Residents are invited to join Oadby and Wigston Borough Council for the third consecutive St Wistan's Day fair and pilgrimage walk. The event, taking place on Saturday, May 30, offers participants the chance to follow the path of the martyred St Wistan on a four-mile countryside trek from Wistow to Wigston. Upon arrival, walkers and visitors can explore a medieval fair on Bell Street featuring a variety of family entertainment.
Medieval Fair Activities
Open from 11am until 4pm, the fair includes period combat displays, re-enactments, and traditional Saxon games. Creative attendees can try their hand at Saxon shield, coin, and candle making, while others may enjoy the Morris dancers, costume try-ons, and Punch and Judy shows.
Pilgrimage Walk Details
The family-friendly pilgrimage sets off at 9.30am from St Wistan's Church, Kibworth Road, Wistow, and provides an opportunity to learn about the local legend over the course of the walk. Free transport to the starting point, leaving Wigston town centre at 9am, is available via advanced booking by emailing mark.hryniw@oadby-wigston.gov.uk.
St Wistan, also known as St Wigstan, was in line to be King of Mercia, one of the most powerful Saxon kingdoms in England. Legend states he was killed by his own uncle, with his murder on June 1 c.840 becoming known as St Wistan's Day. Wigston was one of the locations where his body remained overnight during the journey for his burial.
Council Leader's Invitation
Cllr Samia Haq, Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, said: "We're delighted to be bringing this much-loved event back, and it's looking like another fantastic day of entertainment for the whole family. It's important that we remember our local history, and I hope by celebrating St Wistan's Day more people come to learn about Wigston's local legend and help to keep the town's oldest tradition alive - June 1 has been marked with a pilgrimage walk since medieval times. I really encourage everyone to come along and enjoy this fun and free day out – and to take this opportunity to explore our town centre and the many wonderful local businesses it hosts."
