THE HISTORIC Bromsgrove Court Leet will hold its annual Fair Day this Saturday, June 25, to celebrate the town being granted its Charter by King John in 1199.
Bailiff Neil Beaumont will lead the procession from Housman Hall, Kidderminster Road, at 10.30am with the Shirley Pipe Band at the front and the Court Leet in full robes and regalia.
At the Housman Statue around 11am, the Bailiff will proclaim the Charter which enabled the town to hold a market and a fair on the feast of St John, which falls on midsummer’s day. Fair Day is on the closest Saturday to midsummer’s day.
Alongside the regular Saturday markets will be local traders and charities at the Court Leet Street Market – many in traditional costumes to complement the event’s theme. Court Leet Market Master David Coulson said an extra 16 market stalls would be brought to the town.
Among the organisations represented will be The Orchards PTA, The Norton Collection Museum, Lulu in Stitches, Blue Cross Bromsgrove, Bromsgrove Lions Club, Fruitfields, My Little Pink Shed, Bloodwise Bromsgrove, Original Kiln-Fired Enamelled Jewellery, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Panache Gifts, Dragonfly and Catshill WI.
There will also be Churches Together in Bromsgrove, St Basils, the Basement Project and St John’s Church.
The Sumners Cup will be awarded to the best dressed stall.
Mr Beaumont said Fair Day was the highlight of the Court Leet calendar, bringing colour and pageantry to the town centre, theatrically illustrating at least one aspect of the ancient court’s historic past.
For older memories it will bring back fond memories of previous Fair Days and for younger ones witnessing the ancient rite for the first time, instilling a sense of community and belonging.
Everyone is welcome to the event – visit facebook.com/CourtLeetBromsgrove for more.
