Another significant part of our town is our wonderful arts, culture and heritage offering, the envy of many cities.
The distinctiveness and diversity of our architecture makes us feel different to other towns and cities.
Visitors are always struck by the gothic glory of the Guildhall, the baroque style of All Saints Church, the Art Deco splendour of 78 Derngate and the dramatic Brutalism of the iconic Carlsberg Brewery.
We have some great assets including the redeveloped Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, the prestigious Royal and Derngate theatre complex, Northampton Filmhouse and an internationally recognised art space, NN Contemporary.
We are delighted to announce that we have submitted our BID for the UK Town Of Culture 2028, more information of our partners can be found below.
The vibrant Cultural Quarter is a crucible of creativity
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery reopened in 2021 after undergoing a multi-million pound makeover. This includes a stunning new atrium and two contemporary gallery spaces. Curated exhibitions showcase the town’s fascinating history and heritage. There is also a new permanent Shoe Gallery that celebrates the wonderful world of footwear.
Next door, the new NN Contemporary project is creating a public gallery and a series of artists’ workshops. This venue will also offer new spaces for cultural businesses and organisations including digital media and performing arts.
Across the way, The Royal & Derngate Theatre complex has built a strong reputation as one of the major producing venues in the country. The R&D offers a vibrant and eclectic programme ranging from classical concerts, comedy, and dance to West End touring productions.
Connected to the R&D complex is the Northampton Filmhouse which provides an innovative programme of independent and mainstream films and live screenings across its two screens.
We're blessed with green and open spaces
Abington Park is Northampton’s oldest and most popular park, located close to the town centre. Vsitors can enjoy over 100 acres of green space. It’s a very popular spot for walkers, families and office workers on their lunch break.
Delapré Abbey is one of only two Cluniac nunneries in England, dating back to 1125, surviving until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th Century. Beyond the historic Abbey buildings, walled and semi-formal gardens lie over 500 glorious acres of parkland. It offers a tranquil green oasis of woodland and open grass land
The Grand Union Canal is the UK’s longest canal, running from London to Birmingham. The Northamptonshire stretch opened in 1815 and at the Gayton junction, it joins the River Nene.
The Canal is very well maintained by the Canal & River Trust and provides great walks along its towpath and the added excitement of Blisworth Tunnel.
The area is also blessed with many of Britain’s best stately homes.
These include Althorp (home to the Spencer Family,) Burghley House, Rockingham Castle, Canons Ashby, Holdenby House, Boughton House, 78 Derngate, Kirby Hall, Lamport Hall, Sulgrave Manor and more.
UK TOWN OF CULTURE BID - PARTNERS
UK Town of Culture Bid
Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton have submitted a joint Expression of Interest for Northampton to become the UK Town of Culture in 2028.
Partners explore bid for UK Town of Culture status for Northampton
Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton are exploring entering an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) for UK Town of Culture status – a new national competition delivered by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), designed to celebrate the unique cultural identity and creative ambition of towns across the UK.
The competition invites places of all sizes to articulate their cultural vision and community-led programming, with the ultimate winner receiving £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and two category finalists awarded £250,000 each. Shortlisted places will also receive development support funding to strengthen their full bids.
WNC, together with key cultural partners from across Northampton’s arts, heritage and community sectors, including Northampton Town Council, is in the early stages of considering a formal EOI submission. This initial EOI phase is a formal yet exploratory step in the process, allowing local partners to outline their vision and readiness to deliver a creative cultural programme in 2028.
The EOI deadline is 31 March 2026, submissions will then be assessed by an expert advisory panel against criteria including the town’s unique story, cultural accessibility, partnership strength and delivery capacity. Shortlisted places will be announced in Spring 2026, with full application guidance then published and further development support awarded.
60 MILES BY ROAD AND RAIL
60 Miles by Road or Rail is delighted to be supporting Northampton’s Expression of Interest to be the UK’s first Town of Culture.
Through our interdisciplinary projects spanning theatre, photography, publishing, filmmaking, audio and shopping-centre takeovers, we’ve seen first-hand the pride, connection and sense of belonging that comes from championing the people of Northampton.
The Town of Culture is a phenomenal opportunity to bring Northamptonian communities together, spark ambitious creative activity all year round and raise the creative pulse of our hometown as a place where everyone can thrive.”
www.60milesbyroadorrail.co.uk/
78 DERNGATE
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was one of the most individual and creative designers of the 20th Century and at the edge of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter sits a house which he remodelled! Commissioned in 1916 by the local businessman and town councillor, WJ Bassett-Lowke, the house is now fully open to the public complete with original features and wonderful replicas! Galleries, shop, restaurant and extended gardens alongside this iconic house are open from Sunday to Tuesday, 11 months of the year.
Not only do we welcome hundreds of local visitors through the doors, but also devoted Mackintosh enthusiasts from all over the world!
We encourage local artists and makers to exhibit in the shop and galleries and our team of volunteers – who take keen ownership during their weekly sessions – help us to remain open to the public. Schools, colleges and the University have all sent groups along for guided tours or specialist art projects inspired by the genius of Mr Mackintosh.
If Northampton was to gain the coveted title of Town of Culture I think it would not only give greater pride and confidence to the locals who work and live here but would further encourage visitors from outside the town to come in and see for themselves exactly what a rich tapestry of assets we have to offer.
Website is https://www.78derngate.org.uk/
ART COLLECTIVE
Arts Collective is proud to support the Town of Culture bid as a vital opportunity to reposition Northampton as a place of ambition, creativity, and civic pride.
This bid aligns closely with our mission to build a more inclusive, artist-led cultural infrastructure that connects people, place, and ideas.
It will strengthen local economies, expand opportunities for artists and communities, and help establish a long-term cultural legacy that benefits residents and future generations alike
Arts Collective
24 Guildhall Road
Northampton NN1 1DP
W: artscollectivenorthampton.org
T: 01604 638944
JODIE MITCHELL I THINK
Jodie Mitchell: Artist and Community Advocate
Jodie Mitchell is a dedicated artist and community member, building connections across the county’s arts scene. Her work explores sustainability and community ties.
She is currently developing two pilot projects to uplift locals and address sustainability challenges. As a partner, she connects individuals, creating initiatives that reflect crucial community values and unite artists and community members to tackle sustainability issues.
Why I Support The Bid
I support this proposal because our area has a vibrant creative network that needs stronger connections. Skilled artists need funding to link with the community and drive change.
This funding is vital for our pilot projects and could establish Northampton as a leader in innovative projects.
THE NORTHAMPTON BID
Whether it’s crowds lining the streets for Diwali and the Amazing Northampton Run or packing the Market Square for Northamptonshire Day and the Christmas lights switch-on – Northampton is known as a town that comes together to celebrate the big occasions.
With a proud, independent spirit, Northampton has always done things ‘our way’ – and that ethos transcends communities, with people from every background and culture keen to showcase their role in making Northampton the vibrant and exciting place it is today.
Recognition as a ‘Town of Culture’ would be fitting reward for the work done to bring our diverse communities together, united by a desire to lift up our town and embrace a bright new era powered by change and hope.
The potential benefits are immeasurable. It would attract new visitors to the town, giving people an added incentive to see for themselves the theatres, museums and leisure facilities so adored by residents. It would give the town, and all who live, work and do business here, a deserved boost at a time of huge regeneration – signposting the way to a Northampton that we can all be proud of.
NORTHAMPTON FILM FESTIVAL
Northamptonfilmfestival.co.uk
Northampton Film Festival shines a spotlight on Northampton, and Town of Culture is a perfect opportunity to highlight what immense creativity and culture we have, as well as developing the next generation of talent, so that everyone knows that Northants is kind of a big deal….
Becky Carrier
Festival Director
07930 646721
NORTHAMPTON TOWN COUNCIL
Bands in the Park – organised by Northampton Town Council
Now in its 126th year, this ever popular programme of free live music performances on the historic Abington Park Bandstand, every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday afternoon between April and September, showcases a diverse mix of traditional brass bands, singers and groups from Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas.
