Explore Great Yarmouth's rich heritage at free history fair

Thanks to funding from Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Historic England through the Great Yarmouth High Street Heritage Action Zone, the Annual History Fair organised by the Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society is returning to the borough.

The History Fair will take place at St George's Theatre on Saturday, 9 July from 10am until 3pm and will showcase an abundance of local history knowledge for people to soak up on a theme of People, Places and Events.

Exhibitors will include Cobholm Miniatures, Friends of Great Yarmouth Cemeteries, Young History and Archaeologists Club and several more.

Cotswold Archaeology will also have a stall, showcasing their findings from their digs at Blackfriars and the Market Place earlier in the year, organised through the High Street Heritage Action Zone project.

As well as exploring the work of various local history groups within the area, the borough council's Heritage Guides will be offering a free walk and visitors will have the opportunity to have copies of Colin Took's books signed by the local historian and author himself.

The fair will also see the launch of the society's 106 Great Yarmouth Blue Plaque website. Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society has marked important heritage sites in the town since 1981 by installing Blue Plaques on buildings of historical significance in and around Great Yarmouth.

Cllr Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: "Great Yarmouth has a lot of work going on to sustain the culture of the town and this is a great opportunity to hear all about it, as well as learning about the history of our borough."

Paul Davies, Chair of Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society, said: "The Great Yarmouth History Fair gives the opportunity for those involved in local history and archaeology to showcase what they do and how they do it. From the Young History and Archaeology Club to the Friends of Great Yarmouth Cemeteries and the local Heritage Guides, all play a crucial part in explaining and maintaining the town's past. The Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society is pleased to organise the fair once again and hopes that many will attend."

Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to get involved in their local history and find out more about what makes Great Yarmouth such a special and characterful place. I hope that local people have a great time meeting, mingling and learning more about the history on their doorstep."