THE rich history of Bridgwater will be celebrated when a special event returns next week.

On November 8, the popular History Day will be back at Bridgwater Arts Centre, with organisers promising a “full day of fascinating talks, live music, films, and even free historical food”.

Doors open at 10am, with the event running until 4pm, based around a theme celebrating The People, Places and Stories of Bridgwater.

Eight local historians, a live traditional band, and authentic historical food provided by Mingle Café will be among the attractions on offer.

The day will be opened by the Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Kathy Pearce, and compered by Brian Smedley, who said everything from the Monmouth Rebellion to Romani roots, World War II memories, and how to spell Bridg(e?)water, would be explored.

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“Bridgwater History Day is about bringing local history to life, told by the people who live it, research it, and love it,” he added.

“Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about our town’s past, there’s something here for everyone.”

Other speakers include carnival historian Chris Hocking, vice-president of Bridgwater’s Marketeers and Wills Carnival Clubs, who will explore the town’s iconic carnival traditions.

Romani author and advocate Maggie Smith Bendell will share personal memories of Traveller life in Somerset, while Phil Shepherd of Somerset Film introduces Romani Roots, a film exploring cultural identity and heritage.

Miles Kerr Peterson, chair of the Friends of Wembdon Road Cemetery and co-editor of the Bridgwater Heritage website, will offer insights into local historical preservation.

Industrial historian and former Bridgwater Museum curator Tony Woolrich will reflect on the town’s industrial past, while trade unionist, author, and civic activist Dave Chapple presents King Charles vs King Pym, a talk on political conflict and local legacy.

Town councillor and former Mayor, Liz Leavy will present her grandmother’s wartime diary, offering a personal glimpse into life during the Second World War.

And rounding off the speaker line-up, Tom Mayberry MBE, former chief executive of the South West Heritage Trust, will explore the Monmouth Rebellion and its impact on Bridgwater.

Adding a musical dimension to the day, The Chalk Newton Band will present two illustrated talks: one on West Country music-making in the early 19th century, and another – Instruments of Joy, a journey through outdoor music-making across the ages, from ancient horns to nineteenth-century carnival bands.

Lunch will be a taste of the past, with chef Eva Kam of Mingle Café serving a hearty Medieval Pottage Stew.
Mingle Café, in St John Street, is a community hub that “loves people, hates waste and stands against inequality”.

The full History Day programme in Bridgwater on November 8 is:

• 10.25am – Opening by Mayor Kathy Pearce
• 10.30am – Chris Hocking: “The History of Carnival”
• 11.00am – Phil Shepherd & Maggie Smith-Bendell: “Romani Roots”
• 11.30am – Two Short History Films: Miles Kerr Peterson: “How to spell Bridg(e )water”; Tony Woolrich: “The Lytle Mill and the Town’s First Waterworks”
• Noon – Dave Chapple: “King Charles vs King Pym”
• 12.45pm – The Chalk Newton Band: West Country Music in the Early 19th Century
• 1.15pm – Historical Lunch: Medieval Pottage Stew by Eva Kam (Mingle Café)
• 2pm – The Chalk Newton Band: Instruments of Joy – Outdoor Music Through the Ages
• 2.30pm – Liz Leavy: “My Grandmother’s Wartime Diary”
• 2.50pm – Tom Mayberry MBE: “Remembering the Monmouth Rebellion”

Admission is free, although donations are always welcome and lunch is included.