Northampton's three biggest sporting venues to host huge sleep out to help homeless people

Northampton's three biggest sporting venues will host a major overnight charity fundraiser next year as part of an ambitious campaign to support people facing homelessness and hardship.

Sixfields Stadium, Franklin's Gardens and the County Ground will all welcome participants for the Big Sleep Out 2027 on Friday, March 5, in what organisers hope will become the county's biggest event of its kind.

The initiative brings together Northampton Hope Centre, Northampton Saints Foundation, Steelbacks Foundation and Northampton Town FC Community Trust, with money raised shared between the four organisations.

Residents, businesses, schools, community groups and sports supporters are being encouraged to spend a night sleeping outside at one of the three venues to raise money and awareness.

Participants will arrive from 6pm, with the sleep out running from 8pm until 8am the following morning.

Organisers say the experience will offer a small insight into the challenges faced by people sleeping rough, while generating funding for services supporting vulnerable residents.

The campaign was officially launched at Franklin's Gardens on Monday, November 9, bringing together representatives from the four organisations.

Brandon Eldred, organiser of the Big Sleep Out, said: "The Big Sleep Out is about bringing Northamptonshire together to stand alongside those facing homelessness and poverty. By uniting the county’s leading sporting foundations and community organisations, we can make a real difference to the people who need support the most.

"We want individuals, families, businesses and community groups from every corner of Northamptonshire to join us on 5 March 2027 and help us create the biggest Big Sleep Out our county has ever seen."

Northampton Hope Centre will use its share of the proceeds to help maintain services including food, clothing, shower facilities, welfare advice and support for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

The charity also provides community prevention talks and a welcoming environment for people needing assistance.

Meanwhile, the three sporting foundations will use their funding to continue delivering community programmes across Northamptonshire.

These include education, employment support, health and wellbeing initiatives, and projects designed to encourage participation in sport.

The partnership represents an unusual collaboration between Northampton's leading football, rugby and cricket organisations, bringing their supporters together behind a shared cause.

Organisers are hoping for widespread participation from across the county.

Anyone interested in taking part can register through the Northampton Hope Centre website at northamptonhopecentre.org.uk/big-sleepout-2027.