On Saturday 2 May, the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich is celebrating 800 years of mayors, many of whom have played key roles in English history. The town was one of the first places outside London to have a mayor installed in 1226, demonstrating its huge importance as a port at the time.
The main celebration will be a procession from The Quay through the town with the Lord Warden, fellow Cinque Port mayors, the MP, and other local dignitaries taking part. There will also be medieval re-enactors and musicians accompanying the procession, which promises to be a wonderful spectacle. Come along and join the crowds to celebrate this historic occasion.
An exhibition of artworks created by local school children will also be unveiled at Sandwich Guildhall Museum, including a tapestry, engravings and medieval-style etchings. Sandwich Medieval Centre will be open, and there will be re-enactments and demonstrations along Quay Green.
The town's beacon will be lit on the Friday evening and there will be a civic service at St Clement's Church on Sunday 3 May where a new hymn, specially commissioned for the occasion, will be sung. The hymn is being written and composed by William Mason, organist and composer, and Assistant Director of Music at King’s College School, Cambridge.