A burst of 17th-century drama will help kick-start 2026 in Nantwich as the January edition of the popular Dabbers Dash community run, walk and wheel gets underway with a thunderous musket volley.

The Dash on Saturday 24 January, will be officially started by a musketeer from The Sealed Knot, as part of a special tie-in with the town's annual Battle of Nantwich | Holly Holy Day English Civil War re-enactment.

At 9am, the musketeer will raise their musket skywards and fire a ceremonial volley to mark the first Dabbers Dash of the new year.

The same day will see Nantwich transformed as hundreds of Sealed Knot troops descend on the town to re-enact the pivotal 1644 battle that ended the siege of Nantwich.

Events will take place across the town centre and Mill Island, with a packed programme including musket, pike and drum demonstrations, Morris dancing, church tours and talks, guided Civil War walking tours, children's activities, a town parade and the full battle re-enactment on Mill Island.

The Dabbers Dash will be officially started by a musketeer from The Sealed Knot, as part of a special tie-in with the town's annual Battle of Nantwich | Holly Holy Day English Civil War re-enactment (Photo: Jonathan White).

January's Dash is also supported by ERDINGER Alkoholfrei MOVE Against Cancer Charity with 5KYW (5k Your Way), which encourages people affected by cancer to keep moving in a way that suits them, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing through inclusive activity.

Dabbers Dash itself is a free, informal community event held at 9am on one Saturday each month.

The route loops around the edge of Barony Park and along Sandford Road, starting at the corner of Barony Park opposite the Cornthwaite Group (John Deere) dealership and finishing on Sandford Road.

Many participants complete up to 5km (around 3.5 laps), but everyone is welcome to do as little or as much as they choose.

Pride flags at the start and finish underline the event's message of equity, diversity and inclusion, all are welcome to take part.

Founder, Paul McIntyre, who launched Dabbers Dash in February 2022, said: "Starting the January Dabbers Dash with a musketeer really captures what Nantwich is all about, community spirit, history and having a bit of fun together.

"Dabbers Dash has always been about making activity welcoming and accessible for everyone, and tying in with Holly Holy Day and the MOVE Against Cancer initiative feels like a positive way to begin the year."

Dabbers Dash was originally set up as a virtual parkrun-style initiative, highlighting the need for a safe, traffic-free perimeter path around Barony Park to encourage running, walking, wheeling and cycling for people of all ages and abilities.

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