Shoppers heading into Wokingham Town Centre this Saturday will be transported back in time to a Medieval Market, writes Jess Warren.
To celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the Market Place, The Town Council have organised a day full of Medieval-style activities for all the family.
The activities will run from 10am to 4pm, and spread between the Market Place, Howard Palmer Gardens and the Town Hall.
A variety of hands-on activities will be running throughout the day for both the young and the young-at-heart. These include ‘Have-a-go Archery’, Arming the Knight, Children’s Spear Drill, Medieval Puppet Theatre, Falconry, music and dance.
Children are invited to decorate and take home shields, helmet masks and dragon gliders upstairs in the Town Hall.
Traditional ‘Medieval’ type crafts including Willow Weaving, Woodturning, Lacemaking, Embroidery and Calligraphy will run demonstrations all day for members of the community interested in arts and crafts.
The Saturday will also see local author, John Hook offering a book signing for his latest novel, Top Meadow.
This medieval, coming of age novel follows a teenager named Minnow who lived during the reign of Henry II. The books are available to purchase for £6.99 on the day.
In celebration of Wokingham’s history, microbrewery and craft beer specialist, Elusive Brewing has released a limited edition, ‘Old Market Ale’.
By combining both heritage and modern ingredients, owner Andy Parker has created a rich, fruity beer. He described it as “a modern take on traditional, best bitter”.
The ale will be available in both cask and bottled versions at the Market, or draught at The Crispin, on Denmark Street.
For non-alcoholic refreshments, visitors can enjoy apple pressing, but are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups in order to sample some fresh juice.
The day of activities has been aligned with National Heritage Open Days, who are running Bell Tower and Church Tours at All Saints on Sunday, September 15 and a Heritage Walk on Wednesday, September 18.
For more details, log on to www. lovewokingham.co.uk
What’s on
All timing subject to change
10am Official Opening in Market Place
10.30am-11am Medieval Jester (Market Place)
10.30am-11am Medieval Dance and Music (Howard Palmer Gardens)
11am-11.30am Medieval Puppet Theatre “George and the Dragon” (Howard Palmer Gardens)
11am-noon Get Arty Norman Shields (Wokingham Library)
11.30am-noon Arming the Medieval Knight (Howard Palmer Gardens)
Noon-12.30pm Medieval Dance and Music (Howard Palmer Gardens)
12.30pm-1pm Children’s Spear Drill (Howard Palmer Gardens)
1pm-1.30pm Medieval Jester (Howard Palmer Gardens)
1.30pm-2pm Medieval Puppet Theatre “Jabberwocky” (Howard Palmer Gardens)
2pm-2.30pm Arming the Medieval Knight (Howard Palmer Gardens)
2.30pm-3pm Medieval Dance and Music (Howard Palmer Gardens)
3pm-3.30pm Children’s Spear Drill (Howard Palmer Gardens)
3.30pm-4pm Medieval Jester (Market Place)
3.30pm-4pm Medieval Puppet Theatre “George and the Dragon” (Howard Palmer Gardens)
