Ideas wanted as Sutton Coldfield plans celebrations to mark Royal charter’s 500th anniversary
The countdown has begun to celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Sutton Coldfield’s Royal charter – and a new organising committee is asking residents for their ideas on how to mark the historic milestone.
2028 will mark 500 years since local benefactor Bishop Vesey persuaded King Henry VIII to grant Sutton Coldfield its famous charter, and this week saw the first meeting of a ‘shadow’ committee, which will be responsible for overseeing the planning and development of the arrangements to celebrate the quincentenary.
Chaired by Sutton MP Sir Andrew Mitchell – who also hosted the first meeting – the committee is led by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council (RSCTC) and includes members from institutions that also trace their histories back to Tudor times, including Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and Holy Trinity Parish Church, where Bishop Vesey is buried.
Other members include a representative of the Friends of Sutton Park Association and Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network, and local figures such as Alderman David Roy, who is a member of the Sutton Coldfield Civic Society. The committee will remain a ‘shadow’ committee until after next year’s elections, when long-term political members can be confirmed.
Sir Andrew said: “Sutton Coldfield people are proud of our historic town’s Royal status, and 2028 provides a unique opportunity to mark 500 years since it was first granted.
“This week marks the beginning of the countdown to celebrations that will not only highlight that rich heritage, but will also celebrate today’s Sutton Coldfield and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Suttonians.”
The inaugural meeting, held on Thursday 16 May at Sir Andrew’s office in High Street, discussed the importance of celebrating the 500th birthday of the Royal Town while also looking to the future and the next 500 years, and how the quincentenary can have a lasting impact and leave a legacy.
It also discussed ensuring that Sutton Park is integral to the celebrations, while engaging with residents and other key stakeholders on how the local community would like to celebrate.
Also discussed were the economic benefits of the celebrations to the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield and the wider region, by attracting investment and boosting tourism.
The committee wants input from residents to influence and shape the strategy, and help inform the development of the quincentenary programme, ensuring there is something for everyone to celebrate.
A special email address has been set up so residents can share their ideas on how best to mark the momentous anniversary.
Residents can send their ideas and suggestions for the Quincentenary celebrations to RoyalTown500@suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk
Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council (RSCTC) has already started work on the quincentenary preparations, having commissioned the development of a new 10-year Cultural Strategy for the Town.
The Cultural Strategy aims to set out a vision and cultural identity for Sutton Coldfield; produce a statement of what culture means to our people, and develop a brand that is worthy of putting the town on a regional and national stage.
Cllr Simon Ward, Leader of RSCTC, said: “We have a great deal to be proud of in our history and much to be excited about in the future.
“We are also commissioning a Cultural Strategy that will help shape the celebrations, which will bring more visitors to Sutton, boosting investment and tourism. The quincentenary is a chance to create a real legacy for the town and its residents.”
“This anniversary is a true landmark in the history of our Royal Town – we want to celebrate it in a way that people will remember for years to come.”
Pictured: The first meeting of the organising committee planning the celebrations for the 500th anniversary of Sutton Coldfield’s Royal Charter
