Northampton is the largest town at the heart of England, shaped by a rich heritage of making, migration and cultural expression – from historic landmarks and global shoemaking traditions to diverse communities, festivals and creative voices that define its identity today and into the future.
Our Town of Culture 2028 vision brings together this heritage, strong partnerships, cultural infrastructure and regeneration to deliver an ambitious and inclusive programme that celebrates place, drives participation and repositions Northampton as a distinctive cultural town.
Our programme will bring this vision to life through four bold themes:
- ‘Making and Makers’ will celebrate the town’s internationally recognised leather craft and making heritage through artist residencies in factories and markets, maker trails, repair cafés and contemporary craft exchanges.
- ‘New Town New Voices’ will commission new writing, performance and screen work; expand multilingual storytelling and deliver site-specific theatre in parks and estates through environmental arts, public realm projects and commissions.
- ‘Everyday Culture’ will showcase creative technology, gaming, motorsport culture, the River Nene and rail corridor, using cross-sector collaborations with science, technology, engineering and mathematics industries and education partners.
- ‘Living Heritage’ will establish regular, town-wide use of grassroots venues, creating a new monthly cultural experience that highlights existing events and supports emerging artists.
Learn more about our Town of Culture journey here:
Northampton puts forward bold bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 | West Northamptonshire Council
