FINAL preparations are being made ahead of Bromsgrove's traditional Court Leet Fair Day procession and medieval street market being held this Saturday, June 21.

This year the celebrations begin at 10.30am when the court procession, in full robes and regalia, moves from Housman Hall, in Kidderminster Road, to the Housman statue.

This year’s Court Leet bailiff, Richard Harper, will be leading the possession to the High Street statue. This year the route is being varied, due to the current town centre regeneration work.

At 11.30am, the bailiff will then proclaim the ancient Charter and Assize, granted by King John in 1199.

Following this there will be the ceremonial weighing of the bread and sealing of the leather - an ancient tradition ensuring Bromsgrove residents received the correct quality, weight and measure.

This formed the basis of modern trading standards.

Court Leet members will then return to Housman Hall, in Worcester Road for lunch at 1pm.

The fair day attracts hundreds of visitors each year, and the High Street is again set to feature the popular Elizabethan Fair including a competition for best dressed stall.

Although the court, more than 800-years-old, has lost its jurisdiction it continues as an organisation to raise money for local charities.

This year bailiff Richard Harper's chosen charities are Friends of St John's Church, Avoncroft Museum, MS Society, and Bromsgrove Festival.

Richard said: "This year a lot of the town's organisations are coming together to promote Bromsgrove, and the court leet is part of this.

"Court Leet Fair Day is always an excellent day and we are inviting people to come along."