All eyes to Battle as town marks special 1066 anniversary

Visitors from across Sussex, the UK and Europe are expected to come to town to enjoy a day packed full of activities to mark this historic milestone. The day has been organised by Concorde 1066. The mayor of Battle, David Furness, will receive and welcome invited guests from eight nations, including France and Canada, for a special lunch before everyone gathers outside for one of the highlights of the day. At 1pm, hundreds of schoolchildren will gather at Battle Abbey before parading up the High Street, led by King Harold and Duke William. Participating schools include Battle Abbey, Battle and Langton, Catsfield, Claremont, Claverham, Crowhurst, Netherfield, Ninfield, Robertsbridge Sedlescombe and Vinehall. At 3.30pm a multi-denominational church commemorative service will take place in St Mary The Virgin Church, to which all are welcome. Bishop Martin of Chichester will be in attendance and re-enactors will take part. From 3pm, there will be tea and entertainment for children in Battle Memorial Halls. At 5.30pm a military band will process along the High Street, followed by ceremonial lowering of the flags at sunset. An invitation-only reception will follow for local people at Battle Abbey School. Battle High Street will be temporarily closed between 2pm and 3.30pm and then again at 5.15pm until 6.30pm. Simon Alexander, chairman of Concorde 1066, said: “There are six different events. “There is a service at St Mary’s Church which will be busy. “We are expecting a lot of people.” Find out more at www.concorde1066.co.uk. * Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver 3) Follow us on Twitter @BattleObs 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.