Wallingford's Curfew Bell Celebration

On Saturday 15th July, the marketplace will be transformed with live music, dancing and a Mummers’ play to celebrate the history of the curfew bell.

In 1069, Wallingford was granted an extra hour of curfew by William the Conqueror for allowing his army to cross the Thames in 1066. To this day, the curfew bell still rings every evening around 9pm.

• 4.15pm: Quarter Peal of bells from St Mary’s Church
• 5pm: Short announcement of the history of the bell
• 5.15pm – 6.35pm: Live music from the Coverbuoys
• 6.35pm: Poetry competition announcement and the chance to try ringing the bells
• 7pm: Music from the Antler Ceilidh band (dancing encouraged!)
• 7.50pm: Mummer’s Play
• 8.10pm: Music from the Antler Ceilidh band (dancing encouraged!
• 8.50pm: Curfew bell rings, words from the Mayor & choir sings

The Town Hall will be open from heritage workshops with an art twist with artist Kremena Dimitrova, and St Mary’s church will be open for activities.

It’s set to be an exciting community event, which we hope will become an annual date in the diary.

We are looking for local food vendors and stall holders to take part in this event, application form here (deadline 16th June).