Past, present and future celebrated in anniversary year
A year-long celebration of Newcastle’s past and future has been launched to mark a historic anniversary.
Newcastle-under-Lyme was incorporated as a borough 850 years ago by Royal Charter and now the Borough Council is celebrating the landmark.
Residents, businesses and visitors will be able to join in events, activities and projects intended to strengthen communities and leave a legacy.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “This town, this borough, is steeped in history and it’s important we take time to celebrate and reflect on the spirit and determination of people who made the town thrive and prosper through the centuries.
“This year’s events will mark that determination and commemorate the Borough’s notable sons and daughters of years past, while celebrating the contributions of current residents and encouraging leaders of the future to benefit from the world-class university on our doorstep.”
Among the many events planned this year is the inaugural event recognising residents’ achievements, with a ‘Newcastle Heroes’ awards ceremony at the Mayor’s Ball.
Categories for the awards will include ‘Community Champion’, ‘Young Hero’ and ‘Lifetime Achievement’.
Other highlights of the 850th anniversary legacy programme include planting lime trees and an ‘aspiration Keele’ programme to encourage studying at the university.
Celebratory events include ceremonial mugs for primary school pupils involved in the programme, film shows, tie-ins with the Lymelight Festival, fireworks display and a medieval re-enactment weekend in June.
Speaking after a launch event for sponsors, Simon Tagg added: “I hope that these celebrations reach many different parts of our community, uniting residents of all ages in a shared appreciation of this Borough’s special nature.
“I’m particularly excited by the work with primary schools. Knowing your local area’s history, where you are from and what makes it stand out is an essential part of taking pride in your roots and I hope this year leaves younger residents with a strong sense of what it is to be from here.”
More details of specific events, schemes and projects will be released throughout the year, while much information can be found here.
Organisations partnering and sponsoring the year’s celebration include: Aspire Housing; The Community Foundation; Keele University; Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Options Management; Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme; Newcastle-under-Lyme Conservative Association; Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Conservative Group; Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District; and Sharpe Pritchard.