Town film festival to open with free family event

Becky Carrier said free hands-on film activities would also be part of the event

A film festival will be launched with a free family-focused event which town centre bosses hope will bring extra footfall to the area.

The Movies on the Square day at Northampton Market Square will herald the start of the 2026 Northampton Film Festival (NFF).

The event will take place this year, between 12:00 and 19:00 BST on 6 September.

Becky Carrier, director of NFF, says people will be able to watch live action films made by young and local filmmakers.

Organised by the Northampton Business Improvement District (BID), the market square event will show Disney film Moana on a large outdoor screen, which will also show films created by previous festival winners.

Ms Carrier said that the event, which marks the fifth birthday of NFF, would also see visitors given the opportunity to "take part in some free hands-on film activities".

The film festival is due to host its main programme of events in March next year.

Separately, Northampton BID announced it would hold a free classic car event on the Market Square, which reopened last year following a £12m facelift.

Classics on the Square will be held between 10:00 and 14:00 BST on 9 August with a range of vintage vehicles on display.

Both events have been supported by Reform UK-controlled West Northamptonshire Council.

'We want more'

Mark Mullen, operations manager for Northampton BID, said there had been positive feedback after hosting Northampton Pride and Armed Forces Day in the square.

"By maximising the area's events space, the square can become a really vibrant and exciting focal point for our town centre," he said.

"The overwhelming feedback from those coming to the events is 'we want more of them' so that's what we're trying to do."

The Market Square is also due to host a fan zone for the Women's Rugby World Cup, which begins next month, and September's Amazing Northampton Run.

James Petter, deputy leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: "The square is a key space for connection and culture, and we're proud to see it being used in ways that make it a lively and welcoming place for all."