The colourful festivities on Saturday form part of the Assize of Ale, a tradition that dates back to medieval times.
It requires the Sheriff of York to visit local pubs, tasting the ale to ensure it is of good quality.
The expensive equipment required for brewing led to a commercial market for these goods, and so a need for regulations to control quality and pricing. Therefore, the Sheriff summoned their sergeants to visit the city’s ale houses to test the quality of the ale.
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Any sergeant who failed to answer the summons was guilty of an offence and liable to fines or time in the pillory.
The Saturday event involves those taking part being divided into 2 or 3 teams, with each team visiting 5 pubs in the city centre.
Then they return to the State Room on the first floor of the Mansion House at 6pm for a Fish and Chip Supper and an alcoholic drink sponsored and supported by ‘Mr Chippy’, ‘Brew York’ and ‘The Potions Cauldron Group’.
The promised, fun, excitement and tradition costs just £20, with all proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund!
This year, the charities to benefit from the fund are the Stroke Association, Survive, York RLFC Foundation and the York City Club Foundation.
The assizes event forms part of York Food Festival, which runs from Friday September 19 to Sunday the 29th.
The Saturday assizes features an additional special proclamation made by the Sheriff of York Fiona Fitzpatrick at the York Food Festival bar on Parliament Street.
Sheriff Fitzpatrick said: “We are all so excited for this annual event, ensuring that the civic party continues to maintain these traditions is very important and what is not to enjoy dressing up, sampling beer and enjoying fish and chips whilst raising funds for charity!”
Those wearing medieval or ancient costumes will be eligible to 10% discount off drinks in all the participating pubs. Furthermore, Festival of Fun on Goodramgate is offering 10% off purchases if you quote “Assize of Ale!”
Tickets should be bought before the event, with those taking part assembling in St Helen’s Square from 1:45pm on Saturday, where York’s town Crier, Ben Fry, will call upon the Sheriff to read out the Sheriff’s Proclamation from the Mansion House steps at 2pm.
Those with tickets will leave St Helen’s Square shortly after 2pm. Entertainment will be ongoing during this time, with YorkMix conducting proceedings, assisted by the Potions Cauldron Group and Owl Adventures and music from Shepherd Brass Band.
To pre-register your attendance email – civicyorkfundraising@yahoo.com and also let them know of any access needs you have.
Tickets are now on sale and available here – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sheriff-of-yorks-assize-of-ale-fish-and-chip-supper-at-york-mansion-house-tickets-1001914231437
