Japan Fest Northampton 2026: Taiko, Kendo, and Street Food Fill Franklin's Gardens

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A rugby stadium in the English Midlands is about to host a full day of Japanese culture.

One Day at Franklin's Gardens

Japan Fest Northampton 2026 runs Saturday, October 17, from 11am to 6pm, at Franklin's Gardens - the home stadium of Northampton Saints rugby club, on Weedon Road in Northampton.

Taiko, Kendo, and Live Music

Confirmed performers include Leicester Taiko, Noh performer Sara, Kettering Kendo Club, singer MION, and musical acts LeLe and Sumie Kent, with the organizers noting more acts may still be announced.

Food, Workshops, and Hands-On Culture

Beyond the stage, visitors can try Japanese street food from vendors including OISHI and Katsuo, try on kimono, paint fox masks, fold origami, and join basic Japanese language sessions. Children under 8 attend for free.

Ask Marine

Want to know more about any of the performers, or what the kendo and Noh demonstrations involve? Ask Marine.

What To Know

Japan Fest Northampton gives fans in the English Midlands - a region without a major existing Japanese-culture festival of its own - direct access to taiko drumming, kendo, and Japanese street food without traveling to London.

Franklin's Gardens is primarily known as Northampton Saints' rugby stadium, so turning it into a one-day Japanese culture festival is a striking repurposing of a venue most locals associate with an entirely different sport.

What Fans Are Saying

• "Never thought I'd see taiko drumming at a rugby stadium."
• "Great that the Midlands finally gets its own Japan festival."
• "Kendo demos plus street food is a solid combo for a day out."

Original Japanese

• 「ラグビー場で和太鼓見られるの新鮮」
• 「ミッドランズにこういうイベント来てくれるの嬉しい」
• 「剣道と屋台の組み合わせいいな」

Easy Japanese

10月17日、イギリスのノーサンプトンで「ジャパンフェスト2026」が開かれます。太鼓や剣道、食べ物の屋台が楽しめます。