IN PICTURES: First glimpse at new festival of shoemaking celebrating county’s world-renowned footwear industry

The details of Shoetown 2027, which is being led by the town’s shoemakers, were shared at an event at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery on Thursday evening (October 29).

This festival was founded by Crown Northampton and is being shaped with makers across the county, with the support of West Northamptonshire Council.

Yesterday night’s gathering brought together local partners, businesses, makers and supporters ahead of the public launch of the festival next year.

For the first time, some of the most respected names in British shoemaking are coming together under one banner, with Cheaneys, Crown Northampton, John Lobb, Sanders, Springline and Tricker’s already confirmed to take part. More makers will be announced in the coming months.

Shoetown 2027 will take place at the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery on May 15 and 16, celebrating the skills that have made the county famous around the world. Passed down through generations and refined over centuries, these traditional shoemaking skills continue to be practiced in Northamptonshire at the highest level.

Festival plans include live shoemaking demonstrations, panel discussions, rare items from the Museum’s nationally significant footwear collection, family activities, and opportunities for visitors to meet makers and purchase quality shoes directly from them.

The festival also hopes to inspire the next generation of local shoemakers and showcase the benefits that the sector brings to the county, including supporting businesses, attracting visitors and strengthening community pride.

Here’s your first glimpse of Shoetown 2027, coming to Northampton in May next year…