On Saturday 20 September the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton was marked with a special event in Market Square which rounded off a week-long series of free activities across the town.
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Images courtesy of Northampton Town Council |
Guided history walks, mixed media exhibitions, concerts, and immersive art installations took place during the week running up to the 20 September including ‘Fire Fantastic’ at All Saints’ Church, a stunning light and sound show projected onto the church’s exterior.
The finale of a busy events programme began with an activity day in Market Square from 11am to 7.30pm, followed by a service at All Saints’ Church at 7.30pm featuring guests including the Revd Richard Coles.
A big screen showed 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 their Northampton again? Local children contributed drawings to the animation, local animators shared their skills and market-goers shared their thoughts through workshops, vox pops and on the ideas wall at The Creative Place.
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 shine a light on the history and heritage that gives Northamptonshire such a proud identity.”