A POPULAR medieval festival enjoyed by 80,000 people has won its spurs after it was crowned the best in Worcestershire at a tourism awards ceremony.
The year’s ‘Best Festival/Event of 2023/4 was handed to the Battle of Evesham committee at Visit Worcestershire's annual Tourism Awards ceremony during a 'knight out' at Ombersley Court last Friday.
Described as 'a glitzy black-tie event' by the winners, it was the public vote that secured the Battle of Evesham against some prestigious competition, including RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Broadway Arts Festival, Pershore Plum Festival and several Worcester-based events.
Started in 2018 as an annual festival, the Battle of Evesham suite of events now attracts an estimated 80,000 visitors to the heart of Evesham each year, bringing to life the courtesy and carnage of a bygone age. The battle is often considered one of the earliest birth pangs of democracy.
The Battle of Evesham was fought on August 4, 1265 and was one of the two main battles of England's Second Barons' War. It ended with the defeat of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and the rebellious barons by the future King Edward I, who led the forces of his father, King Henry III.
The popular festival, which is free to enter, is held on the meadows by the River Avon and involves a recreation of the battle in 1265, bringing together re-enactors from across the country and from abroad.
Founder and Director of the Battle of Evesham, Mick Hurst said: “From the beginning I saw the huge potential in the largely untold story of Simon de Montfort’s defeat by Prince Edward here in Evesham – one of the most important battles in political history.
"However, even I have been taken back by the growth of the festival and the interest shown around the World. We now have families from the USA, Australia and Europe planning holidays in South Worcestershire, based around the Battle of Evesham after seeing the events posted on Facebook.
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“This August we expect 700 re-enactors to descend on Evesham from all over Europe to portray life of the thirteenth century, along with 20 Knights on warhorses, a trebuchet, archery and cavalry demonstrations, plus medieval dancing and musicians – all providing a full weekend of medieval mayhem and fun for all the family. There are 160 trade stalls offering artisan crafts, fabulous food and drink, and even swords and armour to buy if you fancy becoming a knight!”
“It is important that the Battle of Evesham remains free to enter, so families of any means can enjoy the weekend and learn about Evesham’s history and heritage. Gaining such as prestigious award will hopefully help leverage sponsorship from companies who see the value that the festival brings to the whole of South Worcestershire. As the costs to put on the event skyrockets each year, it’s future depends on very welcome grants and sponsorship and I would love to speak to anyone who wants to get involved.”
The next fundraising event is the Medieval Market and High-Medieval Living History Camp, covering the period from 1066 to 1485, held on May 18 and 19.
Visitors can come and meet Vikings and see how arms, armour and living history developed right up to the War of the Roses and their fully plate-armoured knights.
Mr Hurst said: “This is another free-to-enter event but based in the ruins of Evesham Abbey and the twin Medieval Churches (one of which has 30 stands inside).”
“There are around 100 trade stalls to browse as well as the 140+ re-enactors performing for your entertainment and education”.
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