Charter Day

Music, Morris dancing, and even a medieval mummers play – that’s what you can expect at Wellington’s Charter Day each year on the first Saturday in March.

On February 29th 1244, King Henry III signed Wellington’s first market charter. It was amongst the earliest awarded to a Shropshire town and, as a town that still boasts one of the biggest and busiest markets in the county eight centuries later, it’s an occasion worth marking. So, the first Saturday of March each year is celebrated as Charter Day.

CHARTER DAY PROCEEDINGS FOR 2026 – here’s what you missed!

10.30: Street games with the Mr Drew the Boardroom Games Master
11.00: The Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris Dancers
11.20: In a world premier (!) the Wellington Mummers perform ‘A Charter Day Tale’
11.40: The morris dancing continues
12.10: We convene Wellington’s ancient Manor Court for its annual session in order to appoint the town crier, the clerk of the market and the ale taster for the year ahead. But will they all pass muster?
12.30: one final set from the morris dancers rounds off the morning.

THE BATTLE OF THE BAKERS CONTEST AT THE PHEASANT INN

Local cooks go head to head with their best homemade cheesy bakes, adjudicated by the Ale Taster and friends. Contestants must submit their entry (comprising 6-8 small portions) to bar staff at The Pheasant before midday on Saturday 7th March. Make sure you include your name and a contact number / email address.
13.00: Judging begins
14.00(ish): Judges announce their verdict

IMAGES FROM PREVIOUS CHARTER DAY EVENTS…