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Step Back in Time at the East Sussex Living History Festival
**August Bank Holiday Weekend**
**Early bird tickets now on sale – offer ends 30 June**
Visitors are invited to experience the East Sussex Living History Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration of the past set within the stunning moated grounds of Michelham Priory. Now in its fifth year, the festival promises its biggest and most immersive event yet, featuring hundreds of reenactors, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, entertainment, and historical encampments across the site.
History Brought Vividly to Life
Extensive living history encampments will bring centuries of history into focus, from the early medieval period through to the Tudor age. Visitors can wander through bustling camps, meet historical interpreters, and discover what everyday life may have looked like between the 10th and 16th centuries.
Throughout the weekend, combat demonstrations will showcase the skill, strategy, and intensity of historical warfare, offering a dramatic insight into battlefield life across the ages.
Entertainment Across the Weekend
The festival will feature a packed programme of performances and interactive displays, including:
* Devilstick Peat, returning with his world-famous blend of comedy, circus skills, and chaos, performing two shows daily alongside hands-on circus workshops in his jester's encampment
* Gallyard Tudor Dancers, bringing colour and energy on Saturday and Sunday with lively Tudor dance performances and opportunities for audience participation
* Anderida Border Morris and Mythago Morris, adding rhythm and tradition with vibrant Morris dancing displays on Monday
* Regular combat displays and living history demonstrations throughout the weekend
Step Into the Medieval World
Alongside the encampments and performances, visitors can explore a bustling medieval-style market and soak up the atmosphere of a working historical festival site.
New for this year, the Sunne in Splendoure Tavern will offer a fully licensed bar set within the heart of the festival.
Hands-On Activities for All Ages
There will be plenty for visitors to get involved with throughout the weekend, including:
* Traditional blacksmithing workshops
* Axe throwing
* A dedicated Knight's Training Ground for children
* Craft demonstrations including calligraphy and scribery
* Displays exploring medieval medicine, religious practice, cooking over open fires, and chainmail and weapon-making
Whether exploring, learning, or taking part, the East Sussex Living History Festival offers a full weekend of discovery, storytelling, and immersive historical adventure for all ages.
| Season (29 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Saturday - Monday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
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