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HERE is the latest Press release from Nantwich
Holly Holy Day Society, the people behind the Battle of Nantwich
commemorations each January. It was sent to me by the society's
Chairman, Shaun Cafferty.
THE
organisers of the Nantwich Holly Holy Day 2012 have announced some of
the entertainments that will be included in next January’s celebrations
– which will include a stage performance from The Funky Choir during the
morning of the event.
The Willaston-based community
group, who accept singers of all standards, will be one of the acts
performing live and free of charge in The Square on Saturday, January 21st
– the day chosen for the town to remember the 1644 Battle of Nantwich,
and the celebration of the lifting of the lengthy siege on the town.
And in recognition of the 40th
anniversary of the event in its current form, there will be a parade of
local schoolchildren in historical costumes reflecting Nantwich’s rich
historical heritage. This part of the event is the brainchild of Crewe
and Nantwich Weaver Rotary Group who are longstanding supporters of
Holly Holy Day, and prizes are on offer to schools judged to have made
the best contribution.
The event this year will also
feature a town crier, and repeat appearances from previous crowd
pleasers X-Academy and Nantwich Players, with children’s entertainer PJ
co-ordinating the acts and amusing the younger spectators. They will
provide the build up to the central event which is the parade of the
Sealed Knot soldiers into town in their authentic and colourful
seventeenth century costumes for the laying of wreaths. As always the
day climaxes with the re-enactment of the battle on Mill Island!
Organiser Shaun Cafferty
explains: "As in recent years, we are looking to provide a spectacular
day with something for everyone. Although there will be a small
admission charge for access to Mill Island where people can experience
the battle re-enactment at close quarters, most of the entertainments
being provided are entirely free of charge. It’s a real opportunity for
families and people of all generations from across the region to have a
good day out in Nantwich, and it needn’t cost them a penny! With things
how they are at present, we are working especially hard to deliver some
fun and colour and raise everyone’s spirits a bit.
"Away from The Square, there
will be a musketry demonstration in the Museum, which will also house a
war-gaming exhibition which was incredibly popular last year. We will
also have performances from the 17th Century musicians,
Forlorn Hope, and the Living History exhibition which provides a
fascinating insight into ordinary life 400 years ago and always attracts
big crowds. There will be various other entertainments placed around the
town, so that the whole place is buzzing and there will be plenty to do
and see.
"For the more active, there is
a ‘walk and talk’ event led by the Battlefield Trust from Acton Church
to the actual site of the battle, which will complete in time for
participants to be back in town in time for the Mill Island
re-enactment."
Shaun adds: "We will be
announcing further developments nearer the time and through our website
www.hollyholyday.org.uk, but for now people should reserve 21st
January in their diaries and invite friends and relatives along – its
going to be a great day!"
The Holly Holy Day Society is still looking
for volunteers to help with organising and raising sponsorship for the
event – anyone interested can contact the group via the website or on
01270 842560.
Press release issued November 18, 2011.
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