A centuries-old tradition will be revived during celebrations to mark 500 years of a Stoke-on-Trent market.
Tunstall Market’s landmark anniversary will be celebrated on Saturday, 15 November with a day of entertainment and activities for all ages.
The occasion will also see the role of a market reeve – an official responsible for market standards which dates back to medieval times – brought back to life.
The role will be taken by the city’s honorary custodian, councillor Ross Irving, who has recreated the historical assizes – formal regulations to govern the quality, weight and price of essential goods – with Leek Town Crier Bill Lomas.
Councillor Irving said: “It is, without a shadow of a doubt, a great honour to be the first councillor to be appointed to this position.
“I’m really pleased to be able to revive this age-old tradition as part of our city’s centenary year.”
The celebrations will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, joined by the Leek Town Crier and the city’s centenary mascot, Kelvin the Kiln.
Entertainment on the day includes:
- Indoor golf experience Crazy Little Thing Called Golf
- Appearances from popular characters Bluey and Stitch between 10.30am and 12pm and 12.30pm and 2.00pm
- Live music from acoustic trio GPS.
Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “Markets have been at the heart of our communities for centuries and Tunstall 500 is a brilliant way to celebrate that history while looking to the future.
“We’re proud to mark this milestone as part of the city’s centenary year and invite everyone to come along and enjoy a great day out.”
Goods available from traders at Tunstall Market, which has its own play area, include gifts, clothing, candles, books, cards, toys and games, fruit and vegetables, sweets, other groceries and pet supplies.
Tunstall Market may be over 500 years old. Recent research indicates that the Romans founded Tunstall. Anglo-Saxon Tunstall was a fortified settlement, with at least four, possibly five, gates. What is now America Street was part of the main highway linking London and the East Midlands with the North West. Tunstall’s Northgate was near where Hoover Street joins America Street. The field outside the gate was called Cross Croft, where there may have been a market cross. If there was a market cross, Tunstall Market is over 1,500 years old.