A RIOT of colour and stunning costumes will transform Tavistock?s Bedford Square next weekend, as the celebrations to mark 900 years of rich market history enter full swing. Medieval dancing is coming to the square on the morning of April 30, with members of the public invited to join the professionals as the Renaissance Historic Dance Company recreates dances from the courts of medieval Europe. The dancing is just one of a year-long programme of celebratory events commemorating the 900th anniversary of the granting of the town?s market charter, all organised by the town?s Charter Group. Group chairman Iain Andrews said: ?This is a terrifically important anniversary for our town. ?In 1105 King Henry I?s charter granted the right to hold a market here on a Friday ? and 900 years later Friday is still market day in Tavistock. ?Our celebrations are a chance to look back and celebrate the development of the town and also to look forward to the future.? Bridget Collinge of Renaissance Historic Dance said the dances and music were authentic to the medieval period and the costumes had been lovingly recreated to bring the age back to life. She said: ?We are really looking forward to performing our dances and just as importantly, encouraging members of the public to participate. ?The 900 year Charter is so important to Tavistock and we are very pleased we have been invited to share it.? Charter Group events co-ordinator Moira Andrews said: ?I have seen this group perform before and I was so impressed I just had to get them along to our celebrations. I have even joined in some of the dances and it?s great fun ? and not a little exhausting!? And tomorrow (Friday), a commemorative book, ?Nine Centuries of Tavistock Markets?, written by town resident Graham Kirkpatrick, will be launched at the town?s museum. The book outlines the background to the celebrations with pages detailing markets from Goose Fair to the livestock, corn, retail, antiques, mineral and more recently farmers? markets, which have helped the town become a thriving economic, social and cultural centre. Mr Kirkpatrick said: ?I felt it was very important to mark this anniversary, especially as a national survey last year rated Tavistock as the best market town in England. ?The book is also designed as an accompaniment to the exhibition marking the 900th anniversary, which the Charter Group has put together and is currently on display at the museum.? Guests at the launch of the book include Cllr Jenny Metcalf, mayor of Tavistock, who will be presented with a copy to mark the occasion. Also attending will be representatives of today?s thriving markets ? the pannier market and farmers? market. Tavistock Market Charter Group?s programme of events is designed to be as inclusive as possible and has received generous funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Tavistock Town Council. The town will also be welcoming the BBC?s ?Antiques Roadshow? in the Pannier Market in May. Market reeve Eddie Carruthers said it was a ?privilege? to welcome the programme to Tavistock, the second time the market had hosted the show, and said the programme provided a magnificent opportunity to showcase the town to thousands during its special anniversary year. Printed programmes of Charter events are available from Tavistock Tourist Information Centre and the Library. l Tavistock also hosts the major Tavistock Sings! festival next weekend ? a wide-ranging programme of music and singing to please residents and visitors alike. See story on page 4.
