Running throughout the festive season, WinterFest aims to bring together local businesses, market traders, community organisations and cultural partners to deliver a programme of entertainment, seasonal shopping, food and drink, and community events in the heart of Northampton.
Delivered by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) alongside principal partner Northampton Town Council, together with Northampton BID, Delapré Abbey, the Grosvenor Centre and Muse, WinterFest aims to drive footfall and spend into the town centre, support businesses and ‘create memorable experiences for residents and visitors’.
Launching the event last month, WNC said that a giant 175ft fairground ride – The Star Flyer - would be among the highlights of WinterFest.
However this attraction has since been replaced with a traditional Ferris wheel which will offer views across Northampton town centre, according to the council.
Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "Christmas is such a special time of year, and WinterFest is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes Northampton unique.
"I'm delighted that we're working with so many local businesses, traders, community groups and partners to create a festive programme that everyone can enjoy while supporting our town centre and local economy.
“From the lights switch-on and Ferris wheel to festive shopping and community performances, there will be something for all ages to enjoy throughout the season."
The festivities get underway with Northampton Town Council’s Christmas Lights Switch On, taking place on Saturday November 21.
Building on the success of Summer on the Square, local fairground operator John Greatorex will bring a selection of family rides to the Market Square throughout WinterFest, including the Ferris wheel.
More than 400,000 people visited the Market Square during the summer festivities, according to West Northants Council with footfall up a reported 18 per cent.
A special festive light installation from Delapré Abbey will offer visitors a taste of its popular Christmas light trail, while ‘gingerbread-themed retail huts’ will showcase unique seasonal gifts from local traders.
Families can also enjoy free face painting sessions on selected dates across the programme, while visitors on Small Business Saturday will have the opportunity to enjoy festive cinema screenings on a giant screen in the Market Square.
John Greatorex, Owner of Café Continental, said: "We're incredibly excited to be part of WinterFest and to continue building on the success we've seen in Market Square this year. Bringing family rides into the town centre will add to the festive atmosphere and encourage more people to spend time enjoying everything WinterFest has to offer.”
The East Midlands Academy Trust (EMAT) choir, which runs several primary schools in Northampton will be performing as part of the Carols on the Square event, taking place on Saturday December 12.
Daniel Lugg, Executive Headteacher at East Midlands Academy Trust (EMAT), said: “We’re so excited to be joining WinterFest and giving our pupils the opportunity to be part of such a special community celebration.
“Taking part will help them build confidence, develop new experiences and create lasting memories, while sharing their enthusiasm and talents with the wider community. We look forward to helping spread festive joy and bringing a little extra Christmas spirit to residents and visitors throughout the season.”
A range of community events will showcase local talent each weekend, including:
SHINE! A Celebration of Young Talent
Saturday November 28
Bringing together schools, youth groups and young performers from across West Northamptonshire, SHINE! will celebrate the creativity, skills and achievements of young people through performances and entertainment in the heart of Northampton.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday December 5
Celebrating independent businesses with festive cinema screenings and seasonal entertainment on a giant screen in the Market Square.
Carols on the Square
Saturday December 12
Returning for its second year, Carols on the Square will feature local schools, community choirs, EMAT, the Polish Saturday School, the NMPAT Brass Band, Northampton Musical Theatre Company, Reggae Ray, the Starlight Sisters, Northants Sing Out and headline act Mike All Bublé, alongside opportunities to support local charitable initiatives.
WinterFest Live: Student Sessions
Sunday December 13
A platform for emerging performers and creative talent from local colleges, universities and educational institutions to take to the stage and showcase their work.
WinterFest Around the World
Saturday December 19
A celebration of the rich diversity of West Northamptonshire, bringing communities together through music, food, dance, storytelling and festive traditions from around the globe.
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The festivities get underway with Northampton Town Council’s Christmas Lights Switch On, taking place on Saturday 21 November, before a season-long programme of attractions, performances and community events takes over the Market Square. Photo: Submitted / WNC
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A special festive light installation from Delapré Abbey will offer visitors a taste of its popular Christmas light trail Photo: Delapre Abbey