WinterFest to bring festive attractions, entertainment and community celebrations to Northampton Market Square
12 October 2026
Schools, communities and businesses across West Northamptonshire are being invited to join in six weeks of festive fun as WinterFest takes over Northampton Market Square in the run-up to Christmas.
A wide range of seasonal attractions, live entertainment, festive markets and community-led events will transform the Market Square between 21 November and 3 January as partners work together to draw people into the heart of the town during the Christmas period.
Winterfest is being organised by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Northampton Town Council, Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the Grosvenor Centre and Delapré Abbey.
It will build on the town centre's existing offer to Christmas shoppers, showcasing unique gifts, festive treats and seasonal delights alongside specially-themed Christmas retail huts. Visitors will be able to enjoy family-friendly attractions, including fairground rides and a spectacular 175ft Star Flyer.
At the heart of WinterFest is a commitment to celebrating local communities, with schools, performers, charities and community groups encouraged to perform on a dedicated live entertainment stage, kicking off on 21 November at the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-on.
The switch on event will see the Market Square come alive from midday, with festive walkabout acts, children’s crafts and storytelling, stage entertainment, a Silent Disco marquee, yuletide bar, stalls and more. The countdown to the switch on will begin at 5pm.
Partners are currently seeking live acts and performances from schools, students, community groups, charities and cultural organisations. Those interested in taking part can contact communities@westnorthants.gov.uk or complete an Expression of Interest form before Friday 16 October 2026.
A highlight of the programme will be Carols on the Square on Saturday 12 December, bringing together local schools, choirs and performers for an evening of festive music and entertainment. Headlined by a Michael Bublé tribute act, the event will also support local charitable causes, including The Lewis Foundation and NLive Radio's Present Drop Appeal.
Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "WinterFest is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together during the festive season, support our local businesses and celebrate everything that makes Northampton such a great place.
"Working with our partners, we're creating a programme that combines exciting attractions, live entertainment and community participation, helping to drive footfall into the town centre and create memorable experiences. “We hope WinterFest will become a highlight of the festive calendar and would love schools, groups and organisations from across West Northants to get involved.”
Cllr Keith Holland-Delamere, Chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said: “The town council is delighted to be working with WNC as the principal sponsorship partner of this year’s Winterfest programme, which will officially launch at our Christmas Lights Switch On, set for Saturday, 21 November.
“The switch on event will bring a magical, festive atmosphere to the town, setting the scene for Winterfest, by illuminating the 40ft Christmas trees located at All Saints’ Piazza, Guildhall Square, Market Square, Abington Square and Becket’s Park, along with our upgraded lighting throughout the town centre and along the Wellingborough Road.
“We’re also pleased to add two new trees this year, outside the train station on St Peter’s Way, supported by the Northampton Town BID, and on Kingsley Front, at St Matthew’s Church.
“We’re incredibly excited for Winterfest and the enhanced offer that this partnership approach will bring to Northampton. There will be something for everyone to enjoy and we’re looking forward to seeing the town come alive with Christmas spirit.”
Mark Mullen, Chief Operations Officer at Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “WinterFest gives businesses across the town centre a fantastic opportunity to make the most of the increased footfall we expect to see in the run-up to Christmas. There is a packed programme of activity planned, and we’re encouraging businesses to get involved, make the most of the opportunities available and give visitors even more reasons to shop, eat, drink and spend time in Northampton.
“As part of the BID’s contribution, we’ll be running our Golden Ticket giveaway, with four families each having the chance to win £500 in vouchers to spend in participating town centre businesses, alongside Santa’s Grotto at the Grosvenor Centre and a programme of activity around Small Business Saturday. By working together and making the most of the festive buzz, we can maximise the impact of WinterFest and deliver a really positive Christmas for businesses and visitors.”
More exciting announcements, including the full event programme and festive attractions, will be shared in the coming weeks.