RESIDENTS and businesses in Bovey Tracey are set to celebrate a big anniversary on Wednesday.

The date marks the day in AD1219 when Lady of the Manor, Eva de Tracey, was granted the right to hold a weekly market.

Bovey Tracey, not yet a borough at the time, was among the first of ten places in Devon to receive such a charter.

To commemorate the 800th anniversary, the Business for Bovey group has organised a day of fun, markets and activities.

Following a grand opening at 10am in the Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, markets offering food, craft and art will be held in three different locations around the town.

The Bovey Tracey Heritage Centre has devised a family-friendly walking quiz while Escape the Game Bovey Tracey has created a special prize puzzle inviting people of all ages to search shops and buildings for numbers to solve the cypher.

Many retailers are also getting into the spirit. Staff at Café 64 and the Dartmoor Community Cafe will be in fancy dress and providing some medieval-inspired fayre including free toffee apples.

There will be a chance to meet local craftspeople at The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, the Wildmoor Delicatessen will be offering cider tastings, and a troupe of minstrels will be bringing the sounds of 1219 to Bovey with their medieval music.

One of the organisers, Tessa Stone, said: ‘With free fun and prizes on offer, a trip to Bovey Tracey on October 23 will be the perfect family half-term day out.

‘Come along for a day of historical fun which will keep everyone entertained and at the same time enjoy the special atmosphere only Bovey has.

‘After 800 years of trading, what other small Devon town can boast a whisky distillery, fine arts and crafts, the best of local produce plus a replica dinosaur manufacturer to boot!

‘We’ve a lot of heritage here in Bovey and we’d love to share it with people from across the region.

‘And to top it all off, visitors can also enjoy a walk by the river in our beautiful park or make the short trip up to Dartmoor.

‘We’re looking forward to welcoming you.’