonshire.
“Through commissioned murals and creative public art, we are brightening our towns and neighbourhoods, helping to deter graffiti and vandalism, and creating spaces that support community pride and leave a lasting legacy for our residents and visitors."
Wall Games 2026 will run from 10am to 6pm daily from 29 to 31 August, with activity taking place throughout Northampton town centre, alongside special evening events - including the
official Wall Games after-party at The Roadmender featuring Manchester based live Hip-Hop collective The Mouse Outfit and DJ Format headlining, alongside some of the best artists from the local scene. View the full line up on the Wall Games website.
Mark Mullen, Chief Operating Officer for Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “Wall Games is a brilliant way to bring art, culture and creativity right into the heart of Northampton. It gives visitors another reason to come into the town centre, creates a fantastic atmosphere for everyone to enjoy and, importantly, brings more people through the doors of our local businesses.”