New Christmas advert unwrapped - Celebrate the gift of shopping local

04 December 2025

North Northamptonshire Council has launched a festive advert celebrating the magic of our local high streets and the small businesses that make our towns special. While big-brand campaigns dominate screens, this advert reminds residents that the true magic of Christmas is right on their doorstep.

The advert features an emotive spoken word poem, 'What Does Christmas Mean to You?', written by local poet Jazmine Cartwright, founder of Rushden Rhymes and a passionate advocate for community storytelling. Her words take viewers on a nostalgic journey through the sights, sounds, and feelings of Christmas, bells on shop doors, laughter in the streets, and the warmth of familiar faces, highlighting that the true magic lies in supporting local.

Filmed across North Northamptonshire’s towns and high streets, the Christmas advert captures the nostalgic magic of the season and the pride of our communities. Featuring real local families, it showcases festive scenes in independent shops, cafés, markets, and family-run businesses, places that have been part of cherished traditions for generations.

From gift wrapping and toy shopping to sparkling decorations and heartfelt moments, every scene reflects the warmth and community spirit of our high streets, reminding us that shopping local isn’t just about gifts, it’s about preserving traditions, strengthening community, and supporting the people who make Christmas special.

This video really captures what makes Christmas in North Northamptonshire so special – the traditions, the familiar faces, and the sense of belonging you only find on your local high street. At this time of year, our towns look absolutely beautiful, full of festive lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.

I’d urge everyone to take a stroll down their local high street, explore the independent shops and cafés, and enjoy everything they have to offer. When we shop local, we’re doing more than buying gifts; we’re investing in our communities, supporting the people behind the businesses, and helping our high streets thrive long after the decorations come down.Cllr Jan O’Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth.

Watch the video and read the poem on the Hi Street Christmas advert page.

With Small Business Saturday on 6 December approaching, the council is encouraging residents to explore their local high streets and support the independent businesses that make our communities unique.

The advert forms part of the council’s Hi Street campaign, funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Hi Street celebrates the diverse businesses and high streets across North Northamptonshire and encourages people to shop and support local.

Find out more about the campaign on the Hi Street page and on Hi Street Facebook and Hi Street Instagram.

With special thanks to:

• Epic Media Productions - Thrapston
• Jazmine Cartwright - Rushden Rhymes
• Kolaine Beauty Lounge - Kettering
• The Woolpack Inn - Islip
• LDPA agency - Wellingborough
• Higham Ferrers Town Council
• In Bloom - Rushden
• PW House Jewellers - Rushden
• Osbornes Toys - Rushden
• Oundle Market
• Oundle Town Council
• Beckworth Emporium  - Mears Ashby
• Franks Butchers - Rothwell
• Kafe Bloc - Kettering
• Cobblers Nibble - Oundle
• Love Kettering
• And all the local volunteer actors

Free parking reminder:

As part of the Christmas festivities, and to support local businesses, North Northamptonshire Council will be offering free parking in Kettering and Corby town centres on the following Saturdays:

• 6 December
• 13 December
• 20 December

This applies to all council pay and display car parks in Kettering and Corby town centres, excluding Corby railway station car park.

Also in Wellingborough, the Commercial Way multi-storey car park will remain open until 10pm from 1 December through to the end of the pantomime season at The Castle Theatre.