Poppies boost for Kettfest 2026 as Kettering community arts festival expands
It might still be the middle of winter, but the call out for local acts to take part in Kettfest 2026 has been made.
Kettfest will return to Kettering town centre on Saturday, June 13 2026, with some exciting new plans and opportunities to showcase and celebrate talent and support businesses.
The popular one-day, music, arts and culture festival will feature local musicians, dance groups, poets, theatre groups, schools and artists – and people can register to take part for 2026 via Kettfest Instagram and Facebook.
Kettering Town Football Club (KTFC) have become an official Kettfest Event Partner for 2026. They will be located by Meadow Road with stalls, giveaways, football skills and some special guests.
George Akhtar, owner of KTFC: “We’re absolutely delighted to be sponsoring Kettfest this year.
"For me, it represents everything I believe football and Kettering Town FC should stand for – family, community, and bringing people together.
"Kettfest is a celebration of who we are as a town, and I couldn’t be prouder to support it. I’m genuinely looking forward to a fantastic event and to meeting people from every corner of our wider community.”
Kettering Cultural Consortium members collaborate to host the event, with funds provided by Kettering Town Council and main stage sponsors, Tresham College, Hanwood Park and Costa.
Zoe Martin, creative director for Kettfest, said: “We are so thankful for the fantastic support of Kettfest from individuals, groups, schools and businesses - it’s so lovely to be able to share and celebrate the wonderful talent we have on our doorstep.
"Getting involved in local events, such as Kettfest, helps makes for stronger communities where people can feel more connected, valued and can find a sense of belonging. Everyone has something to offer, so whether you want to perform, or just help out in someway, then sign up and let us know.”
As well as five stages dotted across the town centre, Kettering’s own music producer talent, Roddy Beatz and Young Chencs, will be on hand all afternoon to provide have-a-go music production workshops and industry advice in a special pop-up venue.
2026 sees fantastic live music at the Main Stage in the Market Place, organised by Kettering Arts Centre - a showcase of amazing local bands throughout the day with a Bill Burton disco finale.
Pulling out all the stops this year, at the other end of town, is The Clock Tower stage managed by ISM Music Academy, highlighting musical talent.
New for 2026, is the acoustic stage at The Yards, for a relaxing ‘retro vibe’ and providing another stage to meet the demand for live music.
The art space in the Market Street shopping area will provide a venue for creative activities from Kettering Street Artists and Irregular Art Hub, and, alongside the shops, food and drink vendors.
On the move this year, to a bigger site and proper dance floor, is The Community Stage, hosted by Beccy Hurrell of BHVA and Northants 1 Radio.
It is hoped schools and dance groups will apply to showcase their talent and provide fun workshops.
Kettering Library, along with talented poet, Kezzabelle, will again host the Spoken Word Stage at The Manor House Gardens giving a platform for storytelling, poetry, comedy, and, with drama groups being encouraged to take to the stage.
The Alfred East Art Gallery, in preparation for their official opening in autumn next year, will join in Kettfest bringing a painting ‘to life’ with interactive art, drama and dress-up fun.
Illicit Skate School will be offering beginner and intermediate skate ramps and Brightwayz promoting sustainable travel advice, giveaways and a chance to get on an e-bike or scooter.
Zoe said: “The town will be buzzing as usual with amazing food and drink vendors, craft stalls, face painters, stilt-walkers, Pets at Kettfest portraits, mascots, bubbles and balloons and a trail of talented Kettering and District Artists painting and drawing the day. And, if you forget to sign up for a stage, you can always pop along to Street Karaoke and share your talent with passers-by.”
Celebrating their first anniversary and Kettfest The Old Market Inn general manager, Becky Donlevy, will host the official Kettfest DJ after party.
To sign up to Kettfest and connect on social media go to https://linktr.ee/kettfest
To register as an artist, a creative activity, shop or volunteer go to https://bit.ly/ActivitiesArtistsShopsVolunteers.
Register to perform at https://bit.ly/Kettfest4Performers.
To apply for a market stall go to https://www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk/kettfest-pitch.
For sponsorship opportunities go to https://bit.ly/WeSponsorKettfest.