All-day event set to put county 'on the map'

One of the organisers of a day of events to showcase Northamptonshire said it is part of efforts to put the county "on the map again".

On Saturday, Northamptonshire Day will be celebrated at Northampton's Market Square.

It is organised by both West and North Northamptonshire Councils and Discover Northamptonshire, the county's tourism board.

Richard Clinton, chair of Discover Northamptonshire, said it was "going to be a great way to sign off from the summer".

The event, which runs from 13:00 BST until 19:30, will feature music, entertainment, food stalls and heritage attractions.

Mr Clinton said: "People in Northampton and across the county, when there are things on in the town centres, they come out and enjoy [the events]."

He said the tourism board was "feeling really pleased we're able to put Northamptonshire on the map again".

One of groups performing on the day will be Northants Sings Out, the choir which reached the final of Britain's Got Talent.

Choirmaster Gareth Fuller said: "We just need to celebrate what I think will be an amazing day.

"We have people from all over the county so it's great to be part of Northamptonshire Day.

"You can look at the choir and see yourself on stage, you can see someone who is just like you and looks like you."

It follows a reception in parliament on Thursday for Northamptonshire businesses, community groups and charities, organised by Northampton South Labour MP Mike Reader.

He said the aim was to "showcase what we do in Northampton and Northamptonshire" to fellow parliamentarians.

The MP said that although many of his colleagues knew about the shoemaking heritage, he wanted to demonstrate the county's other industries, including engineering and food and drink, as well as the cultural offering.

Northamptonshire Day on Saturday coincides with St Crispin's Day, who is the patron saint of the county.

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