Great Yarmouth will come alive throughout 2008 with a number of special events and celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the charter that made the Norfolk seaside town a free borough.

Both commemorative plaques and memorials including a Market Cross will combine with fun Great Yarmouth heritage events to remember the important milestone in the history of the Norfolk town.

For day visitors or those booking a holiday in Yarmouth, they can enjoy all the great elements of a seaside holiday with unique, one-off heritage events in Great Yarmouth.

Saturday 16 March – Civic Parade & Service
A civic parade and service will take place at St Nicholas Church on 16 March, the very day the charter was signed in 2008. The charter will also be delivered, in historical style, on horseback!

Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 March – Charter Market
Savour the smells and soak up the atmosphere of traditional Middle Ages market, where stall holders will be dressed in great costumes and there will be many interesting things to see and buy!

Saturday 17 May – Medieval Guild Feast
Medieval dishes, lively jesters and even fire-eaters will all be part of a Medieval Guild Feast taking place at St Nicholas Church – an event dating back 300 years in Great Yarmouth’s heritage.

The annual events in Great Yarmouth including the Easter Festival and the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival will all take on a special charter theme for 2008. A special 13th Century beer, already being brewed, will be ready for tasting at the Feast and Beer Festival!

So be sure to visit Yarmouth in 2008 and celebrate this very special year with us. Information on accommodation in Great Yarmouth and more events taking place can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre.