A MEMORABLE day was had by all in Bromsgrove today as the Court Leet Fair Day, parade and Elizabethan Market was held in the High Street.
There was also a ‘Welcome Back’ event at the BirdBox, offering food and drink from independent Bromsgrove businesses and a roadshow from the town’s community radio station BRMG.
The day began with the parade of Court Leet members and guests from Kidderminster Road to the end of the High Street before it turned around and gathered at the Housman Statue. It was broadcast live on our Bromsgrove Standard Facebook page and can be watched here.
There, after a short prayer from Rev Ray Khan, Bailiff Jo Slade read the historic charter presented to the town in 1199 by King John.
Bailiff Jo Slade reads the historic charter.
The document gave the town permission to hold its annual Midsummer Fair – it was originally on June 24 but is now held on the nearest Saturday to that date.
Here for the Beer – The ale tasters at work.
After the charter reading, the assizes were carried out, confirming that the bread and ale were of a high enough quality for the people of Bromsgrove. We broadcast the Charter reading and the assizes live on our Bromsgrove Standard Facebook page which can be watched here.
The breadweigher confirms the loaves are of ample weight and quality.
Elizabethan Market and Somers Cup
As well as the parade, the Elizabethan Market also returned with 14 stalls manned by charities and community groups, with many of those ‘traders for the day’ in bright costume.
Bailiff Jo Slade announced the winner of the Somers Cup – given to the group with the best dressed stall and crew.
This year’s title went to The Friends of St John’s Church who set out their stall with a swashbuckling pirate theme.
Delighted Church Warden Shan Moule said: “It’s great that the fair day and market has returned, fantastic to see Bromsgrove High Street bustling again and even better to win the Somers Cup.
“It will come in handy – it’s perfect for keeping our pieces of eight in.”
Layla Key, Mim Symmons and Neil Edwards from the Bromsgrove Blue Cross on their stall at the Elizabethan Market. Picture by Tristan Harris.
Bromsgrove Blue Cross centre manager Neil Edwards added: “The market is great for all the charities taking part as we’ve all been finding it tough over the last year.
“It’s lovely to see Bromsgrove so busy and to get so much support from people.”
Bromsgrove Birdbox – Welcome Back
The independent businesses at the Bromsgrove Birdbox were delighted to see a good turn-out and the sun shining.
There is plenty of space at the Bromsgrove BirdBox for social distancing. Picture by Tristan Harris.
The first day of the last planned Welcome Back event had to be cancelled on safety reasons because of high winds and heavy rain.
Lilith Holsey-Sheppard ready to serve hungry visitors to the BirdBox Welcome Back event. Picture by Tristan Harris.
Lilith Holsey-Sheppard from Lil’s Baps and Bromsgrove’s now renowned all-female Butcher’s Block said: “I am really excited to be back serving people again and this event will be a great run-through for a charity event we have coming up on August 7.”
Lisa Rees-Hurcombe from independent Bromsgrove business FabuFloss. Picture by Tristan Harris.
Lisa Rees-Hurcombe from FabuFloss said: “It’s a lovely atmosphere here – Birdbox is such a great family venue.
“After all the stress of the past year, the home-schooling and people unable to go out, it’s great to see the the children running around and the parents looking relaxed.”
Tony Brannon, Sophia Jones Hammersley and Phil Hammersley from Bromsgrove community radio station BRMG. Picture by Tristan Harris.
Music was provided by the team from Bromsgrove community radio station BRMG.
The event runs until 7pm this evening.
Click here to see our Facebook video at the Bromsgrove Birdbox.
