Northampton Market Square grand opening event promises weekend of family fun, food and festivities

04 October 2024

The much-anticipated grand opening event to celebrate Northampton’s revitalised Market Square will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October, offering a weekend packed with family-friendly activities and live entertainment as well as opportunities to sample local food and drink, discover Northamptonshire’s rich heritage and history, and explore local businesses and traders. 

Hosted by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership with Northampton Forward, Northampton BID, and Northampton Town Council (NTC), this exciting event marks the transformation of the historic Market Square into a vibrant, inclusive space for the entire community to enjoy.

Attendees can look forward to a range of zones, each offering something unique for all ages and making this a true celebration of Northampton’s rich heritage, culture, businesses, and local talent.

Main Stage Music Zone

At the heart of the event is the Main Stage, featuring an exciting lineup of local and regional artists. Highlights include headline performances from ABBA tribute band The Magic of ABBA and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Northants Sings Out, complemented by live music curated by BBC Introducing and Northampton Music Festival. This stage promises to deliver energy and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Discover Northamptonshire Zone

We have lots to boast about across West Northants and this exciting zone will be filled with pride of place, people and potential, set to showcase our vibrant communities, culture and heritage. Visitors can explore:

• Models from the Northampton Market Square’s fountain development
• A pop-up stall from 78 Derngate
• NTC Heritage Boards and Snapshots in Time
• The Northampton Museum and Art Gallery’s (NMAG) Handling Collection and Archaeological Dig
• A heritage film screening and chance to try out musical instruments with Performing Room

Northampton BID Family Zone

Big, bright, vibrant hours of fun in abundance for big kids and tiny tots plus their caregivers. From circus workshops to craft activities, baby changing facilities to a chill out space plus so much more. Families can enjoy:

• An illusions show
• Circus workshops
• Balloon makers
• Face painting 
• Book corner featuring treasures from local libraries
• Plus lots more!

Local Food and Drink Zone

Food glorious food! Don't miss the ultimate feast of flavours with mouthwatering local street food and refreshing drinks. A must for all foodies, local suppliers will showcase some of the best culinary delights Northampton has to offer, including:

• 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

Interactive Sports Zone

Get involved and be a true champion! Showcasing West Northamptonshire's iconic sporting excellence with a range of activities for all the family – keep your eyes peeled for further details soon!

This event is proudly sponsored by Veolia, ZONE Developments, Northampton BID, SEGRO, Evolve, dbfb Communications, Danaher & Walsh, Billing Aquadrome, and Northampton BID. Their support has been instrumental in making this grand celebration possible.

“ZONE is excited to be sponsoring the Northampton Market Square Opening event on 19 and 20 October as part of our commitment to supporting local communities and fostering vibrant environments where students and residents can thrive.

“As an organisation dedicated to providing luxurious accommodation as well as valuable resources and opportunities for students, we believe that a revitalised market square enhances Northampton's offering, making it an even more appealing place to study, work, and live. We look forward to engaging with the community and celebrating the reopening alongside traders and visitors.”Neil Thakkar, Director at ZONE Developments

Throughout the weekend, visitors will have the chance to explore the offerings of Northampton’s local businesses and market traders. From fresh, locally produced goods to handmade crafts, the market will be brimming with opportunities to shop local and discover unique products and expert services such as bicycle repairs, key cutting, floristry, and much more.

“This event is more than just a celebration of the physical transformation of Northampton Market Square marking the completion of the first of several major regeneration works in the area - it’s a showcase of our local talent, businesses, and rich cultural heritage.

“The new Market Square is a welcoming, inclusive space that will serve as the heart of our community for generations to come. We’re excited to bring together families, traders, artists, and sports enthusiasts for a weekend of fun, food, and festivities, highlighting everything Northampton has to offer. This is a true celebration of community spirit, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone across West Northamptonshire and beyond. We will continue to do everything we can to showcase West Northamptonshire as a must-visit destination and the perfect place to work, live, visit and thrive.”Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council

Find out more about the event on the WNC website  and keep an eye on WNC’s social media pages for further announcements.