Damsons

Help us create a Damson Day!

We're exploring the idea of a Damson Day to celebrate one of Market Drayton's most distinctive traditions – but first we need your help.

We're on a mission to rediscover our town's damson heritage. Over the coming months we'll be collecting stories, mapping surviving damson trees, recording memories, researching the famous Damson Fairs and uncovering the remarkable history of the fruit that once made Market Drayton known across the country.

Do you have a damson tree growing in your garden, orchard or on your land? Has a story about the Damson Fairs been passed down through your family? Do you have old photographs, recipes, documents, memories or objects connected with damsons? Do you know where old orchards once stood?

Every memory, story and clue helps us piece together this fascinating chapter of our town's history.

We'd also love to hear from local businesses, schools, community groups and organisations. Would you like to help shape Damson Day? Perhaps you'd like to sponsor an activity, create a damson-inspired product or menu, run a workshop, host an exhibition, plant a damson tree, or simply be part of celebrating this unique part of Market Drayton's heritage.

Together, we can uncover the story of Market Drayton's damsons – and create a Damson Day that belongs to all of us.