Program of events and activities

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival includes a huge re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury, featuring around 2000 warriors, including knights in full armour, gunners, with cannon and hand guns, archers, with the traditional English Longbow, and men at arms with swords, spears and other weapons of the period, all brought to life with a lively and informed commentary, and taking place on part of the site of the original battle of 1471.


The battle in full swing

When not fighting many of them will be living for the weekend as soldiers on the march, sleeping in authentic medieval tents, eating food of the period, cooked over open fires in copies of medieval pots and pans, and preparing for the battle as they would have done in 1471.

Many of the traders on our market are just as authentic, dressed 15th century traders, they use well researched skills to do everything from making swords and armour, to preparing ginger bread and hand stitching beautiful gowns and colourful tunics.


Medieval entertainer

Outside of the battlefield

Throughout the summer the main streets of Tewkesbury are decorated with banners displaying the arms of some of those who fought in the battle and the event co-incides with the town's entry into The Heart of England in Bloom. Look out too for colourful floral displays and specially decorated windows.

A number of events connected with the festival also take place in the town. Notably the parade including the Colchester Watch, with their Mayor and ours mustering in the Black Bear at ten to march to the site, our tithe collectors will be demanding money of the traders. Throughout the weekend the Little Museum, in Church Street, becomes home to Lord Burgh's Retinue, who welcome visitors.

Supported by

  • The Nottingham Arms