Welcome back to Northampton Market Square - feedback survey

Between 19 October 2024 and 3 November 2024, we carried out a survey on the Northampton Market Square reopening event, held on the weekend of 19 and 20 October 2024. The event was to celebrate the official reopening of the market square by providing a vibrant community gathering. The event featured market stalls, family entertainment, live music, and a variety of food and drink offerings. It successfully attracted numerous visitors, supported local traders and businesses, and boosted the wider local economy.

91 complete responses were received. Here are the answers to some of the key questions:

• Of those who attended the event 64% were Northampton residents and 15% were visitors.
• Many of the respondents (21) said they were interested in attending events in the local area. Others (16) liked the sound of the entertainment that was announced at being at the event.
• Those who did not attend or did not wish to, said that they had other plans and they thought the event was a waste of money. Some people also responded that they were not aware of the event despite there being a strong effort from marketing and comms and the wider team.
• 42 respondents saw the social media promotions, and this prompted them to attend.
• Many people said they heard of the event through an event partner.

To ensure the success of future events, regular event planning meetings will take place in the future. These meetings aim to consistently bring events to residents and attract visitors from outside the area, thereby boosting the local economy.

From the results there is a clear demand for more events, including in Northampton market square, which has been identified as a prime location for community gatherings.

To address concerns about event funding and promotion, we will ensure that details about event sponsorships and financial backing are communicated from an earlier stage. This transparency will help handle worries about the misuse of funds and provide a clearer understanding of the event's economic impact.

By incorporating feedback from past events and leveraging insights from community members, we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive event calendar that meets the diverse interests of our community. The feedback from this survey will help us to plan and promote events that resonate well with the local audience, such as live music, community groups, and food stalls.