ORGANISERS of the Battle of Evesham Festival have announced a host of major attractions and additions to this summer’s event which is being mooted as the ‘best yet’.
The action-packed weekend at the beginning of August has been extended from two to three days to commemorate 760 years since the historic battle in 1265 and feature even more elements to entertain and educate visitors at Crown and Corporation Meadows.
What is billed as Europe’s largest 13th Century battle re-enactment will see a second demonstration arena, siege warfare attacking an 18ft model of Kenilworth Castle, a separate town centre war games convention, and new 500-seater presentation pavilion for academic and author talks.
Instead of the festival closing to the public at 5pm as in previous years, on Saturday afternoon a 40-piece orchestra will perform music from medieval movies and the day will end in an evening of traditional foot stomping with folk band The Old Time Sailors.
Top of the bill in the presentation pavilion is well-loved actor, author, TV presenter, and podcaster Tony Robinson. Best-known for playing the turnip-brained Baldrick who always had a ‘cunning plan’ in the iconic show Blackadder, Tony will give an entertaining talk about his favourite subject – ‘our cunning history’ on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Organiser Mick Hurst said: “This year’s event has been six years in the planning and will culminate in this anniversary special. It’s going to be the biggest thing that has ever happened in Evesham.
“Hopefully, it will really improve understanding of the battle and the effects it has had on politics worldwide and encourage people to take more interest in our beautiful town.
He added that one of the key aims of the festival is to help transform Evesham into a world-class historic destination.
“We have so many iconic buildings that have suffered neglect over the last few years so we are trying to instill a sense of pride in our built heritage that builds the foundations of the town as a major tourist attraction.
“This would boost the whole Vale area economically and bring new hospitality businesses and shops to the town centre. We could then begin to see Evesham on a par with Stratford, Lincoln or other historic destinations.”
The annual festival which attracted around 40,000 visitors in 2024, commemorates the defeat of rebel baron Simon de Montfort but celebrates the survival of his representative parliament – the House of Commons.
It runs from August 1 to 3 and features a living history medieval camp with live demonstrations of cookery and weapons, a grand parade of knights through the town centre plus the main battle reenactments.
A park-and-ride scheme operating from Evesham United Football Club is also launching this year.
Tickets for the talks and music events are available to purchase online.
See battleofevesham.co.uk for more details on this and other special events.
