Northampton's shoemaking story set for the world stage through Shoetown 2027
06 November 2026
Business leaders, tourism partners, heritage organisations and stakeholders gathered in impressive numbers at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery last week for a standing-room-only exclusive briefing on Shoetown™ 2027, an ambitious new festival set to put Northampton firmly on the world stage.
The evening, organised by Crown Northampton with support from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) plus Cheaney, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green, John Lobb, Sanders, Springline and Tricker’s, brought together a wide range of local partners to hear plans for Shoetown 2027, a landmark celebration of Northampton's internationally renowned shoemaking heritage and the shoes still made here today, that is expected to attract visitors from across the UK and around the world.
The idea for Shoetown 2027 has been inspired in part by the success of similar footwear-focused events in New York and Chicago, which Crown Northampton has taken part in. Recognising Northampton as the historic home of British shoemaking, the company has helped drive ambition to create a world-class celebration here, bringing the concept back to the place where so much of the industry's heritage began.
Attendees heard how the festival, believed to be the first event of its kind in the UK, will celebrate the town's unique role at the heart of the footwear industry while creating new opportunities for culture, tourism, education and business.
The event also featured a live hand-welting demonstration offering guests a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and skills that have made Northamptonshire footwear famous across the globe for generations, as well as talks from key partners, including Chair of Discover Northamptonshire (Northamptonshire's Local Visitor Economy Partnership) Richard Clinton.
Shoetown 2027 is being developed as a major cultural and visitor destination event, with interest already being generated internationally. Organisers anticipate the festival could attract visitors from countries including Japan the United States and Europe where Northampton-made shoes continue to demonstrate a world-class reputation.
The evening provided an opportunity for partners to learn more about the vision for Shoetown 2027, explore ways to get involved and contribute ideas as planning progresses.
Chris Woodford, owner of Crown Northampton, said: “Shoemaking is in my bones, and almost everyone in Northamptonshire knows someone who has worked in the trade or been involved with it.
“Shoetown 2027 has to be run by the factories and led by the industry, with as many people as possible behind it. It’s a celebration of everything that has gone before us, and of what our trade can be in the future.
“This is only the start. We want Shoetown to happen every year and get bigger each time, so Northampton becomes a destination for footwear lovers from around the world. We have a real diamond here. Let’s shine a light on it.”
Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: "Our shoemaking heritage is recognised around the world and Shoetown 2027 will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate that story while attracting new visitors, investment and opportunities for local businesses.
“We are thrilled to be supporting this as shoemaking is a large part of what makes Northamptonshire unique and brings largescale civic pride to all of our residents and businesses. West Northants is an area of entrepreneurialism, skills, crafters and specialist makers.
"We're incredibly excited about the journey ahead and grateful to the many partners who are already helping bring this vision to life."
As preparations continue, organisers are encouraging businesses, community groups, educational institutions, cultural organisations and residents to get involved in shaping the festival and helping showcase Northampton's proud shoemaking legacy to a global audience. If you’re interested in being a part of this, please visit the Shoetown website or email: enquiries@visitshoetown.com
Further announcements about Shoetown 2027 will be made in the coming months.