The fireworks are primed, medieval actors are ready to raid – and 12 pirates are sailing in from Italy for Macclesfield’s 750th birthday.
The town is celebrating the granting of the Royal Charter by Henry III and all are invited to a two-day carnival this weekend.
A dozen Italian pirates were flown in especially on Tuesday to spend the week ‘raiding the town’.
Organiser Fred Ford said: "The pirates are professionals with lots of marauding experience. Our medieval re-enactors are also from Italy – the best in Europe.
"We plan to have a multi-period historical interactive display, medieval battle, steam fair, fun fair, evening musical entertainment, fireworks, firebrand procession. This is a family event to celebrate our heritage and have some fun, at the same time raising money for charities."
On Saturday, marauders will arrive at 9.30am to make their way through the town, before the ritual hiring of the re-enactors at 10am in the town hall.
There will be a religious blessing before a shift to Gawsworth, where a carnival procession will make its way to the festival site opposite the Harrington Arms at the end of Church Lane.
At noon, MP David Rutley will declare the two-day event open and two brigadiers will give archers the order to fire. On Sunday, the fun continues after an open air mass at 10.30am.
Parking will be free and signposted – but there will also be a free shuttle bus service from Macclesfield town centre car parks.
Fred added: "We will take entries from stall holders right up to Friday at midnight."
To apply to have a stall at the event, call Fred on 07940 896036. Go to www.charter750.co.uk for more.
