Stafford History Day

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🌟 Step Back in Time and Celebrate Stafford’s Heritage! 🌟
Join us in Stafford Town Centre for a free, family-friendly celebration of the town’s rich history! This exciting event invites you to explore Stafford’s fascinating past while enjoying activities, performances, and historical experiences throughout the day.
Event Highlights 🎉
📜 Historical Tours – Visit iconic landmarks including St Mary’s Church, St Chad’s, The High House, and The Alms Houses, with expert guides bringing Stafford’s past to life.
👻 Stafford Ghostbusters will be on hand !
🎭 Vibe 1 Radio Roadshow Market Square
📚 Talks & Presentations – Engage with local history experts at The Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Café open, indoor stalls, and exhibitions from 10 AM to 4 PM
• 11:30 AM – Andy Cooper
The History of Morris Dance – Discover the rich traditions and evolution of this iconic English folk dance.
• 12:30 PM – Roanne Williams
Local History & Hauntings – Explore Stafford’s intriguing past and ghostly legends.
• 1:30 PM – Adrian Basford
The History of the Town Crier – Learn about the origins and role of the town crier in British history.
• 2:30 PM – Lynne & Frank Stretton
The Changing Face of Stafford – A visual journey through postcards and photographs from 1902 to the present day, showcasing Stafford’s transformation over the years.

Backstage Tours - starting this Saturday (March 1, 10.30am) as part of Stafford History Day. 🤩 Join us behind the scenes and hear about the amazing history of the Borough Hall/Gatehouse Theatre; the drama, the greats - and the ghosts! Tickets just £12 and include a hot drink and a scone.Book NOW on 01785 619080

🏛️ Stafford Library Joy Stephens-Blank will share her experiences from teaching at Stafford Prison.
This presentation is sure to provide a fascinating glimpse into the educational system operating within the prison service.
11.00am, booking essential. Call 01785 278351
🏛️ Family-Friendly Activities – 10.30 - 3.30
`The Staffordshire History Centre
In the Activity Room:
Paper crafts and colouring, Stafford shoe trade object handling, Victoria Park pop-up exhibition
Spotlight Talks:
11 am Crime & Punishment in Stafford Explore three fascinating items relating to justice or injustice in Stafford!
12 noon The History of Victoria Park A brief history of the town park from the Victoria period onwards.
1 pm Number 19 Eastgate Street Discover the fascinating story of a treasured Stafford heritage building.
2 pm The History of Victoria Park A brief history of the town park from the Victoria period onwards.
3pm Crime & Punishment in Stafford Explore three fascinating items relating to justice or injustice in Stafford!
Exhibition
Last chance to see A Case for the Ordinary exhibition about Staffordshire’s asylums, including St George’s.
Heritage Sites Open to Explore 🏰
🕍 St Mary’s Church, a breathtaking example of medieval architecture, will be open to visitors from 10 AM to 3 PM. Step inside to admire its magnificent interior and soak in its rich history. For those seeking a unique perspective of the town, Bell Tower visits are available at 10 AM and 11 AM—a must-see experience offering stunning views of Stafford.
⛪ St Chad’s Church, renowned for its remarkable Norman architecture and medieval charm, invites visitors to explore its peaceful interior from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Take a moment to appreciate its intricate stonework and historic atmosphere, a true gem in the heart of Stafford
🏛 Stafford Heritage Trail
Meet at 11.30am outside the Ancient High House for a free and 45 minute taster of our popular Town Trail.
📍 Borough Borderers Talk
10.30am at the Ancient High House. Join us for a 30 minute talk on the Borough Broderers who created Stafford’s intricate embroidered textiles.
🧙‍♀️Witch Marks Talk
2pm at the Ancient High House. Our second talk of the day, come along for this 30 minute experience and learn about the witch marks found across the walls of the Ancient High House.
📍Volunteer Guides
10am to 4pm at the Ancient High House. Volunteers will be situated in several of the rooms of the Ancient High House, on hand to talk about the buildings fascinating history.
For more details about any of these activities, please contact us at the Ancient High House on 01785 619131.
📍 Market Square – Experience a living history display as Stafford Castle comes to town!
🔹 Historical weaponry demonstrations
🔹 Coin minting
🔹 Brass rubbing
🔹 Try on chain mail and armour
🎨 Studio Fresh Arts & Crafts Shop (6 Market Street) is hosting a FREE workshop featuring mapagraphs – a unique art form blending vintage maps and creative designs! 🗺️✨
📜 Explore a fascinating collection of vintage maps, available to view and purchase on the day. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just curious, this is a fantastic chance to see some rare and beautiful cartography up close! 🏛️📖
🎉 Parkinson’s UK Stafford Branch will be celebrating their 40th anniversary with an awareness and fundraising event in Market Square, including a classic car filled with balloons for a ‘guess the number of balloons’ competition.
📢 Calling Local Businesses!
We’d love for you to get involved! If your business has a unique story, trade, or craft, help bring Stafford’s history to life. Decorate your shop windows with pictures and memorabilia, add bunting for a festive feel, and share the journey of your trade with visitors. Free pitches are available for local businesses to showcase their products.
📩 Get Involved!
Make this day truly special! To participate or book a pitch, contact Nikki at nikki@lrpartnership.co.uk.
Let’s celebrate Stafford’s incredible heritage together!
📅 Organised by: LR Partnership Events / Staffordshire Cultural Events CIC
💰 Supported by: Stafford Borough Council, Stafford Town Centre Partnership and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

More Information (Vibe 1 is not responsible for external websites)

Dates

The event runs from 10:30 to 16:00 on the following dates.
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