Picture this: you’re sipping a coffee in the sunshine, kids laughing nearby, and in front of you gleaming vintage motors are lined up like jewels from another era. Later, as the sun dips low, you’re sprawled on a picnic blanket watching Moana light up a giant outdoor screen. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, that’s exactly what’s coming to Northampton’s historic Market Square this summer.

The Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is pulling out all the stops with ‘Classics on the Square’ and ‘Movies on the Square’ – two sparkling new events designed to get you out and about, soaking up the magic of the town centre (and yes, they’re both completely free).

On Saturday 9 August, the square’s event space will be transformed into a vintage car lover’s paradise, with a display of classic vehicles from 10am to 2pm. Think shiny chrome, retro curves and a lot of proud owners happy to chat about their beloved motors. It’s a teaser for the bigger Classics on the Lawn event at Delapré Abbey next month – but with the historic buildings as a backdrop, this preview is going to feel pretty special on its own.

Then, mark your diary for Saturday 6 September when the square turns into an open-air cinema. A giant screen will show Disney’s crowd-pleasing Moana, kicking off an evening that also celebrates the launch of the 2026 Northampton Film Festival.

Mark Mullen, operations manager for the BID, summed up the buzz perfectly: people are falling in love with the square all over again. “With the fountain, outdoor seating areas and plenty of cafés and restaurants, it’s a perfect location for families to enjoy time outside together,” he said. “The feedback we hear over and over is, we want more of these events!So, that’s what we’re doing.”

And that’s not all. Becky Carrier from Northampton Film Festival is thrilled to be adding a splash of local creativity to the evening: “People will be able to watch animations and live action films made by young filmmakers and past festival winners, and even join in with some free hands-on film activities.” (That’s your cue to bring curious kids and your own inner Spielberg.)

Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, couldn’t hide his pride in the line-up either: “These events are a great way to bring people into the town centre, support our local businesses and celebrate everything our community has to offer. The square is a key space for connection and culture.”

So here’s the takeaway: grab your calendar, rally your friends or your family (or both), and make a plan to head into town. Whether you’re there for the rumble of classic engines or the magic of a Disney sunset, you’re part of something bigger – breathing life into a square that’s fast becoming the beating heart of Northampton.

See you there… and don’t forget your picnic blanket.