West Northamptonshire to mark Stephen Lawrence Day 2026

17 April 2026

Community partners, faith leaders and local representatives will come together to mark Stephen Lawrence Day on Wednesday 22 April 2026 at midday, reaffirming West Northamptonshire’s commitment to equality, justice and positive change.

The commemorative event, organised by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), will take place in the Northampton Guildhall Courtyard, bringing together residents, councillors, partners and community organisations to reflect on Stephen Lawrence’s life, legacy and the enduring message of hope and unity that Stephen Lawrence Day represents.

Stephen Lawrence was a young Londoner with ambitions of becoming an architect. He was an ordinary teenager with hopes and talents that were tragically taken away in a racist attack in 1993. His death revealed serious injustices in society, but his legacy continues to inspire people to challenge racism and build a fairer, more inclusive future. 

Stephen Lawrence Day is led nationally by the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and is marked each year to promote learning, reflection and action, empowering young people and communities while keeping Stephen’s story alive and driving positive change.

The event will begin at midday with a welcome from WNC’s Vice Chairman Cllr Peter York, followed by words from Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dominic Goble JP, Superintendent Rachael Handford, and founder of MMAP youth charity Quinton Green. A prayer will be led by the Chair of the Northamptonshire Inter Faith Forum (NIFF) Father Oliver Coss, followed by a candle lighting. Community members are invited to take part, with both battery-operated and flame candles available.

Following the formal proceedings, refreshments will be served in the Judge’s Lodgings, providing an opportunity for attendees to reflect together and continue conversations in an informal setting.

“Stephen Lawrence Day is a vital moment for reflection and learning. It reminds us not only of the injustice Stephen and his family endured, but also of the responsibility we all share to challenge racism and champion equality in our communities.

“As a Council we are committed to working with our partners and residents to create a place where everyone feels safe, valued and able to fulfil their potential.”Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC

“There is no denying that we continue to live in a challenging world, which is why it is vitally important that we continue to commemorate Stephen Lawrence Day and celebrate diversity within our county.

“By using the memory of Stephen’s life and legacy, we can come together as a community to not only stand up against racism and inequality but to acknowledge the positive contributions that we can all make to our society.”Superintendent Rachael Handford