Army Marches on Nantwich!

An excellent turnout of Roundheads and Cavaliers is expected in Nantwich tomorrow, Saturday 25th January, as the annual Holly Holy Day and Battle of Nantwich re-enactment takes place.

This year, the event falls on the exact day of the original battle, which was fought on the outskirts of the town 370 years ago. As event spokesman Shaun Cafferty explains, this adds an extra spice to the occasion:

"It's been quite a while since the battle re-enactment has taken place on the exact calendar date that the original one did, and of course it's also a nice round anniversary. It will be quite a poignant moment seeing troops parading out of the main square to go and 'fight', and to think that's just how it was at a similar time of day exactly 370 years ago.

"We are expecting a big turnout of troops from places as far away as Aberdeen and Cornwall for this special anniversary."

As always, a close eye is being kept on weather and ground conditions, especially with recent heavy rains and floods. However, the organisers are confident that this will not be a problem.

Shaun told us: "The River is high, but we are not expecting too much rain between now and then, and maybe just a shower on the day. The Sealed Knot soldiers who fight the battle are used to muddy conditions, and there should be adequate viewing spaces for spectators, though we may need to restrict some areas on safety grounds".

He was also keen to emphasise that there is more to the event than just the fighting!
"The parade of the soldiers down Welsh Row and into the town square is also a major event. Before that there will have been a programme of events in the town during the morning, and we have worked hard to provide free entertainments with something for everyone."

There is a children's fancy dress parade, singing, dancing and theatrics on stage, morris men and the plough witches performing around the town, and the spectacular mounted troopers. The use of the Town pillory is also popular, as is the artillery demonstration just before the battle.

The farmers' market is on, plus the indoor market; there is a musketry demonstration at the museum, together with other civil war exhibits there, the living history team will be camped opposite the church whilst in the parish hall there will be authentic 17th century music.

There will also be a hog roast on the square and many retailers are doing something special to mark the occasion. From Acton Church in the morning, there will be a guided tour of the battlefield. We also have book signings by Civil War authors at Nantwich Bookshop on the Friday before".

A full schedule of events can be seen on the website www.hollyholyday.org.uk, and free event programmes are now available from the museum, the civic centre, Nantwich Bookshop and the Martin&Co office on Hospital St.

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