TRADERS dressed in medieval costumes at the weekend as part of celebrations to mark 600 years since a west Suffolk town was granted market rights.

Mildenhall was handed the royal charter in 1412 and to commemorate the anniversary a range of events and activities were organised.

These included the performance of a pageant recollecting key moments in Mildenhall’s history, which was held in the town’s St Mary’s Church on Friday evening.

On Saturday, historic activities took place around the town including pottery making, story telling and a medieval fancy dress competition.

In addition, staff from Mildenhall Museum hosted guided tours around the town’s historic trading areas.

A number of local bodies played a part in organising the programme of festivities. These include Mildenhall Parish Council, Mildenhall Community Partnership, Mildenhall Museum, St Mary’s Church and Forest Heath District Council.

According to Forest Heath councillor David Bowman, who is portfolio holder for economic development and tourism, the celebration may become an annual event aimed at making the town centre more vibrant.

He said: “This weekend has really brought the community together. Different bodies have contributed money to the pot, people of the town have got involved and it has attracted visitors from outside.

“It’s something we could build on and maybe look at doing every 12 months to make the town centre more attractive.”

A commemorative ale has also been brewed to mark the anniversary. Called Medieval Medicine, it was produced by Earl Soham Brewery in Woodbridge and served from a stall set up in Mildenhall’s marketplace over the weekend.