Culture, Events & Entertainment, Ringwood | Posted on March 13th, 2026 | return to news

Ringwood to celebrate 800th anniversary of town’s market

A number of activities are planned for Sunday 12 July. Ahead of this, the council is appealing for donations of gloves.

Ringwood Town Council has thought of an innovative way to celebrate the 800^th anniversary of its historic market.

Residents are invited to be part of the celebration by donating a glove or pair of gloves to help create a special community installation produced by Culture in Common, which will be made entirely from the gloves donated. A total of 800 gloves are needed, representing each year of the market. Donations can be dropped off at Carvers Clubhouse, Ringwood Meeting House (on Saturdays 10am–12pm), or Ringwood Fabrics.

Ringwood’s market dates back to March 1226, when a Royal Charter granted during the reign of King Henry III gave the town permission to hold a weekly Wednesday market, along with two annual fairs. Remarkably, the weekly market has continued ever since, making it one of the town’s most enduring traditions.

To celebrate this historic anniversary, a special community celebration will take place on Sunday 12 July in Ringwood Market Place.

The day will begin with a church service in the Market Place from 10.30am to 11.30am, followed by the official event hosted by Ringwood Town Council from 11.30am onwards. Celebrations will continue throughout the afternoon and evening until 7.30pm, followed by a funfair on Bickerley Green.

Visitors will be able to enjoy spectacular performances from Farmyard Circus, sponsored by Culture in Common, along with a variety of live stage entertainment throughout the day.

Additional attractions will include Morris dancers, traditional village games organised by local Guides and Brownies groups, interactive market stalls, and a selection of hot and cold food alongside arts and crafts. A bar will be provided by Ringwood Carnival, while visitors can also enjoy an animal petting experience hosted by Riverside Lakes.

Local clubs, organisations and community groups are encouraged to mark the anniversary in their own way. The town council will be pleased to help promote related activities through its social media channels, and a commemorative logo is available for organisations wishing to support and celebrate the anniversary.

For more information, or to share plans for the celebration, please contact Ringwood Town Council.