EXACTLY 400 years ago, the Pilgrim Fathers undertook a daring voyage from England to the New World.
It was a step into the unknown, hugely brave and with no certainty of how life would be on the other side.
Harwich was central to the event in 1620 as the place where the Mayflower’s captain Christopher Jones came from.
Other crew members also came from the town and Harwich will be among the towns celebrating the landmark anniversary this year.
A series of events is being organised and it is an appropriate time to celebrate Harwich’s rich history.
The activities include public art displays and history trails highlighting the stories of the Pilgrim Fathers.
The commemoration will also recognise the impact of the Mayflower’s journey on Native American communities and address themes of colonialism and migration providing an inclusive account of the Mayflower’s legacy.
Preparations for the eye-catching Octopus Ahoy trail are well under-way. The large-scale public art event will see the colourful and quirky octopus sculptures across north Essex and further afield.
Organisers are hoping more businesses, schools and people will also get involved.
The Harwich Tourism Group is looking at different ways of promoting important events such as the Mayflower 400, the Harwich half marathon, the Harwich Shanty Festival.
Ideas were buoyant at a meeting of the tourism group.
The team is hoping more artists will come forward to create colourful and creative street art across Harwich.
The public has also been invited to join in with the Shanty Festival and organisers have extended the event from three days to four.
Following the success of last year’s Illuminate Festival, Tendring Council is looking at ways to making it a sustainable and annual event.
Nick May, owner of the Alma pub in old Harwich, said it was a fantastic idea to organise it during the autumn period which can be a quiet time of year for traders.
He said: “It’s the dullest part of the year as everybody is getting ready for Christmas.
“The event has helped a lot of businesses and it was a fantastic event to help the community.”
Mike Carran, who is the head of sport and leisure at Tendring Council, said: “Of all the events I’ve done, this is up there, one of the best and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It was really spectacular for us.”
Mr Carran, who is also the event director of the festival, said the popular Spark! drummers have been booked for both days this year and plans are underway to involve more artists, acts and entertainment in the festival.
It will also include a flight display by the Fireflies who are a favourite in the Clacton Airshow twilight display.
A special guest will officially open Christopher Jones’ house in King’s Head Street, Harwich, to the public next month.
The house will feature visual and informative boards in every room telling the history of the house and town.
Mr Carran said the Esplanade Hall has been restored and fitted out for the anniversary celebrations.
He added: “The building is going to be full of interactive tools together with the wow-factor augmented reality device.
“They have built some inside of Christopher Jones’ house as well and we are also looking at building it into the Harwich trail. This is going to be something really impressive.”
To find out more about the anniversary activities go to historicharwich.co.uk.
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