Droitwich will be taking part in a global light-based festival next week in recognition of the official international launch of the Mayflower 400 commemoration year.

The Mayflower ship transported the first English Puritans, now known as Pilgrims, from Plymouth to America in 1620.

The 102 passengers and approximately 30 crew were in search of a new life in a different land.

Destinations across the UK, Holland and America – which have connections with the Mayflower - will be marking the official launch of the 400th commemorative year with events this month involving light-based art installations and projections. Droitwich is taking part because local resident Edward Winslow was among those 102 passengers who made the historic voyage in 1620.

Winslow was a key figure in the history of the Mayflower. He was one of four men who commissioned the ship for the journey and his son, Josiah, was the first native born governor of an American Colony.

Further to this, Winslow documented a three-day Harvest Celebration in the autumn of 1621; which became known as the first Thanksgiving. The Winslow Family have the most descendants in America of all the Pilgrim Fathers.

In recognition of Winslow’s role, Droitwich Town Council has commissioned a Mayflower ship illumination, which will be installed above the entrance to the Tourist Information and Heritage Centre, at St Richards House on Victoria Square.

The installation will be switched on at an event on Thursday, November 21, which starts at 3pm and includes an Open House Mayflower showcase exhibition at the Heritage Centre. It concludes at 4.30pm when the Head Boy and Girl from Droitwich Spa High School will join Bill Moy, Mayor of Droitwich Spa, and Professor Robert Stone, from the University of Birmingham, to bring the illuminated ship to life.

The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome. The Mayflower installation will remain illuminated every evening until January 4 2020.

For more information contact the Town Council Office on 01905 774258.