Shoetown, a festival of Northampton shoemaking backed by Crockett & Jones, John Lobb and five more makers, runs on 15 and 16 May 2027. Organisers want local groups to join in.

Northampton is to hold a festival of its shoemaking trade on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May 2027. The dates are on the Shoetown website, launched after a briefing for businesses and heritage groups at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

The festival is led by Crown Northampton, a local shoemaker, with support from West Northamptonshire Council. Seven shoe firms are also behind it:

  • Cheaney
  • Crockett & Jones
  • Edward Green
  • John Lobb
  • Sanders
  • Springline
  • Tricker’s

What organisers have said so far

The council’s announcement says the festival is “believed to be the first event of its kind in the UK”. It was partly inspired by footwear events in New York and Chicago that Crown Northampton has taken part in.

Organisers hope to draw visitors from Japan, the United States and Europe, where Northampton-made shoes have a strong reputation. The briefing included a live hand-welting demonstration.

No programme, venues or ticket details have been published yet. The council says further announcements “will be made in the coming months”.

Chris Woodford, owner of Crown Northampton, said: “Shoetown 2027 has to be run by the factories and led by the industry, with as many people as possible behind it.” He added: “We want Shoetown to happen every year and get bigger each time, so Northampton becomes a destination for footwear lovers from around the world.”

What it means for you

Organisers are asking businesses, community groups, schools, colleges, cultural organisations and residents to help shape the festival. You can register interest through the Shoetown interest form or by emailing enquiries@visitshoetown.com.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, where the briefing was held, has more than 18,000 shoes in one of the largest shoe collections in the world.