THE day Plymouth became an independent city is being celebrated at Freedom Fields Park later in the month.

History In The Park – Freedom Day is taking place between 10am and 4pm at the park next to Lipson and St Judes on Saturday, September 19.

The Friends of Freedom Fields Park group, in collaboration with the charity MIND, is staging the day-long event to celebrate a 'very important time in Plymouth's history'.

Freedom Day dates back to 1440, when Plymouth gained independence as a city.

For many centuries the event was commemorated by the Freedom Day Festival, which took place between Lambert's Day on September 17 and Michaelmas on September 29.

Now, in 2009, Freedom Day returns to Plymouth at the park, where the festival once used to take place.

Organisers say the day will be fun-filled, with live folk music, storytelling and cooking demonstrations by chef Jacques Marchal.

There will also be guided history walks, a craft fair and Civil War re-enactors from the Sealed Knot group will be in attendance, setting up camp and offering visitors a colourful experience.

The name Freedom Park has most often been associated with the Civil War of 1642 to 1646 and the Battle of Freedom Fields, but the origins of the name can be traced back further, to the incorporation of the Borough of Plymouth in 1440.

Until that time the growing port had been subject to the rule of the priors of Plympton, but increasing dissatisfaction with that situation – fuelled by growing prosperity and a developing sense of a town identity – led to appeals to the Crown for self-government in 1411, and again in 1439.

The second petition was successful, resulting in an Act of Parliament in that year and the granting of a Royal Charter in 1440.

Plymouth was the first town in England to achieve municipal status by both Act of Parliament and Royal Charter,and from that date on the Freedom Day Festival was created.

Event organiser Jonathan Spurling said: "Plymouth has a tremendous amount of history and re-introducing Freedom Day is a great opportunity to allow people of all ages the chance to celebrate the birth of Plymouth as a city in an enjoyable and educating way.

"From the traditions of 1440 to the fashions of 2009, there will be something for everyone at the History in the Park – Freedom Day".