Shirley Pipe Band at Bromsgrove Court Leet 2023

The pipes and drums of Shirley Pipe Band are seen here performing at the Bromsgrove Court Leet, 2023. The court leet at Bromsgrove is a traditional English ceremony dating back to the early Middle Ages. A short parade makes its way through the town and stops at the Old Post Office where a small sample of the town's food and drink is publicly tasted and declared wholesome and fit for sale - an early version of today’s trading standards. This is carried out by a group of town officials with traditional roles, including the bailiff and town crier. Nowadays the proceedings are fairly light hearted but remain true to the original ceremony including the proclamation of King John’s 1199 Charter. A themed street market takes place at the same time and the whole event raises money for local charities.