Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Thousands turn out for medieval festival
14 July 2008
Gloucestershire Echo


Thousands of people attended the re-enactment of one of the country's most important battles as Tewkesbury Medieval Festival celebrated its 25th year. More than 2,500 re-enacters donned chain mail at Lincoln Green Lane on Saturday and yesterday to restage the Battle of Tewkesbury, which effectively ended the Wars of the Roses in 1471. Thousands of people gathered to watch the battle and take in the medieval atmosphere at stalls selling items such as bows and arrows, pewter jewellery and period costume.

The festivities kicked off with a procession through the town centre to mark its 25th anniversary. Although the weather threatened the event, Saturday's rain failed to stop the crowds enjoying a family weekend celebrating English culture and history.

Simon Favell De Montford-Broughton led the Yorkist troops into battle as King Edward IV not once, but twice, on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. He said: "It's great fun to come to events like this and take part in the re-enactments, and it's great to see people who are interested in history or just like to have a nice day out wandering around and enjoying what's on offer."

Visitors could try their hand at longbow shooting and archery and there were displays of falconry and jousting. The Palmer family - Nigel, 53, Helen, 44, Dee, 17, and Myles, 15 - of Cirencester, were visiting for the first time. Helen said: "It's a great family day out and we've had a really good time. We have been watching jousting and we'll definitely see the battle later on. I can't believe we've missed this in previous years, but it's great fun and we're really glad we've come along."

Festival director Peggy Clatworthy said it had been a successful weekend. She said: "It's an important part of our history and we in Tewkesbury are lucky to have such an important site of English history near to our town. It's a wonderful atmosphere and we're all delighted with how it's gone."

Simon Williams and his six year-old daughter Mathilda, from Cheltenham, were admiring the period costumes. He said: "Mathilda's very interested in dressing up so she has been running from costume stall to costume stall. It's a really good event. It's the first time I've been along but I'd definitely come back."