As Northamptonshire continues to strengthen its reputation as a vibrant destination for visitors and residents, a series of tourism initiatives are creating exciting opportunities for businesses to get
involved, raise their profile and support the region’s economic growth.
From prestigious awards ceremonies to festive campaigns and seasonal attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved in the county’s thriving visitor economy.
Northamptonshire Tourism Business Awards
In March 2026, Discover Northamptonshire will celebrate outstanding contributions across the county’s hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors.
These awards not only recognise excellence but also provide a prime opportunity for businesses to sponsor individual categories or key elements of the awards ceremony. With headline sponsors Wilson Browne Solicitors and Media Partners NN Pulse already on board, new sponsors will be in great company.
Sponsorship packages provide visibility among a wide network of industry professionals, stakeholders and media outlets. Even more exciting is the opportunity for winners to represent Northamptonshire nationally, at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, and the sponsors will be part of this inspiring journey in the tourism sector.
From categories such as Experience of the Year to the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, sponsors benefit from brand exposure, valuable networking opportunities and association with a prestigious event that champions the very best of Northamptonshire.
Seasonal sponsorship and prize opportunities
This winter, Northampton Market Square will be transformed with a real ice rink, off ering a festive experience for families, couples and groups until January 4. Built by iSkate – the engineers behind ITV’s Dancing on Ice set and Somerset House’s annual rink, the Market Square promises top-quality design and will be a major attraction, with a range of events to be hosted on the ice each week. It also provides a unique platform for businesses to engage with the public.
Companies can sponsor the rink, gaining high visibility through the full fi ve-week period or contribute prizes for ticket-holder prize draws. These draws are sure to be a popular feature, rewarding attendees and creating buzz around participating brands.
Whether offering a product, experience or voucher, businesses can showcase their off erings to a broad and diverse audience during the peak holiday season.
Sponsorship ensures brand exposure, community engagement, and association with one of Northampton’s most festive celebrations.
12 Days of Christmas campaign
Discover Northamptonshire, the county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership, is launching a 12 Days of Christmas social media campaign, running from December 1 to 12. Each day, a new prize will be unveiled and given away to followers who engage with the campaign.
Local businesses are invited to donate prizes, from gift hampers and experiences to tickets and merchandise, which will be featured across Discover Northamptonshire’s Facebook and Instagram pages. This campaign is designed to boost visibility for local brands while encouraging festive engagement and highlighting the breadth of what Northamptonshire has to offer.
With strong reach across social media and a growing audience of residents and visitors, the campaign is an ideal way for businesses to promote themselves in a fun, seasonal context and be part of a county-wide celebration.
Supporting these initiatives is a chance to invest in the county’s future. Tourism plays a vital role in Northamptonshire’s economy, and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors is key to ensuring its continued success.
By sponsoring events, contributing prizes or partnering on campaigns, businesses can demonstrate community leadership, connect with new audiences, and help shape the county’s visitor experience.
Those who would like to get involved, join the mailing list for future sponsorship opportunities or become a regular partner should get in touch with the Discover Northamptonshire team to help build a vibrant, welcoming Northamptonshire for all.
For more information, email isabel.deveer@westnorthants.gov.uk or visit the discover Northamptonshire website here.
