AS DROITWICH gears up for the annual Edward Winslow Thanksgiving 2026 commemoration, the town council has written to the American Ambassador for the UK and Town Leaders of Plymouth Massachusetts, USA.
In the letter, ahead of the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day (July 4), the town clerk said: “On behalf of the Mayor – Coun Susan Brazier – and the Droitwich Spa Town Council, I write to convey very best wishes for the forthcoming occasion of America 250 on the July 4, 2026.
“Droitwich Spa is very proud to be connected with the 250th anniversary of American Independence for the reason that Edward Winslow (1595 to 1655) was born in the town and is commemorated with a plaque in the local St Peters Church where he was baptised.
“In 1620 he was one of the leading Pilgrim Fathers who sailed on the Mayflower voyage.
“He signed the Mayflower Compact, negotiated an alliance with the Wampanoag, and documented the first Thanksgiving.
“He also served three terms as the Governor of Plymouth Colony.
“Winslow’s journey and impact are highly celebrated, bridging early colonisation, diplomacy and literature and he is a key part of our town’s rich heritage.”
This year’s Winslow Thanksgiving will run between November 26 and 28 and will include the raising of the American Flag, an exhibition in Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre and the dressing of the Edward Winslow statue.
There will also be a Thanksgiving service and community awards, historical talks, a Thanksgiving meal, music and entertainment in the town and market.
Further activities are progressing and any involvement and suggestions from the community, through the Steering Group are most welcome.
As in previous years the designated recipient charity for the Thanksgiving events’ fundraising will be Droitwich Foodbank.
