Solstice Festival: A Family Day Festival Celebrating the Best of Northamptonshire’s Creativity

Taking place at Duston Mill, Northampton on Saturday 21st June 2025, from 12pm–11pm, Solstice Festival promises a day packed full of fun, creativity, and unforgettable experiences, all set in a beautiful riverside meadow (next to Sixfields Stadium), on the longest day of the year.

Solstice Festival shines a light on the incredible talent, enterprise, and spirit of Northamptonshire. The festival will feature the very best musicians, performers, food, traders, makers, workshops, activities and community groups, all proudly local.

For thousands of years, communities have come together on the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) to share food, music, fun and connection with family and friends. 

After an incredible response from local performers and enterprises, over 50 have been selected to take centre stage. Solstice is not just a festival, it’s a joyful platform for the region’s creativity and community spirit.

Live Music & Performances

The Main Stage will feature local legends including Kings Gambit and the Maestro Lincoln Noel, alongside rising star Evan Fallon, a Taylor Swift tribute show by the brilliant Taylored Swift, and a headline funk, soul, and motown set from the mighty 20-piece big band Jazz Colossus.

The Alternative Stage, curated by A Void Collective, will showcase the best of Northamptonshire’s alternative and indie music scene, including Killer Saucers from Hell, Joy Disposal Unit and ÜLV.

Activities, Workshops & Festival treats

Across the site, you’ll find circus skills, stilt walkers and The Amazing Bubble Show, bringing visual magic for all ages, with plenty of games & inflatables to keep everyone entertained.

Experience workshops and activities including a solstice meditation with the Kindful Project, Pilates from The Club Pilates, and a family dance party from The Sweat and Glow Club. 

Visitors can create festival crowns with KS Flowers, get airbrush tattoos with the Inkery, and make their own friendship bracelet at A Crafted Design before Taylored Swift hits the stage.

Hay-Bale High Street & Artisan Makers

Expect a handpicked artisan market featuring Tricky Pickle Studio, the Artisan Collective, and Evermore Permanent Jewellery, alongside prints, crafts, gifts, facepainting and more, all proudly local.

Local Food & Drink

The Street Food Market, featuring the incredible 6-year old local food influencer Woo Reviews, is curated with mouth-watering options including:

• Jude’s Kitchen – Northampton’s home-styled gourmet burgers – good, mood, food.
• Hyderabadi Dhaba– Authentic Indian street food.
• Box Food – The Caribbean cuisine queens of Northampton.
• The Eccentric Englishman – Whimsical boxed afternoon teas served in style.

Wash it down with local Saxby’s cider, festival cocktails, and sweet treats from a variety of dessert and coffee vendors.

Stonehenge Bonfire Ceremony

As the sun sets on the longest day of the year, festivalgoers will gather for a spectacular bonfire ceremony. A mini Stonehenge built from reclaimed pallets will be set alight, accompanied by fire dancers and drummers. Visit the Lowdown charity on the day to add your messages of renewal to the fire, as Northamptonshire celebrates the Solstice.

The site itself is being beautifully designed in collaboration with local creative design & fabrication studio Timber Club, bringing a unique aesthetic to every corner of the festival.

The event is proudly supporting three Northamptonshire-based charity partners:

• The Lowdown – a mental health charity, providing free and confidential support services for 8-25 year olds in Northamptonshire.
• The Lewis Foundation – providing free gift packs and support to adults going through cancer treatment across 17 hospitals throughout the Midlands, each £3.60 raised helps continue their work.
• Animals in Need – a voluntary organisation dedicated to rescuing sick, injured, trapped and distressed wild and domestic animals.

10% of all festival profits will be shared across these charities, along with fundraising activities on the day. Head over to these charities’ social media to receive discounts on tickets, with Solstice Festival donating an additional £2 from every ticket sold through charity partners, directly to their cause.

Tickets are on sale now — £15 for adults, £9 for children, or £40 for a family of four (+ booking fees). Look out for discounted tickets available through participating performers, charities and community partners.

There’s lots more to be announced in the coming weeks, follow Solstice Festival on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the website for tickets.

Website: www.solsticefestival.co.uk

Instagram: @solsticefestnorthants

Facebook: @solsticefestivalnorthants

Location: Duston Mill, Upton Way, Northampton

Time: 12:00 noon – 11:00pm