BROMSGROVE'S historical Court Leet fair day is set to go ahead after last year's cancellation due to the Covid pandemic.

A scaled down version of the usual day, to fall in line with current regulations, will include a parade and themed markets.

A short parade of Court Leet members and guests, led by two pipers, will walk from Kidderminster Road to the Housman Statue where assizes of bread and ale will be heard.

The parade will begin at 10.30am and will be on the pavement instead of the closed roads as in previous years.

In 1199, King John granted a Charter to Bromsgrove that it may 'hold a fair and keep holiday' on a Feast of St John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of the parish which is Midsummer's Day (June 24).

For over 820 years, the Court Leet has been organising the annual Fair Day in June, in recent times on the closest Saturday to June 24.

The Charter will be proclaimed by Bromsgrove's first female Bailiff Joanne Slade.

Joanne said: "I'm so pleased we are able to uphold the traditions of the town and celebrate the charter of 1199.

"It is wonderful to think that the Charter was granted over 800 years ago and the market and the fair still takes place today.

"The Court Leet has worked with the council officers to organise the parade and markets with the safety of all as our top priority."

It is expected around 14 market stalls, many of them run by local charities and organisations, will be set up in the High Street alongside the regular Saturday market traders.

Stall holders include Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, The Bromsgrove Society, St John's Church fundraising team, and Bromsgrove Lions Club.