Tewkesbury Medieval Festival & Battle Re-Enactment

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been the high spot of Tewkesbury's summer since 1983. It is now widely regarded as the largest medieval gathering of its kind in Europe, and attracts re-enactors, traders and entertainers, and visitors from all over the world. The battle itself starts at 4pm on Saturday, lasting roughly an hour.

Its central attraction is a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury, on part of the site of the original 1471 battlefield. Many of the participants including wives and children live as a medieval army in authentic medieval encampments for the whole weekend. It also features a wide range of period entertainment, including music, dance and drama as well as collection of fascinating characters from the past. These may include surgeons, preachers and even the odd dragon keeper.

The event features a wide range of period entertainment, including music, dance and drama as well as a collection of fascinating characters from the past. These may include barber surgeons, preachers and even the odd dragon keeper.

There is a children's activity area, with period based arts and craft sessions, and an exhibition tent with displays from organisations specialising in different aspects of history.

Our busy and colourful medieval market has everything from a suit of armour or a fabulous gown, to pot of herbs or bag of sweets on sale. There are also associated events in the town, which is decorated with authentic medieval banners for the festival period.

Food and drink (including ale specially brewed for the occasion,) are widely available and best of all, despite its size and popularity, entry to Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is free, and it hard working volunteer directors are determined to keep it that way.

Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is an ancient settlement at the meeting of the rivers Severn and Avon. The surrounding rivers and flood plain have prevented the old town from expanding so that its long thin profile has hardly altered since the middle ages. Tewkesbury presents one of the best medieval townscapes in England with its fine half-timbered Tudor buildings, overhanging upperstoreys and ornately carved doorways. Tewkesbury is renowned as having one of the best medieval black and white townscapes in the country and has much to delight the visitor. Discover the hidden charms along narrow alleyways where the eaves of crooked timber buildings nearly touch or take a leisurely cruise along the river. Tewkesbury is dominated by the 12th-century Abbey. Known to some as the 'Westminster Abbey' of the feudal barony, this beautiful building has the highest Norman tower in England as well as rich architecture and artistic heritage. Also here are the fascinating John Moore Countryside Museum, the Town Museum and the Old Baptist Chapel.

Depart for home approx. 17.30