Great Fire events to mark county's 'resilience'

The Great Fire of Northampton occurred in 1675

A week-long series of free events is set to commemorate the 350th anniversary of a fire that devastated a town centre.

In 1675, the Great Fire of Northampton destroyed 700 of 850 buildings and claimed 11 lives.

Starting on Saturday, 13 September, events marking the anniversary are taking place including guided walks, music and theatre performances, and a main event in the Market Square the following Saturday.

Art historian James Miller, who has spearheaded the project, said it was a chance to "celebrate Northamptonshire's extraordinary resilience, civic pride and independent spirit".

The huge blaze was believed to have started from sparks from an open fire at a home on St Mary's Street and it quickly spread, with residents seeking refuge in the Market Square.

Despite efforts to control it, prominent buildings including All Hallows Church were destroyed.

Following a community-driven effort, the town raised £25,000 to fund reconstruction.

A number of events have taken place in the past five months to commemorate what happened all those centuries ago, building up to this final week.

Mr Miller said: "The Great Fire of Northampton is a hugely significant moment in our local history and we have been thrilled to see so many people coming together in recent months to mark the 350th anniversary.

"This will be an opportunity for the county to come together to celebrate Northamptonshire's extraordinary resilience, civic pride and independent spirit.

"It is that character that shone through 350 years ago and is still very much in evidence today."

Music star and former Finedon vicar, Rev Richard Coles, is taking part in the week of commemorations

The main event of the upcoming week will take place from 11:00-19:30 BST in the Market Square on 20 September, where a specially commissioned animation will premiere at 13:30 telling the story of the fire on a big screen.

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?'

Becky Carrier, of Northampton Film Festival, said: "We're looking forward to showcasing everyone's work, as we come together as a community to commemorate this huge milestone in our town's proud history."

There will also be an artisan market, live music, a performance from the Bach choir and displays from the police and fire service.

Also on 20 September, a Service of Rededication will be held at All Saints' Church at 19:30 BST, where Rev Richard Coles - the former vicar of Finedon, Communards musician and Strictly Come Dancing contestant - will be a guest.

A "spectacular" light show is due to be beamed on to All Saints' Church every night from 19:00, from 15 to 20 September.

Fiori Musicali will perform an interpretation of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks at the church on the Thursday of that week.

Father Oliver Coss, rector of All Saints, 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 will channel that community spirit and shine a light on the history and heritage that gives Northamptonshire such a proud identity."

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, came to Northampton in June to mark a year of commemorations

Elsewhere, on Saturday 13 September, there will be Mystery Tours and guided walks from St Mary's Street through the town centre.

The next day The Deco will host a performance called Northampton Remembers…The Great Fire of 1675, from 16:30-18:30.

From 15 September, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will host an immersive mixed-media experience.

Also from 15-17 September, the University of Northampton will hold an exhibition of artefacts loaned by Northamptonshire Archives Service.

Then on 19, 20 and 21 September, Tipping Point - an art show by internationally renowned Luke Jerrams - will be in Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods in Corby, from 20:00-21:30.

"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," organisers said.