John Noyes was a shoemaker and Laxfield family man who was burned at the stake in the centre of the village on September 22, 1557, as part of the religious intolerance that was the hallmark of the reign of Queen Mary. "Bloody Mary" came to the throne in 1553 and in a bid to restore Catholicism as the state religion, she ordered the burning of 300 prominent Protestants, 34 of them in Suffolk.

It is said that on the day of John Noyes' execution, every fire in Laxfield was extinguished so that the soldiers of the Crown could not find a light to ignite the faggots.

But one unwitting householder failed to put his fire out completely and the burning went ahead. All that remained of the shoemaker at the end was one foot still in its hose and shoe.

The Festival of Tolerance was started in 2005 to pay tribute to the memory of John Noyes and the festivities reflect the life of that time. Tomorrow's festival kicks off at 2pm in the High Street and admission is free.

Chairman of the organising committee, Simon Gallo said the activities throughout the afternoon will include jugglers, jousters, stilt walkers, quoit throwing, Punch and Judy, traditional and modern dancing, singing and games.

He said visitors are encouraged to wear fancy dress, but should beware as offenders will be punished in the stocks and pillory, and on the ducking stool.

"We are particularly pleased to welcome back Passamezzo with 16th century music, instruments and costume," he said. "To add to the historical flavour we also have the Norwich and Norfolk Medieval Association who will bring history to life with their displays, including a full-size trebuchet which will launch water bombs 100 metres down the street."

Other highlights will include Morgan the Cordwainer demonstrating shoemaking of the period, and also a coin die operation where people will be able to make and keep commemorative coins of the day.

Locally-produced food and drink will be available at "Bloody Mary's Barbecue and Bar", which will include a locally-brewed beer called Martyr's Blood Ale which has been produced especially for the festival by St Peter's Brewery.

There will also be a flower festival which runs in the church from tomorrow until Monday with a recycling theme, and all sorts of recyled objects have been incorporated into displays which have been produced by local organisations such as the primary school, youth club and Brownie pack.

During the afternoon a Miracle play, written by James Hollway, will be performed by a cast from Halesworth New Cut Arts Theatre. At 7pm a candlelight procession by the local children will start from the war memorial and proceed to the church, to be followed by a short ceremony based on the principle of tolerance in memory of John Noyes.

As darkness falls, two giant firebowls will be lit in the street and there will be fireworks followed by a dance to the sounds of blues, jazz and swing bands under cover on Church Plain, with events winding up at 1am.

There will also be a Songs of Praise for Tolerance service in the church at 6.30pm on Sunday when broadcaster and writer Libby Purves will give an address.

On the day of the festival, the High Street will be closed to traffic with diversions in place and parking available on the playing field.
Further information can be found on the website at www.laxfield-village.co.uk or via email to festival@laxfield-village.co.uk