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Chester's Annual Assize of Ale
Article Posted: Thursday March 13th
Article last updated on: Thursday March 13th
Lord Mayor of Chester's Annual Assize of Ale 22nd March - Saturday 3pm. - Throughout the City starting in the Town Hall
Square. In the Middle Ages everyone drank ale, trusting it more than water supplies
which were often unhealthy. Mayors of Chester, concerned to maintain the
quality of the city's ale, regularly commanded an Ale Assize to put it on
trial. At each inn one of the Mayor's Sergeants at Arms formally tasted the
ale. If it was satisfactory the innkeeper was given a garland of greenery to
display. If it wasn't, he was fined. Reviving the tradition in 2003, 30 licensed premises have volunteered to
receive a Civic member and a Sergeant and his accompanying supporters, and
submit to the Assize between 3pm. and 5.30pm. There are three routes of 10
premises, and each route will be led by either the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord
Mayor and the Immediate Past Lord Mayor. Each group will be led by a drummer and will have a guard of honour from the
Chester Re-enactment Group together with members of the Freemen and Guilds
of the City of Chester, and a little mischievous imp! Prior to the Lord
Mayor's proclamation on Town Hall steps the gathering masses will be
entertained by Frazer Moir playing his hurdy gurdy. This Assize has been organised to have fun and to raise money for charity.
Instead of fines, there will be donations from those taking part. In the run
up to the Assize, and on the day itself, members of the public are invited
to take part in and enjoy the fund-raising activities. Each participating
hostelries has a treasure map from which visitors can purchase a plot, help
local charities, and give themselves a chance to win the prize. The winner
will be announced at each location by the Assize Sergeant. Leaflets giving
more information about the Assize are available at participating 'inns' and
the Tourist Offices in the City. The day's events finish with a Medieval Feast at the Guildhall. For more
information ring 01244 320431. The Ale Assize is part of Chester's Food & Drink Festival beginning Tuesday
18th March 2003. The Festival has a full schedule of over 125 events and top
celebrities to keep Cheshire residents and visitors entertained and
delighted. More information on the web site www.chesterfoodanddrink.com.
Other Festival Highlights:
12th March - Wednesday (Pre-Festival) - Battle of the Big Cheese - Cheese
Rolling Challenge between Cheshire and Lancashire 11am. Eastgate Clock.
21st March - Friday - Sampling Day and Producer's Market outside the Town
Hall. 10am. to 4pm.
21st March - Friday - The Inns of Chester Walking Tour.
23rd March - Sunday - An Ice Cream Sundae at Cheshire Farm Ice Cream,
Tattenhall. 11am. - 4pm.
24th March - Monday - The Chester Food & Drink Festival Gala Awards Dinner. Further Information: The Medieval Feast at the Guildhall, Chester starts at 7.30pm. tickets are
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