Beccles enjoys two days of entertainment with Charter Weekend
Beccles Charter Festival getting off to a soggy start on Sunday. Lucky winner Amelia Brown with her new teddy and Beccles Carnival Queen Christine Soanes. Photo : Steve Adams - Credit: Steve Adams
A weekend of entertainment was enjoyed by all in Beccles as the town marked the granting of the charter by Queen Elizabeth I on July 2, 1584.
Beccles Charter Festival getting off to a soggy start on Sunday. Trevor Hipperson of th Norfolk Wherry Trust aboard the Albion.Photo : Steve Adams - Credit: Steve Adams
In its second year, the Beccles Charter Weekend was formed to remember the date and to raise money for local charities.
Beccles Open Garden and Spaces (BOGS) organised for 31 gardens around the town to open to the public over the two days with money raised going towards the restoration of the building of St Michael’s Church.
Around 420 tickets were sold for both days and Murray Truman and Daniel O’Callaghan opened their garden at Ballygate House and were surprised with the number of people who came to visit.
“At times we have over 30 people or so in the garden at once,” said Mr O’Callaghan. “It’s a great community event for the town and we have really enjoyed it.”
Despite the rain, a river bike race on the River Waveney saw local politicians including MP for Waveney Peter Aldous, Suffolk County councillor Chris Punt and Waveney District Councillor Caroline Topping, take to the water.
A flotilla of boats also made its way down the river with the Norwich City Pipes and Drums braving the rain and serenading the crowds on board the Queen Mary.
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A variety of stalls, a fairground and musical entertainment were also at the event.
“The intention of the weekend is to recognise and celebrate the importance of the charter on the town,” said town mayor Hugh Taylor. “And the main aim is to raise money for local Beccles charities.”
