Bishop’s Castle will be rolling back the years – 450 years, in fact – this weekend to celebrate the town being granted a charter.
The town centre will be packed with a Tudor Street Fair on Sunday (July 16) including jesters, music, food and a Royal visit from none other than Queen Elizabeth I.
Well-known local musician John Kirkpatrick MBE has written a special song to mark the occasion which will have its first performance following the presentation of the charter to the town’s mayor Josh Dickin by Queen Elizabeth I, also known as former Bishop’s Castle resident Sally Titley nee Roberts.
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Sally was queen for the day at the 1973 celebrations of the 400th anniversary and is “thrilled” to be repeating the role in 2023.
Sunday's Charter Day celebrations begin with a church service at 11am followed by a parade to the Town Hall for the Charter presentation at 12.45pm. The street fair will be held from 10am to 4pm with stalls and entertainment.
John's song celebrates the freeing of the town from rule by the Bishops of Hereford to become a self-governing borough and includes words and music of the time by William Byrd and the sound of the church bells as well as John’s distinctive style of four-part harmony.
The chorus goes: Vivat Regina, Long live our noble Queen; The liberties she’s granted us we ne'er before have seen; The town of Bishop’s Castle can a free borough stand; By word of Royal Charter, signed by the Royal Hand.
Friday night from 7pm there will be a spectacular fireworks and bonfire display with a barbecue and live music hosted by the mayor.
A special afternoon tea and music will be held at the Old Vicarage Garden on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm.
The Charter Exhibition continues on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and finishes on Sunday from 10am to 11.45am and 1.15pm to 5pm, in the Public Hall which includes a look at the 400th anniversary celebrations in 1973.
Join Catherine Murphy on a one-and-a-half hour walk in search of Charter Oaks to Manor Oak starting at the Town Hall on Sunday from 2pm.
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