ONE of Evesham's and South Worcestershire's 'biggest' events is making a return and it's bringing an international audience to the town.

The Battle of Evesham Festival, Europe's largest 13th century battle re-enactment will be happening on August 3 and 4. 

Festival organisers have said that this year's event will have a 'record turnout'. 

Mick Hurst, director for the Battle of Evesham said: "The festival will have up to 700 reenactors, which is a record for the event, including 20 knights on horseback. 

"We will also have over 150 trade stalls, artisan, crafts, food and drink as well as medieval traders, we are all really excited, it's the biggest event in the Vale of Evesham and South Worcestershire.

"2022 was our record year with around 35,000 visitors, but if the weather is kind and sunny we are hoping to break that record. 

"It's a free-to-enter event and hopefully families from all backgrounds will be able to enjoy a bright, colourful, and entertaining day out."

The festival will be mainly held in Crown Meadow, but activities and attractions will be held across Evesham including at The Almonry, St Lawrence's Church and Market Square.

In May, Evesham hosted The Battle of Evesham Medieval Market which drew over 30,000 visitors to the town. 

Mr Hurst continued: "We host four events throughout the year and this is our biggest, our team and our volunteers all work really hard to put these events on for the town. 

"I contacted the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and asked them what events like ours bring to the local economy and they said it brought an average of £37.50 per person. 

"We bring around 80,000 visitors each year and that adds up to over a £3 million boost for the local economy."

The Battle of Evesham festival's activities will be happening between 10am and 5pm on both days. 

Mr Hurst said: "When we started annual events in 2018, we had around 10,000 visitors which was amazing. 

"We have had visitors from as far away as America and Australia. 

"One of our main aims has been to turn around the fortune of Evesham and I think we have done that. 

"The Battle of Evesham aims to give worldwide exposure for the town and hopes to make it a must-go destination for people visiting the Cotswolds and Shakespeare."