Kettering Arts Festival (music) – Kettering, England 2026
Overview
The Kettering Arts Festival (music) is an annual celebration of local creativity hosted by Kettering Arts Centre, spotlighting the town’s vibrant music scene through a mix of live performances, workshops, and community gatherings. In 2026, this free, family-friendly event returns to inspire participants of all ages, featuring hands-on music sessions, emerging local bands, and interactive demos that highlight Northamptonshire’s folk, jazz, and contemporary sounds. Organized by passionate locals and supported by the Kettering Cultural Consortium, it transforms the historic St Andrew’s Church into a hub of sonic exploration, fostering connections between artists and audiences in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
Building on successful past editions that drew over 300 attendees, the festival emphasizes accessibility and discovery, with music at its core—from choir rehearsals to DJ workshops—while weaving in elements of theatre and visual arts. Set in the heart of Kettering, it offers a joyful day out that champions homegrown talent, encouraging everyone to “have a go” at making music amid the town’s cultural legacy.
Event Highlights
- Live music performances by local bands and choirs, including folk, jazz, and contemporary sets in the main church hall.
- Interactive music workshops such as choir lessons, DJ mixing sessions, and instrument “try-out” demos for beginners and families.
- Emerging artist showcases on a dedicated stage, featuring up-and-coming Northamptonshire musicians blending traditional and modern styles.
- Community singalongs and group jamming sessions, open to all skill levels for collaborative music-making.
- Special music-themed storytelling and spoken word integrations, pairing lyrics with local poetry for a multimedia twist.
- Family-oriented music activities like rhythm workshops and holiday carol twists, ensuring inclusive fun for kids and adults.
Why Attend
Attending the Kettering Arts Festival (music) means diving into a day of pure, unfiltered creativity where Kettering’s musical heartbeat comes alive in an intimate, historic setting. It’s a chance to discover hidden gems from local talents, pick up a new skill in a supportive crowd, and feel the buzz of community spirit—all for free. Whether you’re strumming your first chords or tapping along to a jazz riff, the event’s warm vibe turns strangers into collaborators, leaving you energized and connected to the town’s artistic pulse.
This festival stands out for its grassroots focus, prioritizing local voices over big-name hype, making it a refreshing antidote to commercial gigs. Perfect for music novices or seasoned listeners seeking inspiration, it blends education, entertainment, and easygoing fun in one accessible package. For more on the lineup, visit the official site at https://ketteringartscentre.com.
Date & Duration
Dates: March 7, 2026, Duration: 1 day
Venue / Location
The festival is centered at Kettering Arts Centre, utilizing the main church hall and adjacent rooms for music performances and workshops, with spillover into nearby community spaces for outdoor demos. Additional pop-up stages may appear in the surrounding town center for busking and street music. The venue’s historic architecture enhances the acoustic intimacy of events. Main event Google location address: Kettering Arts Centre, St Andrews Church, Lindsay St, Kettering NN16 8RG, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- Admission is entirely free, with no tickets required—simply turn up to join workshops and performances.
- Workshops are first-come, first-served; pre-registration encouraged via email for popular music sessions like DJ or choir classes.
- No paid elements, though donations are welcomed to support future events and local artists.
- Packages not applicable; the open-access format ensures everyone can participate without barriers.
- On-site sign-up available for spontaneous drop-ins, with capacity limits for larger group activities.
Any Special Seating or VIP Options
- Minimum ticket pricing: Free for all events and workshops.
- Maximum ticket pricing: Free—no paid tiers available.
- Reserved seating not offered; general open-floor setup in the church hall for close-up music experiences.
- Accessibility options include priority front-area spots for those with mobility needs, arranged via email in advance.
- No VIP packages; the festival’s ethos focuses on equal access for all attendees.
- Family groups receive informal grouping for workshops, with child-friendly adaptations in music activities.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: office@ketteringartscentre.com (general inquiries and workshop sign-ups).
- Phone: +44 (0)1536 518189 (Arts Centre office, English support available).
- Website: https://ketteringartscentre.com (official site for event updates, music lineup, and registration).
- Social Media: @KetteringArtsCentre on Twitter and Facebook for announcements and live streams.
- Key Staff: Festival Coordinator reachable via office email; Workshop Leads through website form.
- Press/Volunteers: Email press@ketteringartscentre.com for media; volunteer sign-ups via the official site.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available; follow for 2026 announcements.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Luton Airport (LTN, 45 miles/72 km) or East Midlands Airport (EMA, 50 miles/80 km).
- Train: Arrive at Kettering Station (0.5 miles away), a short 10-minute walk to Lindsay Street.
- Bus: Local Stagecoach services from Northampton or Corby stop at Kettering Bus Station (0.3 miles/5-minute walk).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Uber or local taxis from stations (~$5–$10 for short hops); airport transfers ~$80–$120.
- Driving: From M1 (Junction 10), follow A509 east (15 minutes); free on-street parking nearby or multi-story at NN16 8EH.
- Parking: Limited venue spots; use Newland Centre Car Park (Lindsay Road, NN16 8EH) for $3–$5/day.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Travelodge Kettering (~$60–$80/night), 1 mile away with easy bus links and free Wi-Fi.
- Mid-range: The Finnings Arms Pub Hotel ($90–$110/night) in town center, with cozy rooms and on-site dining.
- B&Bs: Montagu Guesthouse ($70–$90/night), family-run with breakfast included, 0.5 miles from venue.
- Family-friendly: Premier Inn Kettering ($80–$100/night), 2 miles out, featuring kids’ packs and pool access.
- Self-catering: Holiday apartments via Airbnb in Kettering town ($75–$120/night), kitchens for groups.
- Luxury: Wicksteed Park Hotel ($120+/night) nearby, with gardens and spa for a relaxed stay.
Reviews
- The music workshops were a game-changer—picked up DJ basics and jammed with locals, total blast in that cozy church vibe.
- Loved the local bands on stage; raw energy and free entry made it feel like Kettering’s best-kept secret for folk fans.
- Family day out hit the spot—kids adored the choir singalong, and the whole event buzzed with genuine community joy.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What types of music can I expect at the 2026 festival?
The lineup will spotlight local Northamptonshire sounds, from folk and jazz ensembles to contemporary pop-rock bands and choirs, with interactive elements like group jams. Workshops cover DJ techniques, instrument trials, and vocal sessions led by pros from groups like ISM Academy. Expect a mix of traditional English tunes and modern fusions across the day. The program evolves annually, with details posted on https://ketteringartscentre.com by January 2026. It's designed for discovery, so even non-musicians find something resonant. Overall, it's a snapshot of Kettering's diverse musical heartbeat in one inspiring venue.
Is the festival suitable for families and beginners?
Yes, it's explicitly family-friendly and beginner-welcoming, with free activities scaled for all ages—from kid-focused rhythm games to adult choir intros. No prior experience needed; instructors adapt on the fly for mixed groups. Venues are stroller-accessible, and sessions run 10am–3pm to fit family schedules. Past events saw families bonding over shared jams, building confidence through play. Sign up via email for spots, but drop-ins are common. It's a safe, encouraging space that sparks lifelong music interest without pressure.
How can I get involved as a performer or volunteer?
Local musicians can apply to perform via the website form by December 2025, prioritizing emerging acts for stage slots or workshops. Volunteers handle setup, ushering, or session support—sign up through office@ketteringartscentre.com for 2–4 hour shifts with perks like free snacks. No experience required; training provided. The Kettering Cultural Consortium welcomes new members for planning input. It's a collaborative event, so your skills in music or logistics directly shape the day. Get in touch early to secure a role.
What accessibility features are available for attendees?
The historic church offers ground-level entry, ramps to main halls, and hearing loops for music performances; wheelchair spaces are reserved first-come via email. Quiet zones in adjacent rooms accommodate sensory needs during louder sessions. Staffed by trained volunteers, the site includes wide aisles and accessible restrooms. For visual impairments, large-print schedules and audio descriptions for key acts can be arranged. Partnering with local services, the festival ensures inclusivity—notify office@ketteringartscentre.com in advance. Everyone's comfort is prioritized for an equitable experience.
Will there be food, drinks, or additional amenities on-site?
Yes, light refreshments like tea, coffee, and snacks are available via pop-up stalls in the church foyer (donation-based), with nearby cafes on Lindsay Street for fuller meals. Water stations and seating areas dot the venue for breaks between music sets. Street food trucks may join for the 2026 edition, focusing on local flavors. Bring your own reusable bottle; no alcohol served to keep the family vibe. Check https://ketteringartscentre.com for updates on vendors. It's all about sustaining energy for a full day of creative immersion.
