Northampton College has strengthened its position as one of the county’s leading construction training providers after being named an official partner of FixFest 2026, the UK’s dedicated festival for tradespeople and their families.
The partnership will see the college play a prominent role when the event arrives at Delapré Abbey on Saturday, July 11, bringing together thousands of construction professionals, tradespeople, apprentices, manufacturers and suppliers from across the UK.
Combining a major trade exhibition with a music festival, FixFest has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive events in the construction calendar, offering networking opportunities, practical demonstrations, hands-on activities and entertainment for industry professionals and their families.
As part of the partnership, Northampton College will showcase the training, qualifications and career pathways available to the next generation of construction professionals, while highlighting its work with employers to tackle skills shortages across the sector.
Mark Bradshaw, Curriculum Manager for Construction at Northampton College, said the partnership reflected the college’s long-standing commitment to supporting the industry and developing future talent.
“Construction continues to offer fantastic career opportunities, but attracting and developing new talent remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges,” he said.
“FixFest provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with employers, tradespeople, apprentices and young people who may be considering a future in the industry. We’re excited to be part of an event that celebrates the trades while also highlighting the skills and opportunities that will shape the sector’s future.
“It’s really pleasing to see the event come to Delapré Abbey, a place where our students are proud to be working as part of the cottage restoration project.”
The festival aims to inspire future tradespeople by giving families and young people the chance to explore career opportunities across the industry and experience the latest tools, technologies and techniques being used on sites across the country.
For Northampton College, the partnership further reinforces its growing influence within the sector through apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, employer partnerships and specialist construction training programmes.
Louis Timpany, CEO and founder of Fix Radio and FixFest, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Northampton College for FixFest 2026, the local college to our new event home in Northampton.
“As the UK’s festival for tradespeople, we believe it’s important not only to celebrate the industry we have today, but also to invest in and engage with the people who will shape its future.
“Northampton College plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of skilled professionals. FixFest is all about bringing the industry together, and by working with Northampton College, we’re creating a platform that inspires future talent, showcases the breadth of opportunities available in the trades, and helps ensure the sector has the skilled workforce it needs for years to come.”
Northamptonshire employers attending the festival will be able to visit the college’s stand to learn more about apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, work placements and other initiatives designed to help businesses develop future talent pipelines.
The college has also secured an exclusive offer for Northamptonshire businesses, providing a 20 per cent discount on FixFest tickets for employers wishing to attend with their teams.
Music acts appearing at the festival include Ocean Colour Scene, Hard-Fi and Sigma.
