The Swaffham Cultural Consortium is delighted to announce the launch of Carter 22

on Saturday 22 January in the Parish Church between 10am and 1pm.

Carter 22 is the working title for a season of activities which celebrate the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter in November 1922.

The Carter family has strong links with Swaffham and the villages close by and it was in nearby Didlington where Howard fell in love with ancient Egypt and his career amongst the tombs began.

Grant funding of £36,000 has been awarded from Historic England to create and deliver community-led cultural activities on the high street this year as part of the Swaffham High Street Heritage Action Zone.

Leading the plans for the year is the Swaffham Cultural Consortium which is made up of town councillors, members of organisations and individual residents.

“The whole year is a real community event”, explained project lead Sue Gattuso, Manager of Swaffham Heritage Museum. “We would like to see as many people as possible join in the planning; bring their ideas; learn new skills; show off their talents. There will be something for everyone.”

Events already planned are a community mosaic in the shape of a pyramid which will be created in workshops throughout the year; an archaeological excavation on Campingland and a Festival Sunday in September. There will be drama and crafts in schools and a Carter houses trail of the town.

“We have other ideas which need a little polish”, said Sue “Like throwing pharaohs from the church tower; sand dancing; the discovery from Howard’s donkey’s perspective. And if we could get a camel….”

She emphasised that the Launch is an important part of the preparation.

“That’s why it’s a pop in. No stress. No speeches. Just come along, look at the displays, ask questions and find out how you can join in.”