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Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Tewkesbury’s annual Medieval Festival is the largest annual Medieval re-enactment which sees thousands of reenactors, entertainers and traders from all over Europe. It is a fantastic and unique day out for all the family – all with free admission.Tewkesbury Medieval FestivalThe reason for Tewkesbury’s Medieval Festival is to remember the victims of the Battle of Tewkesbury. On Saturday 4th May 1471 the Yorkists finally and conclusively won the throne of England in battle on a field in Tewkesbury. The main attraction is the re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury on part of the original 1471 battlefield. There are authentic medieval encampments for the whole weekend for the participants (including wives and children) to live as a medieval army.

The Medieval festival features a huge variety of period entertainment – which includes music, dance and drama (with a variety of characters from the past including barbers, surgeons, preachers and dragon keepers!); a medieval market (which has everything from a suit of armour or fabulous gown – to a pot of herbs or bag of sweets); there is a children’s activity area (with themed arts and crafts sessions); an exhibition tent (with displays from organisations specialising in different aspects of history) and a wide range of caters who supply high quality food and drink (including ale specially brewed for the occasion).

The Grand Parade sees lots of community groups and schools from Tewkesbury and the surrounding villages taking part. It is actively encouraged that those using mobility scooters or wheelchairs take part – even offering to run workshops to help transform them to fit in with the parade.

Tewkesbury is such a small town and a close-knit community and so it is no surprise that so many people turn out to support the Medieval Parade. Due to the small nature, however, it is advised that if you wish to stay over then you book as early as you can because accommodation fills up very quickly in Tewkesbury at this time of year.

Tewkesbury is also well located just off the M5, and near the M50 – with links to the Cotswolds as well as the rest of Gloucestershire. It would make a great place to plan a holiday if you were coming to see the Medieval Festival.


For more photos see my Tewkesbury Medieval Parade Facebook Album

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