Marlborough boasts the second-widest High Street in Britain and was once under control of William the Conqueror. In 1204 King John granted Charter to the Borough which permitted an annual eight-day fair, commencing on 14 August, the vigil of the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. He also established that weekly markets may be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These continue to this day.
Every summer the town holds a jazz festival with local pubs, clubs, hotels and various other venues playing host to live jazz music over the course of a weekend.