Celebrations to mark Richmond’s 950th anniversary be officially launched this weekend.
A historical market will go ahead, within Covid-19 regulations, on Saturday.
The market will run from 10am to 4pm alongside the traditional market.
In addition to their weekly shop, visitors will be able to buy historical costumes, honey and wax products, leather goods, historic toys, weapons and shields, jewellery, amber and pewter, haberdashery, regency clothes and accessories, and more.
At 12noon, Richmond’s town crier will introduce the mayor, Councillor Hodgson, and the 950 Patron, Baroness Harris of Richmond, who will speak about the anniversary and the historic town.
Medieval musicians, jesters and handbell ringers will entertain throughout the day.
The three special 950 brews created by Richmond Brewing Company will be on sale alongside ales from Brewlab, who are a leading provider of brewing training and who are providing brewing workshops as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Mackenzie Thorpe has worked with Richmond Brewing Company to create the artwork for the three new beers – Home Front Mild Ale, Red Rufus Ruby Ale and 1071 IPA.
The labels feature Mackenzie’s original painting of a shepherd and his sheep wending their way past Richmond Castle beneath evocative skies.
A limited edition print of the painting is available from this weekend.
The Richmond and Me Writing 950 Project has begun and some of the results will be on display on Saturday.
Children and staff from Richmond’s primary schools and nurseries, along with residents and staff from Richmond nursing and residential homes, have been writing their memories and ideas of what Richmond means to them. The pieces of writing will be displayed around town and later archived in Richmondshire Museum.
Local journalist, Ashley Barnard, will be in town on May 8 interviewing people and making oral history recordings that will be available in the museum through a new audio installation.
During the year there will also be opportunities in the museum to write your own memories on that now almost obsolete instrument, the typewriter.
Celebrate 950 commemorative mugs, T-towels, pens, pencils and key rings will be on sale at the 950 stall on the curtilage.
All feature the distinctive logo designed by local designer, Kersty Jordan.
This is also a chance to pick up the Celebrate Richmond 950 leaflet detailing around 70 events arranged so far.
The merchandise is also on sale in the Information Centre in the Market Hall and at various outlets around town.
It has been announced that a community archaeology project will take place this summer as part of the celebrations.
English Heritage and Historic England have given consent for the three-week project to take place within the castle walls in mid-July/early August.
Funding from Richmondshire District Council, Richmond Civic Society and the Castle Studies Trust has been provided to make the project possible.
Local company, Solstice Heritage, will be running the excavations and those interested in participating will soon be invited by Solstice to sign up online.
As many people as possible will be given an opportunity to take part, but organisers say there may not be room for all.
Details of what is planned for 2021 and also online booking for some events can be found at www.richmond950.co.uk
