Woodbridge Marks 450 years of the Shire Hall
Published 28 July 2025
A Right Royal Celebration: Woodbridge Marks 450 Years of the Shire Hall
On Saturday 13th September 2025, Woodbridge will celebrate the 450th anniversary of its historic Shire Hall with a free, Elizabethan-themed event from 12pm to 5pm on Market Hill.
Part of National Heritage Week, the festivities honour this iconic building, a civic landmark since the reign of Elizabeth I. Visitors can step inside the Shire Hall and explore its legacy, including rare access to the first-floor courtroom.
Friday night kicks off with art and music from the Woodbridge Festival, including projections inspired by the anniversary and a drop-in screen-printing workshop for all ages — the first 50 participants will receive a commemorative tote bag.
Saturday’s programme features costumed actors recreating Tudor street scenes, interactive storytelling, jesters, and a traditional dance workshop. Pearl in the Egg will perform Elizabethan music throughout the afternoon.
Food and drink will include a subsidised hog roast, pie and mash, heritage ice cream from The Galley Creamery, and drinks from The Kings Head pub.
An immersive art session inside the Shire Hall, led by the Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music, will invite visitors to contribute to a collaborative work celebrating the town’s rich past.
Supported by local businesses, this event blends history, creativity, and community spirit — a joyful tribute to Woodbridge’s enduring identity. Everyone is welcome to join in this memorable celebration of heritage and pride.
On Saturday 13th September 2025, Woodbridge will celebrate the 450th anniversary of its historic Shire Hall with a free, Elizabethan-themed event from 12pm to 5pm on Market Hill.
Part of National Heritage Week, the festivities honour this iconic building, a civic landmark since the reign of Elizabeth I. Visitors can step inside the Shire Hall and explore its legacy, including rare access to the first-floor courtroom.
Friday night kicks off with art and music from the Woodbridge Festival, including projections inspired by the anniversary and a drop-in screen-printing workshop for all ages — the first 50 participants will receive a commemorative tote bag.
Saturday’s programme features costumed actors recreating Tudor street scenes, interactive storytelling, jesters, and a traditional dance workshop. Pearl in the Egg will perform Elizabethan music throughout the afternoon.
Food and drink will include a subsidised hog roast, pie and mash, heritage ice cream from The Galley Creamery, and drinks from The Kings Head pub.
An immersive art session inside the Shire Hall, led by the Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music, will invite visitors to contribute to a collaborative work celebrating the town’s rich past.
Supported by local businesses, this event blends history, creativity, and community spirit — a joyful tribute to Woodbridge’s enduring identity. Everyone is welcome to join in this memorable celebration of heritage and pride.
