Market Drayton is turning back the clock this May with a vibrant History Week, celebrating the town’s rich past, remarkable people, and creative spirit.
Organised by Market Drayton Museum, the week brings together exhibitions, talks, live music, and hands-on activities – offering something for everyone, whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the town’s story.
A Grand Opening at The Stag – Saturday 16th May
History Week begins with a full day of celebrations at The Stag in Market Drayton, packed with activity and entertainment:
10am – 2pm: Artisans History Trail
Follow clues around Market Drayton, discover local artisans, and enter a treasure hunt prize draw.
Live Music
Enjoy performances at 10:30am, 3pm, and 5:30pm, featuring Gary Sewell and Plutonium. Gary is returning to Drayton – formerly of Platinum Needles and one of the first artists recorded at Redball Records Studio.
All Day: Redball Records Exhibition
A free exhibition exploring Market Drayton’s music scene, featuring the story of Redball Records Studio and the town’s musicians and bands.
Museum Open Day
Take a look inside the new Market Drayton Museum space and share your ideas for its future.
7pm: Pub Quiz & Live Music (Brewery Tap)
Entry £5, raising funds for Market Drayton Museum.
Battlefield Tour – Sunday 17th May
Step back into history with a guided visit to one of the area’s most significant sites.
Blore Heath Battlefield Tour
Assemble at Blore Farm at 2pm
🎟️ Tickets £5 (available from Market Drayton Museum, with directions provided)
Meet the Historian – Monday 18th May
Head to the Parish Rooms in Market Drayton (1pm – 5pm) for a relaxed and fascinating afternoon:
- Meet local historians and explore the stories of Market Drayton’s people
- Exhibitions from Creative Drayton and local contributors
- Demonstrations including traditional crafts such as rag rugging
- Discover more about local history, including the Battle of Blore Heath
- Learn about the Silhouette Factory, also featured as part of the displays
- Visit the Parish Church in Market Drayton, open for guided tours
This is a free event and a great way to connect with Market Drayton’s heritage.
Talks and Discoveries at Market Drayton Library
In the lead-up to and during History Week, Market Drayton Library will host a series of engaging talks:
Wednesday 6 May (7pm – 8:30pm)
Arthur Phillips: Aviation Pioneer
Discover the story of a Market Drayton inventor who worked alongside the Wright Brothers.
🎟️ £5 (book at Market Drayton Library)
Wednesday 13 May (7pm)
Pat Holland: Market Drayton’s Suffragette
Join Tamasin Wedgwood to explore Pat’s role in the national suffrage movement.
🎟️ £5 (includes refreshments, book at Market Drayton Library)
Wednesday 20 May (7pm)
Silhouette Factory Talk & Reminiscence
A chance to explore memories and stories connected to this important part of the town’s history.
🎟️ £5 (book at Market Drayton Library)
Wednesday 27 May (7.30pm)
The Battle of Blore Heath
Talk by Carol Holdcroft
🎟️ £5 (book at Market Drayton Library)
Hidden in Plain Sight – things you never noticed about Market Drayton: Guided Walk – Thursday 21st May
History Week continues with a guided walk.
Starting from the museum at 10.30am
£5 per person
A Story Worth Celebrating – Friday 22nd May
History Week continues with a special evening at the Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton, celebrating one of the town’s most inspiring figures.
🍰🎬 Tea, Film & a Story Worth Discovering
Celebrate the life of local suffragette Pat Holland, who played a role in the 1908 Newport by-election and the wider fight for women’s rights.
🫖 Afternoon tea followed by a film screening
📅 22 May 2026
⏰ 5:00pm – approx. 8:45pm (film starts at 7pm, running time 101 minutes)
📍 Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton
🎟️ £20 (afternoon tea + film) | £10 (film only)
All proceeds support Market Drayton Museum
👉 https://makeitmarketdrayton.com/events/afternoon-tea-and-or-a-film/
Visitors are invited to come dressed as a suffragette, make a rosette, and step into the spirit of the occasion.
A Closer look at the most significant buildings in Market Drayton: Guided Walk – Sunday 24th May
To support history month we May we continue with a guided with with David Knight.
Starting from the museum at 2pm
£5 per person
Get Creative: Bra-Making Workshop – Tuesday 26th May
As part of History Week, there’s also a chance to learn a traditional and practical skill with a creative twist.
🧵 Bra-Making Workshop
📅 Tuesday 26 May
⏰ 6pm – 9pm
📍 Beacon Centre, Market Drayton
Learn how to:
- Create a simple bra in your own size
- Adapt a pattern for the perfect fit
All materials are provided, but please bring your own sewing machine.
Participants should have proficient machine sewing skills.
🎟️ £40 per person
To book, contact:
📞 07967 491845
📧 denisemcg.me@gmail.com
Celebrating Market Drayton – Past and Present
From music and museums to suffragettes, sewing, and storytelling, History Week is a celebration of Market Drayton’s identity – shaped by its people, creativity, and community spirit.
Whether you’re following the artisan trail, listening to live music, discovering a local pioneer, or learning a new skill, there’s no better time to explore what makes Market Drayton special.
Make a date with history in Market Drayton this May – and be part of the story.
