Events and Exhibitions

Northampton Borough Council's museum service reveals its 2010 Shoe Town Festival programme.

The festival, now in its second year, continues to celebrate Northampton's rich heritage and its status as the nation's Shoe Town.

Locals and visitors are in for a treat with a wide range of events lined up, including: a Best of British exhibition that honours the very best in British shoe design from classic English shoemakers to top British shoe designers; a guided walk that uncovers the town's Victorian vices and virtues; and a family fun day at Abington Park Museum packed with Victorian delights including the wonder of a magic lantern show as well as the opportunity to experience the rigours of the Victorian schoolroom and come face to face with people from the era.

Other festival highlights include open-air theatre productions of William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors and Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, dancing, arts and craft workshops, tours, walks, talks and a Shoe Town quiz to win £100.

The festival runs from mid July to mid September.

Councillor Paul Varnsverry, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member with responsibility for museums, said: "Once again, the variety of festival events clearly demonstrates that Northampton has much to be proud of and even more to offer. There are events and activities for all ages over the summer and many of them are free. I really hope people enjoy this year's programme."

Event tickets are available from Northampton museums (unless otherwise stated) by telephone (01604) 838111, and by post or in person at the Northampton Museum and Art G

Download the May to September events and exhibitions programme

Download the September to December 2010 events and exhibition programme

 Last reviewed 01.09.10