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BBC News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Northampton Film Festival to open with free Market Square event
A film festival will be launched with a free family-focused event which town centre bosses hope will bring extra footfall to the Movies on the Square day at Northampton Market Square will herald the start of the 2026 Northampton Film Festival (NFF).The event will take place this year, between 12:00 and 19:00 BST on 6 Carrier, director of NFF, says people will be able to watch live action films made by young and local filmmakers. Organised by the Northampton Business Improvement District (BID), the market square event will show Disney film Moana on a large outdoor screen, which will also show films created by previous festival Carrier said that the event, which marks the fifth birthday of NFF, would also see visitors given the opportunity to "take part in some free hands-on film activities".The film festival is due to host its main programme of events in March next Northampton BID announced it would hold a free classic car event on the Market Square, which reopened last year following a £12m on the Square will be held between 10:00 and 14:00 BST on 9 August with a range of vintage vehicles on events have been supported by Reform UK-controlled West Northamptonshire Council. 'We want more' Mark Mullen, operations manager for Northampton BID, said there had been positive feedback after hosting Northampton Pride and Armed Forces Day in the square."By maximising the area's events space, the square can become a really vibrant and exciting focal point for our town centre," he said."The overwhelming feedback from those coming to the events is 'we want more of them' so that's what we're trying to do."The Market Square is also due to host a fan zone for the Women's Rugby World Cup, which begins next month, and September's Amazing Northampton Petter, deputy leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: "The square is a key space for connection and culture, and we're proud to see it being used in ways that make it a lively and welcoming place for all." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
09-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Neglected' corner of Northampton churchyard transformed
A "once neglected" corner of a churchyard described as an "eyesore" has been renovated and transformed by students and area of St Giles churchyard in Northampton town centre was now a "beautiful and useful space", said Kardi Somerfield from the church's community site had been known to collect litter and attract antisocial benches, five hanging basket posts and a bin were donated from the recent Abington Street improvement works, and were refurbished by students at Northampton College. St Giles Community Group led the project with support from Northampton Business Improvement District (BID).Dr Somerfield said: "What was once an eyesore is now a beautiful and useful space that's already being enjoyed by local residents and visitors."She said volunteers would continue to look after it and it was now "an area we can all be proud of". Mark Mullen, from Northampton BID, said: "This project has been carried out with a real eye on sustainability, by upcycling street furniture from Abington Street and creating attractive new planters that will bring an immediate pop of colour to the garden, while encouraging pollinators to return year on year."Mark Bradshaw, curriculum manager for construction at Northampton College, added: "Having the opportunity to create an attractive, safe and welcoming green space in the heart of the town centre is something we were more than happy to support."It was a brilliant experience for our students, giving them the chance to do real work in the community that they will be able to look back on with a sense of satisfaction for years to come." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
