England's Medieval Festival 25th Anniversary Family Events

A magical weekend experience. Step back in time, and immerse yourself in the spectacular sights, sounds and setting of the past!

‘Step back in time and join the fun’

The fairy tale setting of Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex plays host to over 15,000 visitors every August Bank Holiday weekend who immerse themselves in the wonderful sights, sounds and spectacle of England’s Medieval Festival. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, this hugely popular annual event is the most authentic of its kind in the UK, and an unforgettable way to discover the magic of history.
From the moment of arrival, visitors step back in time and enjoy an array of dazzling demonstrations. Realistic battle re-enactments, thrilling jousting by the Knights of Camelot, magnificent grand parades, highly-skilled displays of falconry, music, dance and even a hilarious Mud Show. There’s plenty of opportunity to join the fun too, with have-a-go archery, jousting, sword school, drum school, plus workshops for all ages, including chainmail, calligraphy, wood-weaving, blacksmith-forging and many other traditional arts and crafts.
Wizards, jesters, knights, dragons and princesses delight the kids, while the living history village offers the chance to see what it would really have been like to live in the Middle Ages. Traditional musicians join a music line-up of foot-stomping folk bands who party like its ‘999’ at the Buxom Wench Tavern. Real ale, traditional mead and medieval eats are available alongside delicious cuisine for all the family, and kids of all ages adore the moonlit cinema showing castle themed classics.
With so much to see and do, many guests opt for camping and medieval glamping, or even the onsite B&B in the magnificent castle grounds. Weekend guests enjoy a sparkling array of evening entertainment, including live music, performance, storytelling, medieval star-gazing and a magical torch-lit parade each night.
Day tickets and tickets to the splendid medieval banquet are also available. The festival hosts several weddings, blessings and traditional hand-fasting celebrations over the weekend, and to celebrate the 25th anniversary, any couples also celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary can come to the festival for FREE!!

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