AN event to start a year of celebrations to mark the 950th anniversary of a castle has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association, along with Richmond Town Council and Richmondshire District Council, had organised a year of events to celebrate the historic market town of Richmond and the anniversary of the commissioning of the castle in 1071 by Alan Rufus.

The year-long celebrations were due to start on Saturday, however, yesterday, Marcia McLuckie, chair of Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association, said: "Due to the recent tier changes, and general concerns over the worsening Covid situation, we are postponing the Celebrate Richmond 950 launch event planned for this Saturday."

Ms McLuckie said that the town crier, Barry Heap, will still welcome the year of celebrations at noon on Saturday, but all other launch day events have been postponed.

She said: "Mr Heap will still be in the town centre to ring in this year of celebrations, but all we can say is that when we are able to hold this event we shall send out information regarding a revised date."

Events planned for the year include a Community Archaeology Project, an exhibition showing 950 years of Richmond’s communications, a community play at The Georgian Theatre Royal, lectures pertaining to Richmond over the years, Victorian events at The Station, concerts, lectures, music, a historical market and more.

A new community woodland of 950 native trees, chosen to enhance the landscape and attract wildlife is being created.

This is planned on a one-hectare site near the Old Racecourse on land offered at a peppercorn rent by Lord Ronaldshay and Michael Sunley. Tree sponsorship and school and community group initiatives are planned.

To find out more about the celebrations, visit www.richmond950.co.uk