Buckingham ABLAZE

To mark the Commemoration of the Fire of Buckingham during March 15th 1725 a programme of events and activities has been developed to mark this significant period in the Town’s history. They will take place in two stages. A pre-launch on 22nd February will see a range of models, installations and creative artwork open for viewing in various places around the town. Then during the week leading up to 15th March a whole host of events will be taking place from Monday 10th until Sunday 16th March 2025.
See the timeline below or
Click here for a downloadable pdf of all the details and events

Disaster came in 1725 with terrible fire. Most of Castle Street and parts of Market Hill, West Street and Well Street were ablaze. According to one account, the fire destroyed 138 houses and left over a third of Buckingham homeless.


John Whitehead a member of BAFA.
The sketch shows the Unicorn Inn, behind which the fire started. The line of buildings from right to left are now the White Hart, Nail bar, Oxfam Charity Shop, Estate Agents, Coffee#1 and Browns’ hairdressers.

Buckingham Ablaze Timeline of Events:

Saturday 22nd February
Pre-Launch of “Buckingham Ablaze” Commemoration of the Great Fire of Buckingham 1725
Venue: Outside the Old Gaol, Buckingham Market Square
Time: 10.30am
Details:
The Buckingham Town Crier calls the start of the Fire commemorations supported by a musical celebration from the Winslow Concert Band to formally open the exhibitions and installations, which are located at the following :

  • The Old Gaol to house the Scale Model of the Town circa 1725 with a loop film showing the dramatised story of the fire starting.
  • The Library will stage the “Clay Tile” collage created by children from four local Primary Schools.
  • The Vinson Building in Buckingham University will host artwork created by children from local Primary Schools up to 14th March
  • The Royal Latin School will exhibit Creative Writing pieces produced by the pupils.
  • Window displays by town shops and businesses

These exhibitions will be open to view until March 17th, although the Town Model will continue to be on display for longer.
Donations gratefully received to the Fire Fighters Charity
https://donate.firefighterscharity.org.uk/

Thursday 6th March
The Great Fire of Buckingham and its Aftermath
Venue:
Vinson Building, Buckingham University
Time: 7.30pm
Talk by Julian Hunt, supported by the Buckingham Society.
Free entry and open to the public.

Mon 10th – Thurs 13th March
Buckingham Ablaze Tours
Venue:
Starting from the Old Gaol tours will be given of the fire affected areas of Buckingham
Morning tours will be offered to local schools.
Evening tours will be open to the public and start at 6.30pm, taking in historical area’s of the town plus the fire affected area’s
Maximum 15 people, bookings taken at the Old Gaol

Friday 14th March
Formal unveiling of the Ablaze commemoration plaque, plus film premier showing
Venue:
White Hart
Time: 7.30pm
Local dignitaries and invited guests only

Saturday 15th March
The Story of the Fire in Dance
Venue: Buckingham Old Gaol
Time: 10.30am 
Pupils from Buckingham School will perform a dance to start the commemorations supported by other musical groups and entertainment.

Buckingham Ablaze’1725 and All that
Time: 4.30pm – 8pm
Details:
Buckingham will be transformed into an evening of period entertainment including Fire Engine rescue re-enactment, Morris Dancing, Folk music and dancing, Band music, drumming, storytelling and much more…with suitable refreshments also available
Open to all, and free to attend
Please note the town centre will be closed to traffic, from 4.30-8pm, so please park in the car parks outside of the centre

Sunday 16th March
Brass Band ‘Chariots of Fire concert’ and ’Story of the Fire’ film compered by Charlie Ross.
Venue:
Buckingham Town Hall, Villiers Ballroom
Time: 6pm
Details: The brass band of the West Midlands Fire Service will perform a concert to support the showing of a film called ‘The Story of the Fire’ compered by Charlie Ross of Bargain Hunters fame accompanied by illustrations done by the Royal Latin school students.
Tickets: £11 for Adults and £8 for  children available on line from
http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/buckingham-ablaze-chariots-of-fire-finale-concert
or call 033 666 3366