About Tewkesbury medieval festival

From a schools day to an exciting re-enactment we work on the week leading to the weekend and a few days after to craft one of Europe's biggest events, from entertainment to food and drink, to having a fun day out.

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been the high spot of Tewkesbury’s summer since 1983.

It is now widely regarded as the largest free medieval gathering of its kind in Europe, attracting re-enactors, traders, entertainers, and visitors from all over the world.

Its central feature is a spectacular re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury on part of the site of the original battle of 1471. Many of the participants including wives and children live as a medieval army in authentic encampments for the whole weekend.

It also features a wide range of period entertainment, including music, dance and drama as well as collection of fascinating characters from the past. These may include surgeons, preachers and even the odd dragon keeper.

There is a children’s activity area, with period based arts and craft sessions, and an exhibition tent with displays from organisations specialising in various aspects of history.

Our busy and colourful medieval market has everything from a suit of armour or a fabulous gown, to pot of herbs or bag of sweets on sale.

There are also associated events in the town, which is decorated with authentic medieval banners for the festival period.

Food and drink (including ale specially brewed for the occasion,) are widely available and best of all, despite its size and popularity, entry to Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is free, and its hard working volunteer directors are determined to keep it that way.

There is however a small charge for parking to help pay for our considerable costs.

The festival always takes place on the second FULL weekend in July.
Getting involved- You can help the festival survive and prosper.

It is run all year round by volunteers supplemented by a hard working crew for the setting up and running of the actual weekend.

We get very little by way of grants and sponsorship.

There are many ways you can get involved; if you live locally think about giving a hand, there are all kinds of practical jobs that need doing from keeping the books straight to sourcing materials, putting up advertising boards or helping with the practicalities of setting up what amounts to a small temporary town for the weekend, and of course clearing it all up afterwards. You may even have talents or skills that we have not thought about, but which prove very useful.

You could run a fund raising event for us, or if you are a local business person sponsor some part of the festival, with around 15,000 visitors you will certainly benefit, or how about donating, or giving us a discount any of the many items we need, which you may sell, or use in some way.