Medieval Festivals 2008

Experience first-hand the colourful past of 1066 Country with a series of Medieval Festivals to take you back in time.

Herstmonceux Medieval Festival:
Saturday 23 and Monday 25 August

Herstmonceux Medieval Festival is Britain's largest three-day celebration of the Middle Ages.

More than 1,000 knights, bowmen and men-at-arms will lay siege to the Castle in England's largest medieval battle with full cannon support.

Activities and entertainments for the whole family include mounted skill-at-arms tournaments, falconry displays, longbow competition, have a go archery, archery displays, puppeteers, jesters, strolling minstrels, Europe's largest Medieval traders row, fabulous craft stalls, Living History encampments, kids' kingdom, hog roast and historic walled gardens.

Bodiam Castle Medieval Weekend:
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August

Various displays at Bodiam Castle throughout the day including Skills at Arms on horseback, working trebuchet siege engine, medieval food, fighting techniques and have a go archery between 11am-4pm

The Battle of Hastings:
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October

Held at Battle Abbey, this yearly celebration of the battle that changed Britain is one of the largest annual re-enactments in the country.

Experience the tension and atmosphere of medieval battle as 200 soldiers clash on the original battlefield. Soak up Saxon life as you walk through the living history encampments and authentic medieval market with its displays of unusual wares. Discover how to make chain mail and there is an entertaining look at the Bayeux tapestry, involving a washing line and puppets! Marvel at the skill of medieval falconry and enjoy music from the time.