The Northampton Film Festival will return to the town from 28 February to 8 March 2026 to celebrate its fifth official birthday. This year’s event in Northampton, Northamptonshire, uses the theme “Still Making a Scene” to celebrate the county’s independent spirit.
The festival is organised by Northampton Film Festival (Northampton Film Festival Limited) in partnership with — and benefiting — the CLICK Arts Foundation. The programme features a variety of screenings and workshops at venues such as Delapré Abbey and the Northampton Filmhouse. Organisers have planned a nine-day programme that includes short films, feature-length screenings, and animation workshops (including a new short animation category and practical animation sessions).
According to the festival’s FilmFreeway submission rules and publicity, the event prioritises films with a Northamptonshire connection — for example, films by people born, living or working in the county — and it aims to bring more cinema to the town while providing a platform for stories that reflect the county’s identity.
Proceeds and fundraising associated with the festival will support the CLICK Arts Foundation’s community performing arts and mental‑fitness projects. The festival is supported by West Northamptonshire Council and the Northampton Business Improvement District (BID), with additional backing from partners such as Film Hub Midlands, which helps make activities accessible to residents through free workshops and public events.
The programme also includes activities at The Creative Place on Market Square and will conclude with an awards ceremony at the Royal Theatre on 8 March 2026. Residents can attend a mix of ticketed screenings and free educational and community sessions throughout the week.
