Saltash Penny and Fruit Throwing Event returns on 12th June

Imagine standing on Lower Fore Street and watching warm coins and bits of fruit come flying out of a first floor window towards a crowd of children. It sounds like something you’d be told off for. In Saltash, it’s a ceremony that goes back roughly 800 years.

The Saltash Penny and Fruit Throwing Event returns this month, and the town council is inviting families to come along and catch what they can.

What’s happening and when

The Mayor of Saltash, Cllr Brian Stoyel, and the Civic Party will throw hot pennies and fruit from the windows of the Guildhall. It takes place on Friday 12th June at 7:10pm at the Guildhall on Lower Fore Street.

The council describes it as a family event and says it would love to see people there.

A tradition older than most of the town

The ceremony dates back to the 13th century. Back then, wealthy townspeople would throw coins and pieces of fruit from the Guildhall’s first floor windows down to children gathered below. It was meant as a gesture of generosity and a way to mark a celebration within the community.

The exact origins have been lost over the centuries. What is known is that the tradition is closely linked to the historic “Mayor Choosing” ceremony and to the granting of town charters during the medieval period.

Before you go

One thing worth knowing in advance. Photographs will be taken during the event. If you would rather not be in any of them, you can let a member of staff know on the day.

To find out more about what else is coming up in the town, you can follow Saltash Town Council on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the Town Council website.