THE CROWDS turned out in force in the bright summer sunshine on Saturday for the annual Bromsgrove Court Leet Fair Day and Elizabethan Street Market.
The parade, led by the Shirley Pipe Band for the first time, marched from Housman Hall to the High Street where the ale was tasted and tested at The Red Lion.
Once that had passed the test by Ale Taster Jo Slade, ably assisted by Ray Giles, the parade continued to the end of the High Street, turning at Argos and returning to the Housman Statue for the other declarations.
Town Crier Kevin Ward began proceedings and Rev Ray Khan, the Court’s chaplain, gave a speech.
Bread Weigher Hans Rostrup gave the town’s bakers his seal of approval and Robert Bird the Brook Looker confirmed the waterways were sound. He also praised the work being done in Sanders Park to re-route the Battlefield Brook, improving habitats for local wildlife.
The searcher and sealer of leather Richard Hull declared the town’s leather was perfect for the people and Mike Meredith, the Carnitor of Flesh and Fish verified the meat and sea food.
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid joined members of the Court and other dignatries for the procession and chatted to residents following proceedings.
When it came to the Elizabethan Market, the Somers Cup for the best dressed stall went to new winners The Norton Collection Museum with the Bromsgrove Lions finishing second.
Afterwards the Court continued to Bayleys for further testing and tasting of the town’s ale.
