Be involved in Salisbury 800: Celebrate, Create, Contribute

In 2027, our city will mark a significant milestone: 800 years since receiving its Royal Charter. To honour this historic occasion, a cross-sector group, made up of local organisations, businesses and community leaders, is coming together to plan six months of celebrations, involving the whole community, to celebrate our shared heritage and future.

Planning is already underway, but the heart of these celebrations will be the people who live, work and are connected to the city. The organising group is inviting individuals, community groups and businesses to get involved – whether through ideas, volunteering, partnerships or sponsorship.

The programme will showcase our community – its history, culture, creativity and innovation – while also looking forward to the opportunities that the next century brings. Events will range from heritage exhibitions and performances to festivals, learning programmes, and community-led initiatives.

A short overview and an Expression of Interest form are now available for anyone who would like to find out more and register their interest in contributing.

Please click here to fill out the Expression of Interest form.

Salisbury 800 – Expressions of support

Cllr Sam Charleston, Leader of Salisbury City Council, said:

“Salisbury 800 will be an incredible showcase of our wonderful city, shining a spotlight on its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming community spirit. This milestone offers a unique opportunity to highlight everything that makes Salisbury truly special. We are incredibly proud to play such an active role in shaping the celebrations and ensuring they reflect the very best of our city. Most importantly, we look forward to opening our doors to visitors from across the globe, inviting them to join us in commemorating this landmark occasion.”

Eleanor Burke, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said:

“Salisbury 800 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our city, attract visitors, and boost our local economy. Salisbury BID will lead on city marketing through Experience Salisbury, business promotion and engagement, and some city dressing, to ensure the celebrations drive footfall, foster civic pride and leave a lasting legacy for Salisbury’s businesses and community.”

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said:

“As we mark 800 years since the granting of Salisbury’s Royal Charter, we celebrate a city formed by an inspired vision, an entrepreneurial community, and a living faith. Salisbury Cathedral stands at the heart of that story, and I warmly encourage everyone to take part – through creativity, contribution or celebration – as we honour our past and look with hope to our future.”

Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative, said:

“Salisbury 800 will sit at the heart of the 2027 Salisbury International Arts Festival when Wiltshire Creative will animate the market square and surrounding streets with joyful community focussed activity celebrating the stories and people of our incredible city.”

Adrian Green, Director of The Salisbury Museum, said:

“The Salisbury Museum is delighted to be part of Salisbury 800, by continuing to tell the story of our special and significant landscape, and the lives of the people who have shaped it – and who continue to shape it today. Bringing those stories from the heart of our new Salisbury History galleries to our city and community through an exciting programme of celebration.”

John Glen, MP for Salisbury, said:

“It is hugely exciting that Salisbury is planning to celebrate its 800^th anniversary on a grand scale. This is a wonderful opportunity to look back on a proud history but also to reflect with pride on the city’s modern-day accomplishments and to celebrate all the things we love about our community.

“I urge you to embrace Salisbury 800, so that it can deliver for everyone – boosting local business and the creative arts and leaving a legacy of new friendships and happy memories.”

Find out more about Salisbury 800 on the Experience Salisbury website.