A FREE community event marking the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower and the part played by Pilgrim Edward Winslow will take place on July 4, 2020 across Droitwich town centre and Lido Park.
Born in Droitwich in 1595 and baptised in St Peters Church, Edward Winslow was on board the Mayflower when it set sail to the New World in 1620.
Exploring themes of freedom, humanity and imagination the day will include storytelling, music, performance, virtual reality and craft for all the family.
Confirmed highlights include work from one of the UK’s leading street theatre and circus companies Acrojou with their show All At Sea, and Poetry Jukebox by artist and theatre maker Adie Mueller.
Also confirmed are children’s opera company B’Opera with ‘A Mayflower Tale’ to be performed in the Lido Park, and White Socks Theatre who will present a children’s show on Edward Winslow and the Mayflower in town library.
On the day, audiences will also be able to go onboard the Mayflower itself thanks to a virtual reality experience created by local resident Professor Robert Stone, Visiting Professor in XR and Telepresence, and his Human Interface Technologies Team at The University of Birmingham.
The Rock Choir will also be appearing as will Westacre Middle School and the programme team would be delighted to hear from other local groups wanting to perform and take part.
“We are looking forward to marking this commemorative anniversary with a special free event in Droitwich Spa,” said Alex Sinton, Leader of Droitwich Town Council.
“We really hope local artists and community groups will get in touch to be involved in what promises to be a truly memorable day.”
The Mayflower 400 Community Day is funded by Droitwich Town Council, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council and Arts Council England. The principal sponsor is local company Churchfields, creators of Droitwich Salt.
Will Kerton, Owner of Churchfields Saltworks said: “As many know, Winslow was from a salt merchant family, we will be bringing Droitwich Salt into the food offer for the day with special Salt Burgers and ice cream and are looking forward to this special event.”
The day, from will run from 11am to 5pm and is part of a national celebration remembering the lives of the Mayflower Pilgrims, the Native American people they met and their legacy.
To be part of the artistic programme contact: [email protected].
To volunteer on the day contact: [email protected] with an outline of your interest.
