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Nantwich prepares for much-loved Holly Holy Day 2026

By Ryan Parker/Jonathan White   20th Jan 2026

The Battle of Nantwich/Holly Holy Day re-enactment will take place in and around Nantwich town centre and on Mill Island on Saturday 24 January (Photo: Peter Robinson/Jonathan White).
The Battle of Nantwich/Holly Holy Day re-enactment will take place in and around Nantwich town centre and on Mill Island on Saturday 24 January (Photo: Peter Robinson/Jonathan White).

The Battle of Nantwich/Holly Holy Day re-enactment will take place in and around Nantwich town centre and on Mill Island on Saturday 24 January.

The Sealed Knot's faithful troops will gather in the historic town of Nantwich to re-enact the battle that took place in 1644, marking the end of the siege of the town during the English Civil War.

A variety of activities will take place during the day at St Mary's Church, Acton; St Mary's Church, Nantwich; Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street; and the town square, along with a parade and the battle re-enactment on Mill Island.

There will be live entertainment including Musket, Pike & Drums demonstrations on the town square and Morris Dancers around the town, from 10am, and tours of St Mary's Nantwich from 10am and a talk inside the church at 11:45am.

Nantwich Museum has Civil War guided 1.5-hour walking tours from the Museum at 9.45am and 11;30am (walking tour tickets £6 (members £5), children free), with children's activities between 10am and 3pm.

The Sealed Knot's faithful troops will gather in the historic town of Nantwich to re-enact the battle that took place in 1644, marking the end of the siege of the town during the English Civil War (Photo: Peter Robinson/Jonathan White).

There will also be an exhibition looking at the history of the Civil War in Cheshire.

The parade of several hundred Sealed Knot troops leaves Malbank School and Sixth Form College at 12.45pm, travelling along Welsh Row to arrive in the town centre at 1pm.

The wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial on the town square at 1.15pm will commemorate the people who died in the Civil War Battle of Nantwich and other battles.

There will be a troop inspection at 1.30pm, before the Sealed Knot troops parade to Mill Island to re-enact the 1644 battle.

Spectators are welcome onto Mill Island from 1.45pm. The cost is £5 for adults, £2 for children (5 to 15 years), £4 for concessions and £10 for a family of four (two adults/two children).

A Nantwich Town Council spokesperson said: "The Town Council is proud to support Battle of Nantwich as one of our key sponsored organisations through our annual grant scheme.

Spectators are welcome onto Mill Island from 1.45pm. The cost is £5 for adults, £2 for children (5 to 15 years), £4 for concessions and £10 for a family of four (two adults/two children) (Photo: Peter Robinson/Jonathan White).

"This funding reflects our commitment to investing in local initiatives that strengthen community spirit, provide positive opportunities, and deliver real benefits for our residents. Supporting organisations like this helps us ensure our town continues to thrive."

Volunteers are welcome to help with marshalling on the day. Tasks include: assisting with set up, directing public & crowd control, selling wristbands, assisting with a clear down, and litter picking on Mill Island.

To express an interest please email: [email protected].

Chairperson of the Holly Holy Day committee, Jo Lowry, said: "Holly Holy Day is a much-loved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate Nantwich's rich history.

"We are proud to offer a day filled with learning, entertainment, and commemoration, and we can't wait to welcome visitors of all ages."

READ MORE: Northern Lights dazzle skies over Nantwich.

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