Northampton shoemaking festival could become annual event attracting footwear fans from around the world
“We want Shoetown to happen every year and get bigger each time, so Northampton becomes a destination for footwear lovers from around the world” – Chris Woodford, owner of Crown Northampton
An ambitious new Northampton shoemaking festival could become an annual attraction, with organisers hoping to draw footwear enthusiasts from Japan, America and across Europe.
Chris Woodford, owner of Crown Northampton, wants Shoetown to grow year after year, turning the town into an international destination for people passionate about traditionally crafted shoes.
The vision follows a packed industry briefing at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, where business leaders, tourism organisations and heritage groups heard how the event could boost the local economy.
As the Chronicle & Echo reported last week, Shoetown 2027 will take place at the museum on May 15 and 16, bringing together leading Northamptonshire shoemakers.
But organisers have now revealed more about their longer-term ambitions, inspired partly by footwear events in New York and Chicago attended by Crown Northampton.
Mr Woodford said: “Shoemaking is in my bones, and almost everyone in Northamptonshire knows someone who has worked in the trade or been involved with it.
“Shoetown 2027 has to be run by the factories and led by the industry, with as many people as possible behind it. It’s a celebration of everything that has gone before us, and of what our trade can be in the future.
“This is only the start. We want Shoetown to happen every year and get bigger each time, so Northampton becomes a destination for footwear lovers from around the world. We have a real diamond here. Let’s shine a light on it.”
The council says interest is already emerging internationally, although visitor numbers and the scale of any economic benefits have not been confirmed.
The festival is also intended to create opportunities beyond the footwear industry, connecting Northampton's manufacturing heritage with tourism, education and culture while encouraging more people to discover the skills and craftsmanship that continue to distinguish the town's shoemakers internationally today.
Councillor Kamala Guliyeva, West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said the festival offered opportunities to attract visitors and investment while supporting local businesses.
The briefing also included a live hand-welting demonstration, highlighting the specialist skills still practised in the county.
Organisers are now inviting businesses, schools, community groups, cultural organisations and residents to help shape the festival and its future.
Those interested can visit www.visitshoetown.com or email [email protected].
Further announcements are expected as preparations continue for next May's inaugural event.