St Wistan's Pilgrimage Walk

St Wistan's Pilgrimage Walk and Medieval Fair - Saturday 1 June 2024

On Saturday 1 June follow in the footsteps of a local saint on a four-mile countryside walk from Wistow to Wigston, following the historical route of the martyred Prince Wistan before enjoying a medieval fair in Wigston town centre.

St Wistan's Pilgrimage Walk

Meet at 9.30am at St Wistan’s Church, Kibworth Road, Wistow, LE8 0QF to learn about the local legend over a leisurely, family-friendly four-mile walk to Wigston.

Walkers are advised to dress suitably, plan ahead and park at Wigston and car share to the start - or walk the return route making an 8-mile round trip.

Free council-organised transport leaving Wigston town centre at 9am is available via advanced booking only. To book, email raheema.caratella@oadby-wigston.gov.uk

Toilet and refreshment facilities are located at Wistow Rural Centre and in Wigston town centre

St Wistan's Day Medieval Fair

Following the walk join us on Bell Street, Wigston from 12pm - 4pm for fun at our medieval fair, including

• Re-enactments
• Saxon forge
• Saxon fletcher
• Crafts and demonstrations
• Music and entertainment from Harborough FM

Bring your family and friends along to enjoy the festivities - and support town centre businesses on your visit!

St Wistan

St Wistan – sometimes written as St Wystan, St Wigstan or St Wigston – was in line to be King of Mercia, one of the most powerful Saxon Kingdoms of England. Legend has it that he had the opportunity to become king in 840 but gave up his right to the throne to follow a holy religious calling. Legend tells that he was violently killed by his own uncle Beorhtfrith after Wistan refused to allow him to marry his widowed mother.

His untimely murder on 1 June 849 became St Wistan’s Day, which now sees an annual guided pilgrimage along the route St Wistan's body was taken. You can also complete the walk independently year-round.

St Wistan's Pilgrimage Walk information booklet (PDF Document, 1.67 Mb)