Kettfest 2026
Saturday 13 June, 10am to 10pm, Kettering Town Centre

Kettering's Music, Arts & Culture Festival

Kettfest returns to Kettering on Saturday 13 June 2026, bringing with it an exciting programme of live music, dance, arts and cultural activity for all ages. This one‑day festival celebrates the remarkable talent of local musicians, performers, poets, schools and artists, transforming the town centre into a vibrant, creative hub.

Kettfest is delivered by members of the Kettering Cultural Consortium (KCC), with support from Kettering Town Council. The festival is proudly sponsored by Tresham College, Hanwood Park and Costa, with a warm welcome this year to new sponsor Lucky Chucks. Additional free, sporty fun will be provided on the day in the Poppies Zone by event partner Kettering Town Football Club.

Main Stage – Market Place

Hosted by Kettering Arts Centre and compered by Chuck The Poet, the Main Stage features live music from 12pm until 10pm. Headlining are local favourites The Fevers, alongside performances from Tresham Ensemble, The Smarties, Joanna, The Atomics, The Charmless, Pure Genius, Orange Clocks, The Pit Monkeys, Troubadour and Bill Burton's Disco.

The Clocktower Stage – Lower Street

The ISM Music Academy presents a packed line‑up from 10am to 6pm, headlined by AXO, with sets from Uprising, On Tap, Bill Fever, Amaryllis, Nexus, Silver Street, Decadence, Secret Squirrel, The ElectriX, Capsized and Last Chance.

The Acoustic Stage – The Yards

Hosted by Tresham College, the Acoustic Stage showcases intimate performances from Brüt, hazey jane II, Kian McIntyre, Joni Lilly, Jammy, Izzy Drage, Louisa Alexanda, Saffron duke, Annie C, Rachel Woods, Angel of Rock and Odell Eady.

DJ Event & After Party

An all‑day DJ session hosted by The Old Market Inn features The Social, spinning vinyl sounds from old skool, house, jungle, hip hop and classic dance from 12pm–6pm.
Later, AMiiS brings the Kettfest After Party from 7pm–2am, with DJs Hani, Harry Painter, Crookz, Sam Ward and Nath.

Community Stage – St Peter's & St Paul's Church

New for 2026, the Community Stage moves to the driveway of St Peter's and St Paul's Church, offering dance performances and participatory workshops against a stunning architectural backdrop. Hosted by Northants 1 and Beccy Hurrell, the stage features BHVA, Arts Barn Choir, Southfield, KSA, KGH Choir, Aaja Nachle, LW Dance, 1‑2‑3 Dance, Tresham's 'Six the Musical', Dance with Bowie and the Ukrainian Sunflower Group.

Spoken Word & Theatre – Manor House Gardens

The Spoken Word Stage, hosted by Kettering Library and compered by Kezzabelle, brings poetry, theatre and performance to the Manor House Gardens. Audiences can enjoy spoken word, Tresham students performing iconic Shakespeare scenes, and Geddington Amateur Dramatics Society's 'Welcoming Strangers'.

The Alfred East Art Gallery presents a walk‑in installation inspired by its archive painting January Pantomime — a delightfully bonkers tea party scene brought to life by Laugh Out Loud Theatre. Visitors can dress up, join the characters for playful photo moments, and enjoy themed refreshments.

Northamptonshire Healthcare Charity will be running lawn games, glitter tattoos and a SEND‑inclusive sensory area to raise awareness for The Skylark Ward at KGH.

Art, Sport & Have-a-go Activities

The Art Space moves to The Yards, featuring mural painting with Kettering Street Art, creative workshops from Irregular Art Hub, and 'Jazz Sketch' sessions hosted by Kettering District Art Society, where visitors can sketch live Epigone Jazz performances. Here also enjoy fantastic displays of artwork and films by Tresham students.

At Meadow Road, Kettering Town Football Club will host stalls, giveaways and football skill challenges. Nearby, singer Cecilia Ventura and ISM present the brand‑new Street Karaoke Stage, giving festival‑goers the chance to step up and sing.

Local music producers Roddy Beatz and Young Chencs will host drop‑in music production workshops and offer industry advice at a special pop‑up venue throughout the afternoon.

Near the Manor House Gardens, from 10am - 2pm, NNC Active Communities and will be offering families and children a range of fun activities, such as swingball, badminton and soft archery.

Skate, Sustainability & Four‑Legged Friends

Illicit Skate School returns with beginner and intermediate skate ramps in the Market Place, while Brightwayz promotes sustainable travel on Lower Street, with giveaways and opportunities to try an e‑bike or scooter.

Pets at Kettfest is supported by WoofWag, a non‑profit organisation providing expert dog advice, training tips and treats. Dog owners can also enjoy a free quick sketch of their pet by local artist Katy Dynes.

Surprises Around Every Corner

Expect pop‑up fun across the town centre, with Alfe's bubbles and balloons, roaming performers, and the chance to send a postcard via the Kettfest Roller Postie, supported by Kettering's community skate group Dozy SK8.

Kettfest 2026 promises a joyful celebration of creativity, community and local talent — and it's all free to enjoy.