The Thetford Progress 1578
Took place on 13 Feb‑5 Mar 2023
This event has already taken place.
Welcome to Putting on a Progress 1578: An Elizabethan Window Wanderland!
Curious Spark is delighted to be bringing this fantastic event to Thetford! With your help, we will transform the streets into a magical outdoor Elizabethan gallery for all to enjoy!
Fancy taking part?
Taking part as a Windowmaker is FREE, and everyone’s welcome. You can make a display in the windows of your flat, house, business, school, nursery, car, campervan, shop – or front garden!
FREE ELIZABETHAN WINDOW WANDERLAND MAKER’S PACKS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THETFORD LIBRARY DURING HALF TERM!
Please don’t feel intimidated. Your display could be as simple as a candle, a Tudor goblet, a royal crown or a Tudor gown. Or you could go all out and create a line of Elizabethans waiting in line to see Queen Elizabeth I progress through your town! Anything Elizabethan goes… as long as it’s family-friendly!
And don’t forget to walk your local trail, from 13 February- 5 March, 6 – 8pm every night!
Elizabethans? What’s it all about?
In 1578 Queen Elizabeth I and more than 200 courtiers made an incredible journey travelling into the unknown lands of Norfolk on her annual progress.
The royal progress visited Thetford on August 26, 1578
• The citizens of the town worked hard to repair, clean and prettify the route of her journey.
• Her visit celebrated Thetford’s Royal Charter of 1574 which made the town independent of the Crown.
• The Queen stayed in a house owned by a man she had recently knighted, Sir Edward Clere, also of Blickling Hall.
• Crowds lined the streets to get a glimpse of a Queen they had only ever seen on the pennies in their purses!
• Throughout her short say, Elizabeth I was showered with gifts, lavish entertainment and fine feasts.
What to do next
- Click on ‘Take part in this event’ to add your location to our map.
- Click here to get information inspiration and guidance on making your window
Speak and share with your friends, neighbours, schools, and local businesses to ask them to get involved!
Get Inspired!
You can find display ideas on YouTube or find Window Wanderland on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest @windowwander.
If you have any questions or would like to sponsor, promote or volunteer to help with this event, please contact Sarah or Joy through Contact organiser (The Orange button) on the right or email Sarah who will be thrilled to hear from the Thetford Windowmakers.
There will be 6 trails across Norfolk- Will the Thetford Progress display the most windows?
The Cathedral Quarter 1578, Norwich
The Stranger’s Pageant 1578, Norwich
The Hunting Party 1578, Costessey, Norwich
Party like it’s 1578, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
The Return Progress 1578, Wymondham, Norfolk
Window Wanderlands have been held around the world, and here are some links if you want to know more:
Window Wanderland on The One Show
Windows of Wonder – The Guardian
Window Wanderland spreads friendship – BBC News.
Event produced by
With Thanks to the players of the National Lottery
