KNIGHTS from all over the kingdom and far-off lands will be descending on Evesham this week for the start of Europe’s biggest 13th Century battle reenactment.
Organisers are expecting up to 60,000 people to visit over the Battle of Evesham Festival weekend, which commemorates the day that Simon de Montfort – the so-called father of democracy – was killed in a bloody fight near the town in 1265.
This year marks the 760th anniversary of the fateful day, and three days of medieval mayhem are set to entertain the masses with battle reenactments, living history demonstrations, talks, and musical entertainment.
The free event kicks off with a special tourney or tournament day on Friday, August 1, from 12 to 5 pm on Crown Meadow – a chivalric competition featuring armed combat.
In medieval times, barons, knights, and noble warriors would use the tourney to settle old scores, meet old friends, and make new ones. A lot of food and drink would be consumed, along with music, dance, and general debauchery.
The event will include music and dance, a display of mounted cavalry participating in combat games, and will finish with a falconry demonstration.
There will be over 100 artisan craft trader stalls open to browse with a broad selection of food and drink on offer.
Organiser Mick Hurst said: “This Friday’s tourney day will be a unique exploration of the medieval ‘sports day’ where champions were made, old scores would be settled, and new disputes would fester.
“There will be displays of one-on-one combat and tag-team group fighting, which will make for easier viewing for the visitor than the huge battles of Saturday and Sunday.
“It will be great fun for families to watch, and promises to provide a dramatic start to the Battle of Evesham anniversary special.”
The evening will draw to a close with a ticketed concert by AC/DC UK, Europe’s number one tribute band.
For more information and the full schedule of events and talks, visit Battle of Evesham website.
