Home   >   Events   >   Prescot Elizabethan Fayre Returns Saturday 4 May

Prescot Elizabethan Fayre Returns Saturday 4 May

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2019

(Press release – Knowsley Council) A traditional parade will launch the festivities on Saturday 4 May at 11am, as the town commemorates its special history with medieval music, dance, arts and crafts in a recreation of its famous Tudor fayres.

With lots of traditional crafts to try as well as a range of activities and new heritage attractions to keep the whole family entertained it really does promise to be a great day out!

Try your hand at a variety of crafts – from willow making to turning a spindle

Visitors will be able to try their hand at willow making, wood turning, traditional pinch pot making and friendship bracelets craft using authentic twist cord and braid weaving.

There will be traditional greenwood crafts demonstrations of the shave horse and draw knife plus bodging on a pole lathe – and visitors will have the chance to help turn a spindle.

A unique history and heritage with a wealth of Elizabethan links

The town has a unique history and heritage as it was the only place in England (outside of London) to have an indoor playhouse in Elizabethan times, and this wonderful cultural heritage will be celebrated at the fayre.

Shakespeare’s links with Prescot will be honoured with the display of two beautiful boxes made from the wood of his mulberry tree which were recently gifted to the Shakespeare North Playhouse, as well as Elizabethan-style work created by children from St Mary & St Paul’s C of E Primary.

Continuing on a wood theme, historic timber craftsmen McCurdy and Co, who will be making the replica Jacobean timber framed auditorium at the new Playhouse, will be showcasing their traditional construction skills by building a timber framed model at the fayre and visitors will be able to ‘have a go’ at traditional construction techniques to help erect the structure. McCurdy and Co. constructed the world famous timber frame at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London.

Morris dancing, slapstick comedy and other family favourites

Mucky Mountains Morris dancers will perform at different times during the day and spectators will have the chance to try out this traditional dance with some simple to follow steps from the troupe.

Look out too for hilarious slapstick comedy performances from Imaginarium Youth Theatre’s masked players throughout the day.

Birds of prey demonstrations and other family favourites like the circus skills workshops, exotic animals and native species for visitors to handle and face painting will be back again this year. Children are welcome to take part in a free craft activity and make a ‘crown’ or ‘shield’ courtesy of Friends of Eaton Street Park.

There will also be heritage walks taking place around Prescot at 12 noon and 2pm (meet at Prescot Parish Church) with a halfway stop at the Bard for refreshments.

Thanks to everyone involved so far – if you would like to be involved, then get in touch!

New sponsors Armitage Construction, who are developing the Marketplace area in Prescot, will be hosting a traditional heritage trade skills stall featuring stonemasonry and joinery.

Thanks to Prescot Town Council, Kier Construction, Ray’s bakers, Armitage Construction and The Deanes House pub for the different elements of the fayre they have sponsored.

The Fayre will take place in and around Prescot Town Centre, Eccleston Street and Prescot Parish Church on Church Street from 11am to 4pm with free admission.

The Producers’ Market and Arts, Crafts and Gift Fair will take place on the same day.

If you’d like to get involved in the Elizabethan Fayre please call Knowsley Culture Development and Events Service on 0151 443 5353 or email carla.simkin@knowsley.gov.uk.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *