Northamptonshire Day due to become annual event

An event celebrating the heritage of a county is due to become an annual fixture.

Thousands attended Northamptonshire Day in Northampton's Market Square on Saturday, an event showcasing the county's culture, heritage and community projects.

Both Northamptonshire unitary councils confirmed preparations for next year's event, in Kettering.

Speaking at the event, the leader of North Northamptonshire Council, Martin Griffiths, said: "What we want to do is make sure that people actually not only just pass through Northamptonshire, but they actually stay and really appreciate the wonderful towns and settlements that we've got."

Organised jointly by West and North Northamptonshire councils with Discover Northamptonshire, it marked the first large-scale partnership of its kind, supported with £10,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Visitors enjoyed live entertainment, family activities and exhibitions highlighting local creativity and heritage.

Pip Jeyes, who runs Jeyes of Earls Barton, said: "I really feel the town centre is on the turn — we're back to the good old days.

"There's so much heritage in the county. We're all linked together and we want the county to be great."

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council said the celebration made full use of the newly regenerated Market Square, following its £12m revamp.

"Personally, I'd like to see something [in the Market Square] every weekend. That's a big goal, and it's not unachievable," he said.

Bill Atkinson, who produces English wine in Wilby with Fortieth Rule, had a market stall a the weekend and added: "It's great to come here... and meet our local client base.

"You've got people who are really interested in doing local things and that's why we're here."

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