Holly Holy Day / The Battle of Nantwich, Saturday, January 25, in Nantwich Town Centre and on Mill Island - off the inner ring road at the bottom of Mill Street. This is one of the few years when the battle re-enactment takes place on the actual date of the 1644 English Civic War clash between Roundheads (Parliament supporters)  and Cavaliers (King Charles I's men).

   The day's schedule is:

   On the RedShift (local radio) stage on The Square (town centre): 10am, RedShift Welcome; 10.15am, Phoebe Crewe; 10.45am, Sinead D'abreu-Hayling; 11.30am, Funky Choir; 11.55am, The Mayor of Nantwich (Cllr Arthur Moran); 12 noon, Cheshire Drums; 12.45pm, The Sealed Knot (battle re-enactment society) troops leave Malbank School at Welsh Row head to parade into the town centre, arriving at 1pm; 1.15pm, wreath-laying ceremony at the town's war memorial; 1.30pm, the troops parade to Mill Island.

   Around town between 10am  and 12.30pm, the following will take place: Mollies / Plough Witches street entertainers; Doomsday Morris Dancers; hog roast; book signings by Civic War authors at Nantwich Book Shop and Coffee Lounge; and tours of St Mary's Parish Church.   

    Nantwich Museum in Pillory Street will be hosting Holly Holy Day events: 10am, Civil War walking tour of the town setting out from the Museum; 10.30am to 11.30am, musketry display with the Sealed Knot; 11.30am, Civil War walking tour of the town setting out from the Museum; 11.45am to 12.45pm, 17th Century Music played by Forlorne Hope. See also What's_On-Museum.

   Mill Island: 1.40pm arrival of the opposing troops; 1.50pm, artillery demonstration (with loud bangs); 2pm, the start of the battle re-enactment by the Sealed Knot. The event concludes with the presentation of awards.

oIn the event of bad weather, events planned for the RedShift Stage will be moved into St Mary's Parish Church in the town centre.

oWrist bands giving access to the Battle of Nantwich re-enactment on Mill Island are available from Nantwich Museum in Pillory Street. The prices are: family (two adults and two children) £6; adults £3; children £1.

lThe schedule is taken from the official website: https://www.battleofnantwich.org/.

Gin Tasting, Friday, February 7, at 7.30pm, at The Crown Hotel Bar and Grill, High Street, Nantwich. Organised by the Nantwich Christie Hospital Support Group for The Christie Charitable Fund. Tickets £20 from Sarah Darlington, on 07714 344810. The gin will be supplied by Rodney Densem Wines. 

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