The year 2024 has several medieval-themed events that are scheduled to take place during the Spring, Summer, and even Autumn months, including England’s Medieval Festival (the largest in the UK), Medieval Banquet Night, and Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre.
So, let’s see what these events are like and how you can attend!
Hang On... What Is a Medieval Festival?
A Medieval Festival, also referred to as a Rennaissance Fair or Medieval Fayre, is an event that seeks to recreate and celebrate aspects of medieval life, culture, and history. These festivals typically feature a variety of activities, entertainment, and attractions inspired by the Middle Ages.
In terms of things to do, here are some examples of what you might encounter when you attend a medieval festival:
- Costumed performers: Participants and performers often dress in elaborate period costumes, portraying knights, nobles, peasants, artisans, and other characters from medieval society.
- Historical reenactments: Festivals may include reenactments of medieval battles, jousting tournaments, and other historical events, providing a glimpse into the martial traditions and chivalric customs of the era.
- Craft demonstrations: Artisans and craftsmen demonstrate traditional medieval crafts and skills such as blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, and woodworking, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about historical craftsmanship firsthand.
- Musical performances: Medieval music and dance are often featured at festivals, with performances by minstrels, troubadours, and other musicians playing traditional instruments such as lutes, harps, and drums.
- Feasting and food: Food stalls and vendors offer a variety of medieval-inspired fare, including roasted meats, hearty stews, freshly baked bread, and sweet treats such as pastries and pies. Visitors can indulge in a feast fit for a medieval banquet.
- Educational activities: Interactive exhibits, workshops, and educational talks provide insight into various aspects of medieval life, including architecture, medicine, agriculture, and more.
And Why Do People Attend Fayres?
Medieval Festivals offer a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and experiences of the Middle Ages.
From sampling delicious food and drinks to browsing unique crafts and artisanal products, fayres provide opportunities for leisure, exploration, and discovery. Additionally, as we have covered above, they often feature live music, performances, and interactive exhibits that appeal to people of all ages and interests.
So, no matter if you’re seeking a fun day out with family and friends, supporting local businesses and artisans, or simply embracing the festive spirit, attending a medieval fair promises a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Best Medieval Fairs in the UK In 2024
From bustling marketplaces to thrilling jousting tournaments and historical reenactments, medieval fairs have the ability to transport us back to the world of the Middle Ages. So, here are my favourites to attend this year.
All images courtesy of their respective festival websites.
#1: England's Medieval Festival
- Date: August Bank Weekend (24, 25 & 26 August 2024)
- Location: The King’s Grove, Pippingford, East Sussex
This festival is the largest medieval themed event in the UK, featuring activities such as Knights Jousting, Daily Battles and Artillery Displays, Grand Parade, Falconry, Archery Tournament, Craftsmen and Traders, Kids Kingdom, Minstrels, Magicians, Jesters, and more. Visitors can enjoy medieval-style food and beverages while experiencing a variety of performances throughout the day and evening.
Approximate prices (at the time of writing this article):
- Weekend Adult Ticket: £145
- Weekend Student: £135
- Weekend Child: £62 (under 4s Free)
> More info: http://www.englandsmedievalfestival.com/
#2: Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre
- Date: Saturday 27th April – Sunday 28th April 2024.
- Location: Main Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey.
The Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre is an annual event held at the historic Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset, England. This vibrant fayre celebrates the rich medieval history and heritage of the abbey and the surrounding area, offering visitors a captivating journey back in time to the Middle Ages.
During the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre, attendees can immerse themselves in a wide range of medieval-themed activities, entertainment, and attractions. From historical reenactments and living history displays to artisanal crafts, traditional music, and period-inspired food and drink, the fayre offers a delightful mix of experiences for visitors of all ages.
Approximate prices (at the time of writing this article):
- Adult Tickets: £15
- Weekend Adult Tickets: £22.50
- Child Tickets: £10
- Weekend Child Tickets: £15
> More info: https://www.glastonburyabbey.com/whats-on/special-events/glastonbury-abbey-medieval-fayre-4.php
#3: Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
- Date: Saturday 13th July – Sunday 14th April 2024.
- Location: A38 Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury
The Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is one of the largest and most renowned medieval events in the UK, held annually in the historic town of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. This two-day festival transports visitors back in time to the 15th century, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and experiences of medieval life.
The highlight of the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is its spectacular reenactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury, which took place in 1471 during the Wars of the Roses. Hundreds of reenactors from across the country come together to recreate this pivotal moment in history, complete with authentic weaponry, armor, and battle tactics. The battle reenactment is a thrilling spectacle that draws thousands of spectators each year, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval warfare and chivalry.
Approximate prices (at the time of writing this article):
- FREE. parking £10 (Blue Badge £5)
> More info: https://www.visittewkesbury.info/whats-on/tewkesbury-medieval-festival-2024/
#4: Battle of Evesham Medieval Festival
- Date: Saturday 3rd August – Monday 5th August 2024.
- Location: Crown Meadow, Evesham
The Battle of Evesham Medieval Festival commemorates one of the most significant battles of the medieval period, the Battle of Evesham, which took place in 1265 during the Second Barons’ War in England. The festival, held annually in the town of Evesham, Worcestershire, brings history to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and activities that immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of medieval England.
Central to the festival is the dramatic reenactment of the Battle of Evesham itself, where skilled reenactors portray the clash between forces loyal to King Henry III and those led by Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. Spectators can witness the thunder of hooves, the clash of weapons, and the pageantry of medieval warfare, offering a vivid insight into this pivotal moment in English history.
In addition to the battle reenactment, the Battle of Evesham Medieval Festival features a variety of attractions and entertainment for visitors of all ages. The festival grounds are transformed into a bustling medieval encampment, where artisans, craftsmen, and traders showcase their wares, including handmade crafts, historical clothing, and authentic medieval goods.
Approximate prices (at the time of writing this article):
- Suggested donation of £2 per person.
> More info: https://www.battleofevesham.co.uk/
#5: Easter Medieval Festival at Arundel
- Date: Friday 29th March – Sunday 31st March 2024.
- Location: Arundel Castle, Arundel
The Easter Medieval Festival at Arundel Castle is a captivating annual event that transports visitors back in time to the medieval era, offering a rich tapestry of history, entertainment, and immersive experiences. Held at the majestic Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England, this festival celebrates the heritage and traditions of the Middle Ages in a picturesque and enchanting setting.
At the Easter Medieval Festival, visitors can expect to step into a world of knights, ladies, and minstrels as they explore the castle grounds and witness a variety of medieval-themed activities and attractions. One of the highlights of the festival is the thrilling jousting tournaments, where armored knights compete in feats of skill and valor, showcasing the chivalric customs and martial prowess of the medieval period.
In addition to the jousting tournaments, the Easter Medieval Festival features a diverse array of entertainment options, including live music, dance performances, theatrical presentations, and historical reenactments. Visitors can wander through the bustling medieval encampments, where artisans, craftsmen, and traders ply their wares, offering handmade crafts, period clothing, and authentic medieval goods.
Approximate prices (at the time of writing this article):
- Adult ticket (to Castle, Gardens & Bedrooms): £29
- Child: £12
- Family: £70
> More info: https://www.arundelcastle.org/event/medieval-festival/
