Droitwich Spa to Commemorate Mayflower Pilgrim Edward Winslow

A Worcestershire town is set to host a day of celebrations dedicated to a figure recognized as one of the Pilgrim Fathers. The inaugural Edward Winslow Day is scheduled for Thursday, November 28, commemorating the life of the pilgrim, born in Droitwich Spa, who was part of the initial English families to journey to America during the 17th century. The history of the Mayflower voyage will be highlighted through various live music performances, food offerings, and exhibitions. At 11:00 GMT, a US flag-raising ceremony will be conducted outside St Richard’s House, attended by town mayor Alex Sinton. Born on October 18, 1595, Edward Winslow was baptized at St Peter’s Church in Droitwich Spa. He was a separatist and a prominent political leader in New England, having sailed aboard the Mayflower in 1620. He held a senior leadership role both during the voyage and subsequently at Plymouth Colony, and is also noted for his presence at the inaugural Thanksgiving Dinner in 1621. Mr. Winslow was among those who signed the Mayflower Compact, which served as the initial constitution drafted within the territory that is now the USA. The Droitwich Spa celebrations will feature live entertainment commencing at 10:00 GMT, with performances by local groups Droitwich Folk Club and the Salties. Additional acts, including Ghecko Folk Song Duo, The Coppice Shanty Crew, The Village Quartet, and a rock choir, are also scheduled to perform. Musical performances are expected to run until approximately 16:00 GMT outside the Droitwich Arts Network Hub in St Andrew’s Shopping Centre. Furthermore, the hub plans to adorn Edward Winslow’s statue located in St Andrew’s Square. A display dedicated to Edward Winslow, featuring documents, clippings, photographs, and paintings, has been set up at Droitwich Spa Library in Victoria Square. While the library itself will be closed on Edward Winslow Day, the exhibition is accessible for viewing prior to the event. The Droitwich Arts Network Hub will present a virtual reality experience offering a walkthrough of the Mayflower ship, depicting its appearance on the day it reached Cape Cod, Plymouth, Massachusetts. Woodland View Care Home is participating in the festivities by organizing a Thanksgiving meal and a presentation delivered by historian Howard Robinson. The Droitwich Salvation Army is also scheduled to host a Thanksgiving dinner celebration. St Peter’s Church will conduct a service at 18:00 GMT, which will include a performance by the Westacre Middle School choir. For updates, follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.