THE AWARD-WINNING Battle of Evesham festival drew record crowds over the weekend to witness hundreds of 13th Century medieval reenactors fight it out ‘to the death’ on the banks of the River Avon.
Exactly 759 years to the day when one of the most important political battles in the county’s history took place, knights on horseback once more galloped across Crown Meadow and men-at-arms fought in hand-to-hand combat.
The weekend started with a grand parade through the town centre ending at Abbey Park for a commemoration service. Participants included more than 700 re-enactors from all over Europe as well as town dignitaries and 30 local mayors in their regalia.
As well as being entertained by several spectacular battle reenactments, visitors could also browse stalls at an artisan craft fayre and medieval market, as well as learn about life in the 1200s at a living history camp.
There was period music and dancing, archery, longbow and trebuchet displays as well as a ‘poor to posh’ 13th Century fashion show.
Return visitors John and Jan Willis came from Swindon to enjoy the festival.
John said: “We love this. It’s so well attended, everyone loves what they are doing – it’s just a happy time, such a fantastic event.
“This puts Evesham on the map, there is no doubt about it. People know about it as the town where the re-enactment takes place. You can’t get better than that.”
Event director Mick Hurst, said: “The Battle of Evesham for 2024 has been a spectacular success. We estimate over 40,000 people attended over the two days, the sun shone, everyone was happy and said they had had a really good time. Even the re-enactors died happily.
“I’d like to make sure that everyone knows about next year – the 760th anniversary – because that is going to be even bigger. We’re already planning it and it’s going to be an amazing sight.”
The 2025 Battle of Evesham is set for August 2 to 3. See battleofevesham.co.uk for details.
