Downham Market's historic trading links celebrated at St Winnold's Day parade
A tradition dating back centuries has been marked in Downham, with dozens taking part in the annual St Winnold's Day celebrations.
A parade through the town on Friday, March 15, which included civic dignitaries, youngsters from Downham Preparatory School and residents, celebrated the town's historic horse fair and its current Friday and Saturday markets.
The parade, led by horses from Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre, Stowbridge Shires and the Magpie Centre, started at the town council offices on Paradise Road and ended at the town hall on the Market Place.
Town crier Ray Wales proclaimed the historic charter, granted to the town in 1046, and the markets were blessed by Father James Mather.
West Norfolk mayor Nick Daubney, who was among the procession, said: "I think it's always good that a community celebrates its heritage, because it's the heritage that makes us what we are today.
"It celebrates Downham Market – the lovely town we have got today."
Mr Daubney said celebrating the historic horse fair was important, as this trade was people's life work, and as horses were bought in Downham ahead of the First World War.
For many centuries, the horse fair, held over several days commencing on St Winnold's Day, was one of the two largest in Europe.
High Sheriff of Norfolk, Charles Watt, said: "I have come here for 40 years and it looks better today, the town, than it has been in many years.
"I think there's a spirit here, I have travelled to a lot of Norfolk towns and there is a big spirit here, it's showing itself today."
Mr Watt said it is important the next generation recognises the town's rich history.
"It's a very good example of how much support there is across the place, and it's lovely to see all the little ones," he added.
"What they see today, they will remember it, there's a cultural sense of belonging which is very important for all of us."
