What’s On In Eccleshall and the Ecclian Society share many common goals and interests but overarching this is the goal to maintain Eccleshall’s uniqueness and ensuring it’s a great place to live, work and visit.

Getting involved with the Ecclian Society and supporting their work isn’t just about helping to keep Eccleshall a fantastic place to spend time—though that’s a big part of it! It’s a great way to stay connected, meet fellow community-minded people, and play a part in making Eccleshall the vibrant and welcoming place we all love. By becoming a member, you’ll also get the inside scoop on everything happening around town. You’ll receive exclusive updates about their events and activities, as well as regular newsletters packed with interesting articles, local news, and behind-the-scenes stories.

The Ecclian Society is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Eccleshall in Staffordshire, a unique country town of historical interest.

Head straight to the bottom of the page to get the link for membership application, or read on to find out more about the work they do.

Every spring, the Ecclian Society gets busy bringing bursts of colour to the town!

They plant up hanging baskets, mangers, and troughs all around, creating a vibrant display that lasts through summer and into early autumn. This gorgeous splash of flowers and greenery isn’t just for show—it’s made possible by the generosity of local businesses, community groups, and individuals who sponsor the baskets and mangers.

Thanks to their support, our town is filled with beautiful blooms for everyone to enjoy.

Besides filling the town with beautiful flowers, the Ecclian Society also sets up the colourful flags along the High Street, Stafford Street, and Castle Street, adding a festive touch to the area.

For King Charles III’s Coronation in 2023, they went the extra mile, decorating the mangers with ribbons and crowns as well as the flags, making it a truly special celebration.

The cost of the flags is covered by donations, membership fees, and fun fundraising events like the popular Open Gardens. Curious about Open Gardens? Keep reading to find out more!

Every year in June, there’s up to a dozen wonderful gardens opening their gates for you to explore! There’s a fantastic variety on offer—from neat little courtyard gardens to sprawling cottage-style plots, each with its own unique charm. Most of the gardens are right in the heart of Eccleshall, many with entrances just off the High Street, making it easy to wander from one to the next.

If you’re driving, there’s a handy Pay and Display Car Park behind the Co-Op on Stone Road. In 2024, over 500 visitors joined us, and it’s always a brilliant day out, no matter the weather. Why not make a day of it? Enjoy a morning coffee or an afternoon tea at Ashcroft (1, Stafford Road), or pop into one of the town’s 10 pubs or restaurants for a bite to eat—whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, there’s something for everyone.

With your £5.00 programme, which covers both days of the event, you can take your time and really soak in the experience—talk about great value! You can grab a programme outside the Library on the High Street, and it includes a handy map and descriptions of all the gardens to help you plan your visit.

Eccleshall can’t wait to welcome you. Come rain or shine, you’re in for a fantastic day out!

Keep an eye out for Open Gardens in the calendar of events

Christmas is a bustling time for the Ecclian Society, and they wouldn’t have it any other way! They kick off the festive season by setting up the Christmas trees all around Eccleshall town. Once they’ve been carefully prepared and strung with twinkling lights, they pop them up along the High Street, Stafford Street, Castle Street, and outside the Church, creating that magical, Christmassy vibe.

The fun doesn’t stop there! They get the children from Bishop Lonsdale Academy involved by giving them baubles to decorate. These lovely, handmade ornaments take pride of place on the big tree at the crossroads roundabout, adding a personal touch that everyone loves.

And of course, what would Christmas be without a visit from Father Christmas himself? They team up with West Mercia Rotary Society to make sure Father Christmas makes a special stop in Eccleshall, delighting the little ones with a sprinkle of Christmas magic before the big day.

They also get creative by decorating a tree for the ‘Eccleshall Christmas Tree Festival’ at Holy Trinity Church—it’s a great way to spread the festive cheer indoors as well!

After all the festivities, they roll up their sleeves once again and take everything down after Twelfth Night.