High Wycombe will be raising a salute to our military heroes on Saturday 26th June, as Armed Forces Day comes to the High Street. Sunday 12th September is ‘Heritage Day’ in High Wycombe – with the traditional Mayor Weighing Ceremony, a GIANT Chair installation, Heritage Trails and History Walks, Medieval children’s entertainment and more…
High Wycombe’s history & traditions will be taking to the stage this weekend as the town centre hosts a FREE ‘Heritage Day’ event on the high street, including the ancestral ‘Mayor Weighing Ceremony’ – the ONLY town in the UK still to continue the long-established ritual.
Taking place on Sunday 12th September, from 11am – 4pm, there’ll be entertainment & attractions from organisations across the town such as Wycombe Museum, WWFC Trust, The High Wycombe Society and High Wycombe Community Board, as well as children’s entertainment throughout the day, including Medieval stilt performers, musical Minstrels & Jester Shows.
The ‘Mayoral Procession’ will begin on the High Street from 12.15pm. Following this, newly elected High Wycombe Mayor, Cllr Andrea Baughan, will be taking a turn in the Stocks to raise money for the Mayor’s Appeal Charities – this year, the Epilepsy Society & Stoke Mandeville’s ‘Ducklings’ Charity, plus there’ll be a Mayor’s Appeal gift tombola & giveaways too.
Wycombe Arts Centre will be showing off a GIANT Chair installation – standing at 9ft tall, it’s an impressive piece – you’ll even have the chance to sit on it! Representing the town’s historic furniture past, and decorated by Wycombe’s famed town centre artist, Dan Wilson, the GIANT Chair will be accompanied by ‘Chair Upcycling’ demos, adding a modern touch to older style seats.
Local up & coming musician, Soraya Ray, will be playing sets throughout the day, plus the team from Castle Street Dance School will be strutting their stuff under the Guildhall throughout the afternoon. History buffs will be particularly at home exploring the ‘Wycombe Through The Ages’ Photo Exhibition featuring images from High Wycombe’s past, some dating back as early as the 1890’s,
PLUS there’ll be TWO exclusive 45-minute ‘History Walks’ through the town with local history expert, Willie Reid, from the High Wycombe Society – FREE tickets can be booked through Eventbrite via the link C
The ‘Heritage Day’ event is being hosted by town centre organisation HWBIDCo, and Chief Executive, Melanie Williams, is pleased to be showing off High Wycombe in all its glory. “High Wycombe has so many traditions & a fascinating history to be proud of, and we’re excited to be able to bring it alive this weekend by celebrating the town and the communities around it. The ‘Mayor Weighing’ is always a fantastic spectacle and we’ve so much other entertainment taking place and input from local organisations, it’s a day not to be missed. You certainly can’t miss the GIANT Chair, it’s huge!
Part-funding for the Heritage Day event has been provided by Buckinghamshire Council through the European Regional Development Fund – namely the ‘Welcome Back Fund. The WBF is helping fund events and animations across the County to encourage people back to our towns and high streets.
For more information about upcoming events follow @hellomywycombe on Facebook and Instagram