Get ready for all the fun of the circus this summer as part of the year-long celebrations marking the 850th anniversary of a Staffordshire town’s market charter.
Newcastle-under-Lyme was awarded its first royal charter of incorporation in 1173, a historic milestone being marked with cultural and heritage activities throughout the year.
Those celebrations are set to reach their peak in June with a series of special events ranging from a mini-circus – reflecting the town’s historic links to the father of the modern circus – to military parades, and yarn bombing.
Drawing together Newcastle-under-Lyme’s royal market status with its most famous son, showman Philip Astley without whom the modern version of a circus would never have happened, ‘Astley’s Homecoming’ will be a day of circus fun.
Born in the town in 1742, Astley was the son of a cabinetmaker who grew up to become a master equestrian, military hero and showman, who created the 42-foot diameter circus ring and was even responsible for the iconic ringmaster uniform.
Taking its lead from his story, the free to attend event, on 17 June, will feature a day of outdoor circus fun, along with entertainment across the town centre (https://bit.ly/43nXrfK).
Already on show at the town’s Brampton Museum is ‘The Lost Charter’ exhibition, which reveals more about the original document, last seen centuries ago and now thought to be lost, as well as the Borough’s historic collection of surviving Charters from Queen Elizabeth I and King James.
The free to visit exhibition runs until 9 July 2023, but on Thursday 22 June there will be an exclusive tour with conservator Richard Nichols (https://bit.ly/3qm3yCt).
And on Saturday 24 June, Armed Forces Day will be marked in the town with a parade, military vehicles, food and drink and a general market, including young traders taking a stall for the first time.
For some home spun celebrations, the Castle Yarn Bombers will be adorning some of the trees in Ironmarket with colourful knitted and crocheted wraps to celebrate the 850th anniversary, which will remain in place for several months.
Today, Newcastle-under-Lyme still hosts markets six days a week in the heart of the town centre, Monday to Saturday, while every third Sunday of the month the Castle Artisan Market features food, crafts and products from across Staffordshire and beyond.
For information about visiting, and staying in, Staffordshire visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com.
Photo: Clara Lou Photography.