The town is gearing up for the annual “Battle of Nantwich” Holly Holy Day event which takes place on Saturday January 25.
The Sealed Knot troops will gather to re-enact the original battle which took place in 1644, marking the end of the siege of the town during the English Civil War.
And as well as the main march to the town square and the battle itself on Mill Island, there is a host of other activities for the thousands of visitors expected in the town on the day.
St Mary’s Church, Nantwich, Nantwich Museum on Pillory Street, St Mary’s Church in Acton, and the town square will all host activities.
There will be live entertainment including Musket, Pike & Drums demonstrations on the town square and Morris Dancers around the town from 10am.
There will be tours of St Mary’s Nantwich from 10am and a talk inside the church at 11:45am.
Nantwich Museum has Civil War guided 1.5-hour walking tours from the Museum at 10:15am and 11:45am. Walking tour tickets are £6. Members £5, children free.
Music with 17th century musicians Forlorne Hope 12pm-1pm with wargames from 1pm.
Children’s activities between 10am-3pm.
There is a Royal Rumble exhibition in the community gallery with English Civil War Collections borrowed from the Grosvenor Museum.
The parade of several hundred Sealed Knot troops leaves Malbank School & Sixth Form College at 12:45pm and travels along Welsh Row to arrive in the town centre at 1pm.
The wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial on the town square at 1.10pm will commemorate the people who died in the Civil War Battle of Nantwich and other battles.
There will be a troop inspection at 1.30pm before the Sealed Knot troops parade to Mill Island to re-enact the 1644 battle.
Spectators are welcome onto Mill Island from 1.45pm.
Cost is £5 for adults, £2 for children (5 to 15 years), £4 for concessions and £10 family of 4.
Volunteers are welcome to help with marshalling on the day.
Tasks include: assisting with set up, directing public & crowd control, selling wristbands, assisting with clear down, and litter picking on Mill Island.
To express an interest, email [email protected]
Jo Lowry, chair of Holly Holy Day committee, said: “We are excited to welcome visitors from near and far to the historic town of Nantwich for this year’s event on Saturday 25th January 2025.
“The day brings history to life with the incredible dedication of The Sealed Knot’s faithful troops.
“Alongside the thrilling re-enactment on Mill Island, the town will come alive with activities, parades, and events at beloved landmarks like St Mary’s Church, Nantwich Museum, and the town square.
“It’s a wonderful day of history, community, and remembrance for all ages, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
For further information visit https://www.facebook.com/battleofnantwich or https://www.battleofnantwich.org/
(Words and images by Jonathan White)
What a miserable attitude!
Our town is vibrant, and our annual events give us the chance to showcase our beautiful town. Connecting with our past educates the young and keeps memories alive. We should be proud to live in a town with so much to offer that is full of mostly wonderful people. If you don’t like seeing our town filled with spectacles and people enjoying themselves, stay at home for the day!
“It’s fantastic to see Nantwich gearing up for Holly Holy Day! Events like this are crucial for a few key reasons:
* Connecting with Our Past: Holly Holy Day is a vital part of Nantwich’s history. It’s important for younger generations to learn about our town’s unique past, fostering a sense of local pride and understanding of where we come from.
* Boosting Our Community: Events like this bring the community together and create a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a chance for everyone to come out, enjoy themselves, and celebrate what makes Nantwich special.
* Driving Local Economy: Holly Holy Day is a fantastic boost for local businesses. Tourists flock to the town, filling our shops, pubs, and restaurants. This not only supports our local economy but also showcases the best of what Nantwich has to offer.
I encourage everyone to come out and experience the magic of Holly Holy Day! It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our town’s rich history and enjoy a fantastic day out.”
Wonder how much this costs the council every year. About time they stopped it or made it self funding as it’s only the shops and pubs that benefit. For most locals it’s just a pain to the town.