Up until five years ago the Town Show had been a Northampton institution for over 75 years. And on the Bank Holiday weekend of May 24th and 25th the Show will return at its new venue of Franklin’s Gardens.

“Over the past few weeks the club has carried out an assessment as to the viability of hosting the Town Show at Franklin’s Gardens,” said Saints chief executive Allan Robson. “We believe that Northampton deserves a Town Show to be proud of and we think that with our extensive contacts and event management experience Saints can get the Town Show back in the calendar.

“We don’t want to replicate the Balloon Festival. That is an established date on the calendar and has its own identity. We want this show to be distinct and unique.

“Franklin’s Gardens is an exceptional venue. We have plenty of space on the training pitches and a superb arena in which to hold concerts and other programmed events. Furthermore we are easily accessible, with over a thousand car parking spaces and within walking distance of the railway station and town centre.”
 
After extensive discussions Northampton Borough Council decided that they are unable to give any financial assistance towards the Show and the club is having to rely on the generosity of local businesses to stage it.

Robson says that it will take lots of work from plenty of people to make the Town Show successful and that companies and groups who want to support the Show should contact the club as soon as possible.

“Putting on the Town Show will not be easy,” he commented. “Following our preliminary discussions we have already been approached by two or three local companies who are willing to help support the Show and we hope to announce more details very soon.

“We want the entire community to be involved – schools, community groups and businesses. Not just in Northampton either but from the surrounding villages and towns. Everyone will be welcome for what will be a memorable Bank Holiday weekend.”

What would you like to see in your Town Show? Email us on community@northamptonsaints.co.uk