THE Battle of Evesham event has been crowned Worcestershire’s best festival at the county’s annual tourism awards.
Up against some tough competition including RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Broadway Arts Festival, Pershore Plum Festival and more, The Battle of Evesham made history as winner’s at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards.
The festival’s committee were ‘thrilled’ to invade the stage at Ombersley Court’s glitzy black-tie event last Friday (March 15) to accept their award, in front of the cream of Worcestershire’s tourism industry.
Founder and Director of the Battle of Evesham, Mick Hurst said: “From the beginning I saw the huge potential in the largely untold story of one of the most important battles in political history – Simon de Montfort’s defeat by Prince Edward here in Evesham.
“However, even I have been taken back by the growth of the festival and the interest shown around the world.
“We now have families from the USA, Australia and Europe planning holidays in South Worcestershire, after seeing the events posted on Facebook.”
The Battle of Evesham started in 2018 as an annual festival of events and now attracts an estimated 80,000 visitors to the town.
This year, in August, the festival expects 700 re-enactors from all over Europe to descend on Evesham’s Crown Meadow to portray life in the thirteenth century.
Among the re-enactment will be 20 knights on warhorses, a trebuchet, archery and cavalry demonstrations and medieval dancing and musicians.
There will be 160 trade stalls offering artisan crafts, food and drink, and even swords and armour to buy if you fancy becoming a knight.
Mick said: “Gaining such as prestigious award will hopefully help leverage sponsorship from companies who see the value that the festival brings to the whole of South Worcestershire.
“As the costs to put on the event skyrockets each year, it’s future depends on very welcome grants and sponsorship and I would love to speak to anyone who wants to get involved.”
The festival’s next fundraising events are the Medieval Market featuring 100 trade stalls and 140+ re-enactors, alongside the High-Medieval Living History Camp, where visitors can learn what life was like from 1066 to 1485.
Both fundraising events take place on May 18 and 19 at Evesham Abbey.
“It is important that the Battle of Evesham remains free to enter, so families of any means can enjoy the weekend and learn about Evesham’s history and heritage,” added Mick.
All of The Battle of Evesham events, including fundraisers, are free to attend.
Visit https://www.battleofevesham.co.uk/ for more information.
