Great Yarmouth Celebrates An 800th Milestone
A year of royal celebrations will take place in Great Yarmouth in 2008 as the town marks the 800th Anniversary of the King John Charter.

The Charter granted the town free borough status in 1208 and celebrations will include a number of special events along with commemorative plaques and memorials to be erected around the maritime town.

The anniversary offers an exciting opportunity for Great Yarmouth to showcase its tremendous hidden historical depths along with its appeal as a great British holiday destination.

Events will begin in March with a Civic Parade and Service at St Nicholas Church on the 16 March, the very day the charter was signed in 1208, while a Charter Market where visitors can savour the smells and soak up the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, will take place on the 18 and 19 March.

A member of the Royal family is expected in June to attend the unveiling of three commemorative plaques at St Nicholas Church, the Town Hall and the Tolhouse Museum.

Projects are also planned so 2008 will leave a mark on history. Great Yarmouth museums are working with the Norfolk Records Office and local school children to create an illustrative banner to go on display in Time & Tide Museum.

The Signing Ceremony will form the basis of an anniversary painting depicting local people in medieval dress with King John to be created by local artist, Ernie Childs, along with limited edition tankards and goblets.

The town has some fantastic annual events including the Maritime Festival in September and the Beer Festival which will also include a Charter theme.

For more call Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on 01493 846345 or visit www.great-yarmouth.co.uk