Published: Tuesday, 11th June 2024
King’s Lynn will once again celebrate its rich Hanseatic heritage when the Hanse Festival returns to the town this Sunday, 16 June 2024.
The festival will officially start in Tuesday Market Place at 11am with a flag parade through the town centre. A precession of Townsfolk and civic dignitaries carrying the flags of Hanseatic Nations and Towns that formed the Hanseatic League.
“King’s Lynn was built on this ancient trading union and Hanse Day celebrates its businesses and its people with a day of fun on the historic riverfront.” said Andy Bullen, Deputy Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, who will lead the flag parade.
Winding its way along the High Street, the flag parade will be accompanied by a Medieval Music ensemble, The Cambridge Waites and members of the Lithuanian Society dressed in traditional costume as well as residents that want to join in.
Kevin Holland, one of the festival organisers, said “Festival goers are encouraged to dress like a Pirate. I urge families to join the procession through too and if they have any young pirates they’d be more than welcome.”
The flag parade will leave the high street and move across Saturday Market Place and head down to the river alongside Hanse House and finish at King’s Staithe Square.
From 12-4pm there will be music and entertainment on the stage in King’s Staithe Square including traditional Lithuanian dancing, the Cambridge Waites playing Medieval music and more contemporary music from DNA and other bands. There will be free family activities to try around the square, organised by the Learning and Engagement Officer at Stories of Lynn, Lizzie Joisce. Food and drink concessions will be available too.
Hanseatic Historic walks will be conducted by King’s Lynn Town Guides at 11am and 2pm. Those wishing to attend a walk should meet at the Tourist Information Centre on Saturday Market Place. No charge or need to book but it is advisable to do so at kingslynntownguides.co.uk.
Meanwhile, along the river at Hanse House, from 11am to 4pm, there will be a whole host of Hanseatic themed events and activities for all the family. From a Medieval Stonemason at work, ancient coin making, medieval crafts, throw a ball at the Pirate and traditional stocks. The Rathskeller and Marriotts will have a BBQ and drinks on tap with a refurbished beer garden to while away a few hours with period music.
At 2pm at Marriotts Warehouse, there will be a 45 min film about the history of the Hanse, introduced by King’s Lynn Author and Historian Dr Paul Richards,
On the river, the Baden Powell will be conducting free trips from the pontoons.