By James Johnson

Last updated at 14:49, Friday, 17 August 2012

A mayor says a series of events to celebrate an historical milestone will harness the pride that has already earned a town royal praise.

Mayor Paul Pearson

Wigton is set to begin a fortnight of events to mark the 750th anniversary of being granted its market charter.

The highlights of the two-week long celebration, beginning on September 1, include a medieval Armourial Knights show and a re-enactment of the market charter handover featuring broadcaster and peer Melvyn Bragg, who grew up in the town.

The first event will be a farming and family exhibition held by the Solway History Society and a fashion and flowers show will close out a busy fortnight.

Mayor of Wigton Paul Pearson said: “It’s something for people to come along and look at and see what the history of the town was like. We’ve been getting everything sorted and tying it all together.”

Mr Pearson added that a considerable amount of work has gone into preparing the celebrations.

“It’s not just something that’s happened this year,” he added. “We knew it was going to be a busy year with the Olympic torch coming through and Prince Charles’s visit.

“We’ve been working with Wigton Partnership and I think it’s been a great year for the town.

“We’re doing these things so it will keep people interested.”

Another special idea implemented for the historic year involved holding a competition for schoolchildren to design a new logo for the town council.

Nelson Thomlinson pupil Emily Lowes created the illustration, which is being used by the town council and on material relating to the anniversary.

The design incorporates things that would be commonly seen at a market, including fruit, vegetables and animals.

As well as appearing in the charter re-enactment, Lord Bragg will be holding an interview with 2010 Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson at Wigton Market Hall.

There will be photographic and historical exhibitions, the launch of the new Friday market, a wedding dress display and shop window presentations throughout the town.

First published at 14:09, Friday, 17 August 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk