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Since the group was establed, we have created a range of quality heritage events in
Kent, as well as assisting other community groups and fundraising activities. Our first event, Medieval Mayhem, was held in 2006, and was followed by an even more ambitious six-week celebration of medieval
heritage in 2007. Sandwich 1457 marked the 550th anniversary of the 'siege' of Sandwich, when the men of Honfleur sacked the
town. BASH won a major heritage lottery grant for the project, which also enabled us to purchase medieval tents and other
equipment for community use (see below).
Following our two large summer festivals, we turned our attention to producing
smaller events throughout the year; a series of Wild Food Walks in 2008-9, and a season of heritage concerts in the historic setting of St Mary's church. We supported local craftspeople at a weekend Makey Do in the town's guildhall, and were actively involved in the Sandwich Medieval Fayre, which took place in the summer of 2010.
BASH has a collection of medieval tents and marquees,
pop-up gazebos, portable theatre lights and other festival equipment available for hire. We also have access to hireable audio
equipment and a portable bandstand, as well as being a point of contact for numerous artists, performers, musicians, historical
interpreters and re-enactors, and even a processional giant. If you are running an event, we may be able to help. For more information, email us through the link below.
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| BASH committee members and volunteers |
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| with Big John at the Sandwich Fishergate |
Here Be Giants
In 2005, Strange Cargo Arts helped local students
and residents to create a giant processional figure of the fifteenth century
mayor John Drury, and the group 'Big Burghers' of Sandwich was born. Big John has been seen at various events in the
area and was a figurehead for BASH's 1457 celebrations.
A giant wedding took place on the 1st to the 3rd of June 2007, when Big John married his Sandwich sweetheart Elizabeth Short at Leeds Castle. BASH hosted a variety of entertainments at the wedding celebrations over the three days, which were attended
by giant guests Chester the Jester, Torrent of Littlebourne, Flora of Singleton and Lily of Herne Bay.
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