Wincanton History Day
Saturday April 5th will see the third Wincanton History Day gallop into town! Our theme this year is ‘The Horse, in Work, Sport, and Leisure’ and at the centre of the day’s events will be a parade of horses along the High Street, their riders in historic dress, amongst them: Queen Elizabeth I, Vikings, Hussars and knights in full armour.
We encourage everyone to dress up for the occasion, don your finest costumes and join in with the fun. We will have First World War Tommies, Civil War soldiers, Victorians, Georgians… you may even spot Queen Victoria herself. There will be two professional photographers roaming the town snapping all of those fantastic costumes – with prizes for the best outfits! So get rummaging in your wardrobe and get ready for Wincanton History Day 2025!
Photography credits:
Graham Hiscock. studiohphotography.co.uk
Elmira Watts. elmirawattsfineart.com
Chris Turnbull. turnbullgrey.co.uk
5th
April
2025
What’s on
Many of the History Day attractions will run throughout the day, but some have a specific start time. The preliminary itinerary for the day is as follows:
10am: Celebrity museum opening with Viking’s Gee Hirst.
10.30am – 3pm: Events through the day including:
In the Balsam Cente: Family genealogy experts and local historians answer your questions.
Bring your antiques for a valuation from Chaterhouse Auctions.
Metal detecting adventures, plus tea and cake.
Victorian School Room and bell-ringing at St Peter and Paul’s Church.
Craft displays, including weaving, basketry and saddlery demonstrations at Cole’s Yard.
Hot and cold drinks, snacks, lunch and tea dancing at the Memorial Hall.
Quakers, Freemason and church displays.
12pm: Horse parade through town followed by…
12.15pm: Kids’ hobby horse parade.
1.00pm: Vintage transport parade through town.
11.00pm – 2.30pm: The Soggy Biscuit Band and Tea Dancing in the Memorial Hall.
1.30pm – 2.30pm: Events around town continue OR have a spot of lunch at the Memorial Hall History Day Café.
1.30pm: Winner of the Victoria Sponge Baking Competition announced in the Memorial Hall.
2.45pm: Talk in the Memorial Hall on the phenomenal speedster and aviator Mrs Victor Bruce. Tickets on the door £3.
If you want to take part in the transport parade, bring your vehicle. Everyone welcome. Follow the A303 East to the B3081 junction. Take the old A303 to line up at Bayford Hill for a 1.00pm start.
Hobby Horse Grand National
To accompany the Horse Parade, we are running a hobby horse “Grand National Parade” for children, with a prize for the best silks and best turned-out horse.
Be a part of the Horse parade by decorating your very own hobby horse. We'll supply the hobby horse and all you have to do is decorate it any way you like with the chance to win a prize. If you like you can dress up as well in your favourite colours.
Win or lose, the hobby horse will be yours to keep. Suggested donation of £3 per entry.
Email us at enq@wincantonhistorysociety.com to reserve your horse. We’ll send you details of where and when you can collect your horse. Probably one afternoon from Bootmakers in the Market Place.
Best costume competition
Professional photographer Elmira Watts will be taking photos of the townsfolk, with a prize for the best costumes. Dress up in any historical style you like and you'll be in with a chance of winning a professional photo portrait of yourself. Find Elmira in and around the High Street to have your portrait captured. (She'll be the one with the Hasselblad camera and lighting umbrella!). Take a look at the gallery below to see her photos from the previous two years.
Cake competition
We are pleased to announce the return of our History Day Cake Competition.
This year we are asking you to bake your finest Victoria Sponge, from your own preferred recipe.
This cake choice is inspired by Queen Victoria who not only stayed in Wincanton at the Greyhound in 1825 but was a fine equestrian and lover of horses – the theme of this year's History Day.
Entry to the competition is £3 but entrants must register at enq@wincantonhistorysociety.com with their name, phone number and email address to receive further details. Gluten and Vegan accepted. Under 14s category too (entry £2).
Closing date for registration is Tues 1st April.
