Northamptonshire Heritage Fair returns for 2026

13 April 2026

Discover Northamptonshire are once again working in partnership with the Northamptonshire Family History Society, to hold a Heritage Fair on Sunday 26 April from 10am - 4pm at Wicksteed Park.

As with previous years, a mixture of heritage organisations from across the county will come together to celebrate the history and heritage of the county.

The event hopes to build on the success of the 2025 event which was held at the Chester House Estate where the event was ‘Highly Commended’ at the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum Awards.

Organisers have already had to close the booking for exhibitors due to increased demand, with organisations including the Chester House Estate, Northamptonshire ARC, Alfred East Gallery, Manor House Museum and Corby Heritage Centre all due to attend. Other attendees include Vikings of Mercia, Stanwick Lakes, Northants and Rutland Open Studios, Middle Nene Archaeological Group, Northamptonshire Film Archive Trust plus many more museums, societies and natural history & heritage groups. A full list of exhibitors for the day can be found on the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum website.

We have been overwhelmed by the number of organisations coming to the Heritage Fair this year which builds upon the success of previous events. There is such a rich diversity of history and heritage in the county, and this event will showcase to the public what is on offer on their doorsteps.

Exhibitors include archaeological groups, local history societies, those covering family history, museums, visitor attractions, archives and much more.Angela Malin and Janet Lawrence, from Northamptonshire Family History Society (who are organising the event)

It is great that this extremely popular event is returning once again for 2026 - showcasing the heritage of such a wonderful county.

As with previous years, there will be wide range of groups and societies who look after and research their own local patch - all providing a unique insight into Northamptonshire’s past.Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities

Northamptonshire is packed with examples of our amazing heritage and this event is a fabulous way to celebrate that. Wicksteed Park of course has its own wonderful history, and we are delighted to be hosting this year's Fair.Oliver Wicksteed, chair of the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, the charity which owns the park

Wicksteed Park combines a 281-acre estate including 147 acres of beautiful parkland with more than 25 rides and attractions for all the family.  

It was opened in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, the inventor of modern-day slides and swings, who had a vision to inspire and encourage play as a way to improve families' health and wellbeing.

The event is free to enter, with normal Wicksteed Park car parking charges in operation.