What is Salisbury 800?
Salisbury 800 marks 800 years since Salisbury received its Royal Charter in 1227. From May to November 2027, the city will host a wide programme of events, exhibitions, performances, talks, trails and community projects that celebrate our heritage, creativity and future.
Why is it important?
Salisbury 800 is a chance for the city to come together to celebrate where we’ve come from and to showcase the creativity, people and ideas that make Salisbury what it is today, while also looking ahead to the future.
Who is organising Salisbury 800?
Salisbury 800 is guided by a voluntary Project Board, bringing together representatives from Salisbury BID, Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury City Council, Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Creative.
A small coordination team supports the programme day-to-day, connecting potential contributors, managing communications and helping ideas find the right partnerships.
The project is community-led, with individuals, groups and businesses shaping the programme through their own ideas and events.
How can I get involved?
Salisbury 800 is self-led, and we are seeking contributors who can independently plan and deliver their own ideas, whether these take the form of events, projects, installations, partnerships or other activity. More than 100 collaborators have already joined us and the Project Board is working to connect groups, share ideas and support partnerships so we can create something truly special together.
There are lots of ways to take part:
- Host an event, exhibition, workshop or performance
- Create a display, installation or trail
- Partner with other organisations or artists
- Offer space, equipment, skills or sponsorship
- Join our volunteer network
- Develop ideas inspired by one of our five programme strands
If you have an idea but aren’t sure where it fits, we can help.
Is there funding available?
At this stage, there is no central funding for Salisbury 800. We encourage events and activities to be self-sufficient, or to bring funding through sponsorship, ticketing, partnerships, or existing organisational budgets.
We can support groups by:
- connecting you with potential partners,
- offering advice on shaping your idea,
- helping identify opportunities for joint funding or match-funding bids where appropriate.
Funding bodies which may be able to help towards your project are The National Lottery Community Fund
What do I need to submit to get involved?
Please complete our Salisbury 800 Participation Form to let us know how you will contribute in 2027. You can complete this form even if you just want to be involved but aren’t sure how.
Your submission will give us the information we need to understand your project, identify strand alignment, and connect you with collaborators if relevant. We will also be offering online information sessions for anyone who would like support to develop a proposal.
If you have an event or activity which is already confirmed and you are ready to send us details, please complete this Salisbury 800 Event Submission Form.
What’s in it for my organisation?
Salisbury 800 creates a range of benefits:
- Increased visibility - Your event or activity can be featured as part of a city-wide programme with coordinated marketing, listings and communications.
- More footfall and visitor engagement - A major anniversary year will attract residents and visitors into the city, supporting increased footfall across venues, shops and cultural spaces.
- Partnership opportunities - We can connect you with organisations, artists, businesses or community groups who may complement your ideas.
- Legacy and community impact - Salisbury 800 aims to strengthen pride in the city, create lasting partnerships, support skills development and grow a volunteer network that continues beyond 2027.
- Contributing to a once-in-a-generation celebration - This is a milestone moment for Salisbury. Being part of it places your organisation at the heart of a major cultural event.
Do events have to take place in the city centre?
Not at all. While many activities will be in central Salisbury, we welcome events across the wider area as long as they connect meaningfully to one of the strands and help celebrate the city.
Does my event need to relate to Salisbury’s history?
Not necessarily. Your project might be creative, wellbeing-focused, environmental, skills-based, or something entirely new. If it reflects the spirit of Salisbury and contributes to community life, it may be a great fit.
Can individuals take part, or is it only for organisations?
Anyone can be involved – individuals, artists, performers, educators, community groups, charities, schools, businesses and neighbourhood groups.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. We’re building a team of Changemakers, volunteers who will help during 2027 and form a legacy network for years to come. All skills and ages are welcome.
How will events be promoted?
Our partners will run a coordinated marketing campaign alongside Experience Salisbury including:
- website and event listings
- social media
- printed materials
- press and PR activity
- signage and trails
This shared visibility helps raise the profile of participating organisations and encourages residents and visitors to explore the full programme.
Please note: inclusion in specific marketing materials or campaigns will depend on timing, eligibility and programme capacity. While we aim to showcase a broad range of events, we can’t guarantee every activity will feature in every strand of promotion.
Will you be running information or support sessions?
Yes, we plan to offer online sessions for anyone developing an idea, explaining what makes a strong proposal and how to get the most from being part of Salisbury 800.
How do I contact the team?
For support, questions or collaborations:
Project Coordinator – Rosie Townsend-Jones
📧 salisbury2027@gmail.com
Project Lead – Susi Mason
📧 experiencesalisbury@gmail.com
We're here to help you shape your involvement and make Salisbury 800 something truly special.