Animated film to mark 350 years since Great Fire

A new animated film is being created to mark 350 years since a town fire broke out, and the public is invited to help bring it to life.

Northampton Film Festival (NFF) is leading the project, which starts on Saturday, and will reflect both the events of the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton and the modern-day spirit of the town it transformed.

The fire tore through 700 of the town's 850 buildings and claimed 11 lives.

Becky Carrier, director of NFF, said: "We hope people, young and old, will come down to the Northants Makers Market to think about the unique essence of Northampton."

The fire, believed to have started from sparks from an open fire at a home in St Mary's Street, quickly spread, and residents sought refuge in the Market Square.

Despite efforts to control it, prominent buildings, including All Hallows Church, were destroyed.

Following a community-driven effort, the town raised £25,000 to fund reconstruction.

To commemorate the anniversary, NFF is running a series of free creative activities throughout July and August as part of a five-month programme that also features light shows, art exhibitions, processions and themed displays.

On Saturday, the public can meet professional animators, sketch elements for the film's opening scenes and add their ideas to a "Great Fire wall."

Children are also invited to cast spells for a future Northampton, with help from a "Great Fire Wizard".

Ms Carrier added her own imagined spell would contain "a pinch of rebel energy, a cup of rainbow paint and a bucket load of community spirit".

The final film will include the public's creations alongside historical commentary and voices from Northampton residents.

It is set to premiere in the town's Market Square on 20 September.

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