St. Mary the Virgin Church in Freefolk will welcome the sound of a full peal of bells on Saturday, December 6th, as a group of skilled bellringers from across the district gather for a rare and ambitious performance. The ringing will begin at 10am and continue for around three and a half hours.
A full peal is one of the most demanding forms of change ringing. It involves at least 5,040 changes, rung in a continuous sequence without a break. Achieving this requires focus, stamina, and teamwork, and is considered a significant milestone for any tower and its ringers.
The upcoming performance carries added importance for St Mary’s. It will be the first full peal attempted at the church since 199. Local ringers describe it as both a celebration of the craft and a moment of renewal for a church with deep roots in the community.
Residents are invited to listen from the churchyard or surrounding area, where the sound is expected to carry across Freefolk and beyond. Organisers hope the event will not only revive an old tradition but also spark fresh interest in bellringing among younger members of the community.