Save the date – Northampton’s Fireworks Spectacular is back, and this year there’s something decidedly spooky in the air.
The town’s popular free event returns to the Racecourse on Sunday, November 1, with a Halloween-themed evening packed with live music, fire, pyro and, of course, a spectacular fireworks finale.
Organised by Northampton Town Council, the fun gets under way at 4pm, with BBC Radio Northampton presenter Justin Dealey returning to host the onstage entertainment.
And there’s plenty planned before those fireworks hit the sky.
Soul, Motown and a little fire
The Soul Harmony Divas, fronted by vocalists Hannah Faulkner and Jenny K, will get the crowd warmed up with a live band and a set spanning Soul, Motown, Disco and Dance.
Things then take a rather more fiery turn.
The Live Performers will bring a Halloween-themed fire and pyro show to the stage, building up to the evening’s pyro-musical fireworks display at 6pm.
This year’s spooky theme will delve into Northamptonshire’s past too – and it’s a history with a darker side.
Local theatre company The Mystery Tours will present Northampton’s Five – A Journey into the Witch Trials of 1612 and 1705, with the stories brought to life live on stage and screen.
The performance will explore Northamptonshire’s witch trials, adding a slice of local history to an evening usually associated with rather more modern bangs, flashes and sparkles.
Cllr Keith Holland-Delamere, Chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said: “Our Fireworks Spectacular is always one of the highlights of the Northampton events calendar and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Racecourse for a fantastic, Halloween-themed evening.
“We’re excited to be bringing a piece of Northampton’s history to life with The Mystery Tours and their production exploring our town’s heritage. There really will be something for everyone, so make sure you save the date.
“We’d also like to thank our event sponsors Maintenance Services Electrical Ltd, for helping light up Northampton and the Northampton Street Pastors, who will be supporting us on the evening too.”
Plenty more for families
Away from the main stage, visitors can expect funfair rides, food and drink vendors, face painting and a Help for Heroes stall.
The free lost child wristband scheme will also return, allowing parents and carers to put their contact details on a wristband worn by their children – a simple extra bit of reassurance when you’re navigating a busy event with little ones in tow.
While entry to the Fireworks Spectacular is free, charges apply for funfair rides, food and drink and activity stalls.
Northampton’s Fireworks Spectacular takes place at the Racecourse on Sunday, November 1, with entertainment beginning at 4pm and the pyro-musical fireworks display scheduled for 6pm.
For the full programme, timings and event arrangements, visit Northampton Town Council’s website or follow the council on social media for the latest updates.
