‘Christmas shopping experience with a difference’ is coming to Northamptonshire market town next week

A “Christmas shopping experience with a difference” is coming to a Northamptonshire market town next week, in aid of a worthy cancer charity.

Maggie’s in Northampton is kickstarting the festive celebrations with its first ever Christmas fair, taking place from 9am until 3pm on Thursday November 19 at Towcester Racecourse on London Road.

Visitors can shop from more than 30 local artisans, discover unique gifts, enjoy refreshments and get a head start on Christmas shopping. Entry is free, which organisers say makes it the “perfect opportunity” to enjoy a festive day out with loved ones.

Here is a selection of the traders who will be in attendance, which you can take a look at online before your visit: Sarah Foreman Silk Flowers, The Little Bazaar, Dilly Dally Jewellery, Ledbury Letterpress, Scribe & Sign Books, Bee Bakes and Annie Levy Skincare, just to name a few.

Organisers believe there will be something for even the most-difficult-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list – and every purchase and donation helps Maggie’s Northampton provide expert support to people with cancer and their family and friends.

Visitors will have the chance to win a £500 trolley dash around Waitrose in Rushden, thanks to Rushden Rotary Club which has organised a raffle in aid of Maggie’s Northampton.

This raffle costs £1 to enter and tickets can be purchased at the fair or from the centre beforehand. It has been endorsed by Her Majesty the Queen, who recently wrote a letter to the Rotary Club thanking them for organising it.

Maggie’s Northampton, which opened its doors in October 2025, is based on the grounds of Northampton General Hospital. It is a welcoming place where anyone impacted by cancer can find practical advice, emotional support and the chance to connect with others who understand what they are going through.

No appointment or referral is needed to benefit from what is offered at Maggie’s Northampton, and all support is offered free of charge.

The first Maggie’s centre opened in 1996 and has since redefined what cancer care should look like, offering free psychological, emotional and practical support for people with cancer as well as their loved ones.

The vision is to have 60 Maggie’s centres across the UK, with the aim of supporting 25 million visits from people with cancer and the people who love them over the next three decades.

During their 30th anniversary year 2026, Maggie’s hopes to raise £30 million towards the above, and the aim is that the Christmas fair at Towcester Racecourse will contribute to this.

As the festive season approaches, Maggie’s believes this event offers the Northamptonshire community the opportunity to come together, celebrate and ensure no one has to face cancer alone.

For more information on Maggie’s Northampton and its upcoming events, visit their website here.