Reopening of Northampton Market Square
Contents
- Reopening of Northampton Market Square
- Northampton Market Square opening celebration event
- Event sponsors
Northampton Market Square opening celebration event
Be part of history! Join us for an unforgettable free weekend of fun, family, and food to help us celebrate the grand reopening of the newly revitalised Market Square.
Northampton Market Square is back. Bigger, better, and ready to shine! Enjoy a weekend of family fun as we unveil the incredible transformation of this historic space.
When and where
- Saturday 19 October (11am to 8pm)
- Sunday 20 October (11am to 7:30pm)
The event will be held at Northampton Market Square, located in the heart of Northampton town centre. The postcode is NN1 2DN.
Accessible toilets will be available on-site. The toilets will also include baby changing facilities.
What’s waiting for you?
The 2-day event promises to be a vibrant display of community spirit, culture, and live entertainment that residents and visitors won’t want to miss.
ABBA tribute act The Magic of ABBA and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalists Northants Sings Out will be the headline acts on the main stage.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy, with illusion shows, face painters, exciting sports activities to try out and captivating heritage and history displays. It is shaping up to be an experience you won’t want to miss!
The Northampton BID Family Zone
If you’re a fun-seeker, then the Northampton BID Family Zone is the place for you. Get ready for a fun, bright, vibrant circus-feeling family zone that will provide hours of fun in abundance.
Keeping the entire family happy on a day out anywhere can be a tough challenge! But we have just the solution. A space that will prove a huge hit with all members of the family from grandparents to tiny tots.
With face painting, circus workshops, quiet book corner, and lots more to keep you entertained, make sure to visit the Family Zone across the weekend which we have partnered with The Northampton BID to curate alongside WildTribe and Pastiche.
dbfb Interactive Sports Zone
Dive into a world of action! Test your skills with fun challenges, join in on fitness demonstrations, or watch some spectacular performances. It’s the perfect place to get active and celebrate West Northamptonshire's sporting excellence.
The Main Stage
Lights, camera, action! Featuring Northamptonshire's most sought-after music acts, the Main Stage promises a carefully curated programme of local bands, singers and artists devised alongside some of the most prominent music organisations in West Northants.
Saturday 19 October
BBC Introducing is a nationally recognised music initiative with a local focus. Championing new, up and coming music artists, their cross-genre approach ensures all artists are given a stage to showcase their developing abilities.
Featuring at all major UK festivals (from Glastonbury to Leeds Festival), the Northants contingent of BBC Introducing is dedicated to creating performance opportunities for as many artists as possible.
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 1pm | Rolling Thunder |
| 2pm | DJ Aon |
| 2:30pm | Afreine and Mat Day |
| 3:30pm | DJ Aon |
| 4pm | Great Adamz |
| 5pm | Woahgetter |
| 6:15pm | Bernie Keith's Handbag Heaven |
| 7pm | Headliner: The Magic of ABBA |
Sunday 20 October
The Northampton Music Festival has been a jewel in the local music crown for over 10 years and shows no signs of stopping! Started by a family of prominent West Northants venue owners, NMF has evolved into a cross-venue event.
It is a key date in the gig diary of music acts and an opportunity to highlight the many stages and spaces that promotes live music in the local area.
From jazz to pop, rock to ska, NMF will curate a day of music on the mainstage that will suit all music appetites.
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| Midday | Hana Brooks |
| 1pm | Inspiration FM |
| 1:30pm | Silky Wilford |
| 2:30pm | Inspiration FM |
| 3pm | Repro Jam Squad |
| 4pm | Secret Performance... |
| 4:30pm | T Bone Afrika All Stars |
| 5:30pm | Inspiration FM |
| 6pm | Headliner: Northants Sing Out |
The Discover Northamptonshire Zone
The Discover Northamptonshire Zone is your chance to discover what is great about Northamptonshire! Here, you can learn all about the amazing current community initiatives, attractions and spaces across West Northants, the people that make our community so vibrant, and the rich heritage within West Northants.
Some highlights include:
- The Northampton Museum and Art Gallery’s (NMAG) Handling Collection and Archaeological Dig
- The chance to try out musical instruments with Performing Room
- Latest news and events from local attractions
- NTC Heritage Boards and Snapshots in Time
- N-Live Radio live broadcast
Food, glorious food!
Don't miss the ultimate feast of flavours with mouthwatering local street food and refreshing drinks - a must for all the foodies
Here is a flavour of what awaits:
- Pizza from Pizzaroo
- American BBQ from the Smoke Pit
- Taco Truck from Tacos El Pap
- Jerk Chicken from Fud Cuisine
- Drinks bar from V&B
Proudly supported by our amazing sponsors
We’re making this weekend unforgettable thanks to the incredible support of local businesses and community sponsors who have come together to bring Northampton’s heart back to life. It’s a true testament to what we can achieve when we work together.
Find out more about our event sponsors.
Is the event free to attend?
Yes, the event is free and open to the public. Some activities may have a maximum capacity per scheduled session. Payment is required for food and drink.
Who is hosting the event?
The event is hosted by West Northamptonshire Council, in collaboration with local businesses and community groups.
What kind of entertainment and activities will be available?
The event will feature live music performances, food stalls, family-friendly activities, arts and crafts, and local vendors. There will also be community organisations showcasing local culture and so much to see and do.
Can I bring my pet to the event?
Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a lead at all times. Also note that there will be amplified music playing throughout the two-day event. Please ensure that you clean up after your pet. Certain areas may have restrictions for pets, such as the food and performance zones.
What should I bring to the event?
We recommend bringing reusable water bottles to refill at our new water stations, and comfortable shoes for walking. If you plan to purchase food or goods, cash is recommended, though most vendors will accept card payments.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
For safety reasons, attendees are not permitted to bring alcohol, glass bottles, or sharp objects to the event. Bags may be searched by security at entry points.
Is the event suitable for families and children?
Yes! The event is designed for families, with a dedicated family area featuring activities such as face painting, games, and child-friendly performances.
Alcohol-free zones will also be available for families with young children.
Are there baby changing facilities available?
Yes, there will be baby changing stations located within the family zone
Will there be any activities specifically for children?
Absolutely! In addition to arts and crafts workshops, there will be performances, interactive play areas, and hands-on activities specifically designed for children.
What food options will be available?
There will be a wide variety of food vendors offering local and international cuisine, including options for vegans, vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions.
Expect street food, snacks and refreshments from local vendors.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food, but please be aware that there will be a range of food and drink options available on-site.
Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from licensed vendors only and consumed in designated areas.
Will alcohol be served at the event?
Yes, alcohol will be available for purchase in specific licensed zones. Age-verification systems (e.g. Challenge 25) will be in place, and security will monitor these areas closely.
How do I get to Northampton Market Square?
Northampton Market Square is easily accessible by public transport. Northampton train station is just a 10-minute walk away, and several bus routes stop near the square.
Will there be parking available?
There are several public car parks available near the market square, including the Grosvenor Centre, St John’s, and Mayorhold car parks.
Find out about car parks in Northampton town centre.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage visitors to use public transport where possible.
Will there be any road closures during the event?
Yes, certain roads around the market square will be closed between 11am and 12:30pm to ensure pedestrian safety during key event times. Signs and traffic management personnel will be in place to guide drivers.
More information about specific road closures will be provided closer to the event.
Is the event site accessible for disabled visitors?
The event site will have accessible toilets and pathways.
There are fully accessible parking bays in the car parks in Northampton town centre.
What kind of music and performances can we expect?
The event will feature live music from local bands, acoustic sets, and family-friendly performances. All genres of music will be included from pop to jazz and indie, reggae to soul classics.
A detailed lineup of performers will be available closer to the event date.
Are the performances suitable for children?
Yes, the performances are family-friendly. There will be a mix of entertainment aimed at both adults and children, with specific acts designed for young audiences in the family zones.
What time will the live music end?
Live music will end at 8pm on Saturday and 7:30pm on Sunday, in line with the noise management plan to minimise disruption to residents.
Will there be first aid available?
Yes, there will be a first aid stations located throughout the event, staffed by trained medical personnel. In case of any medical emergency, please contact event staff or security immediately.
Is there a lost and found or lost child policy in place?
Yes, there will be a lost property and lost child station located near the family area. Event staff and security will be available to assist with reunifying families if children become separated from their parents or guardians.
What happens if there is bad weather?
The event will go ahead rain or shine, but in the case of severe weather, certain activities may be rescheduled or moved to covered areas. Please check social media for updates during the event.
Will there be accessible toilets?
Yes, accessible toilets will be available on-site. The toilets will also include baby changing facilities.
Are there any seating areas?
Yes, there will be plenty of seating areas throughout the event, especially near food stalls and stages. There will also be shaded and sheltered areas for comfort.
Will there be drinking water available?
Free drinking water stations will be available at several points around the event site.
How can I apply to trade at the event?
All traders for the event have now been finalised and selected.
What kind of vendors will be at the event?
The event will feature a range of local traders, including food and drink vendors, artisans, crafters and businesses from Northamptonshire. Vendors will be showcasing locally made products, street food, crafts and more.
Further information
If you have any further questions about the event, email the West Northamptonshire Council event team at [email protected].
You can also visit the information tent on the day of the event for any assistance.
Last updated 14 October 2024