350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton
The 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton will be marked with a special event in Market Square to round off a week-long series of free activities across the town.
The finale of a busy events programme will be held on Saturday, 20 September, with an activity day in Market Square from 11am to 7.30pm, to be followed by a service at All Saints’ Church at 7.30pm featuring guests including the Revd Richard Coles.
A big screen will show a specially commissioned animation by Northampton Film Festival and The Creative Place. The film is the result of a project involving hundreds of local people answering the question, if Northampton burnt down again tomorrow, what would people save, what would people rebuild first and what would make it feel like our Northampton again?
Local children have contributed drawings to the animation, local animators have shared their skills and market-goers have shared their thoughts through workshops, vox pops and on the ideas wall at The Creative Place. The resulting film will premiere at 1.30pm.
Father Oliver Coss, Rector of All Saints’ Church, said: “The memory of All Hallows' Church and its destruction in the Great Fire of Northampton serves as a reminder of the resilience of the town and its ability to recover and rebuild, even in the face of catastrophic events.
“The events taking place here at All Saints’ and in the Market Square this September will channel that community spirit and shine a light on the history and heritage that gives Northamptonshire such a proud identity.”
Final Week Itinerary
Saturday, 13 September: Heritage Open Days: Northampton Town Council’s History of the Great Fire – Actors from Mystery Tours will be bringing the story of the Great Fire to life around the Guildhall, and local historian Ruth Thomas will be leading a guided walk for visitors from St Mary’s Street through the town centre. Heritage information boards will be displayed while visitors can take part in the Great Fire augmented reality trail by downloading the Explore Northampton app.
Sunday, 14 September: The Deco – ‘Northampton Remembers…The Great Fire of 1675’ is a powerful celebration of the town’s resilience, community spirit, and history presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton. The show brings together local performers, artists, and residents to honour the lives impacted by the fire and showcase the strength and unity of the community. Free tickets can be booked via www.theoldsavoy.co.uk/
Monday, 15 September: ‘Fire Fantastic’ at All Saints’ Church – A stunning light and sound show projected onto the church’s exterior. The show will run on a 10-minute loop from 7pm each night until Sunday, 21 September.
Monday, 15 September: Northampton Museum & Art Gallery – a truly immersive mixed-media experience looking at the events of 1675, telling the story of how the fire ripped through the streets of Northampton. The exhibition will be open all week. Entry is free.
Monday, 15 September: University of Northampton – An exhibition of artefacts loaned by Northamptonshire Archives Service. Drawing on original records from the time, the display reveals how the town rebuilt itself in the aftermath - from court disputes over repairs to artisans finding years of work. The collection will be on display until Wednesday, 17 September.
Thursday, 18 September: All Saints’ Church – Fiori Musicali will perform a spine-tingling interpretation of Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, with Penelope Rapson conducting and the Choir of All Saints’ Church supporting. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £15 per person. Details: https://www.discovernorthampton.co.uk/events/fiori-musicali-handel-music-for-the-royal-fireworks/
Friday, 19 September: Tipping Point – A stunning artwork by internationally renowned Luke Jerrams in Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods, Corby. The show uses immersive light, smoke, and sound to simulate the drama of a forest fire alongside a bespoke soundtrack created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones, which includes the sounds of burning trees, whirring chainsaws, and fleeing animals, plus moving global testimonies from individuals who have experienced wildfires. The work will be unveiled from 8pm to 9:30pm on the evenings of 19, 20 and 21 September.
Saturday, 20 September: Great Fire Anniversary Event – The Market Square will be taken over by Great Fire-themed activities from 11am, including a performance from the Bach Choir singing ‘Sing We All’. A specially commissioned animation will tell the story of the fire on a big screen and pose the question, if Northampton burnt down again tomorrow, what would people save, what would people rebuild first and what would make it feel like our Northampton again? There will be live music from local bands and DJs. The history of the fire will be told through graphic storyboards, artefacts and records while displays will feature plans for the future regeneration of Northampton. An extended Northants Makers Market will feature stalls from local artisan producers.
Saturday, 20 September: Service of Rededication at All Saints’ Church – A public service charting the course of the Great Fire and its impact on Northampton with four distinct themes, Fire, Thunder, Destruction and Rebuild. Featuring music and notable speakers including Rev Richard Coles, the Bishop of Peterborough and the Bishop of Brixworth.