AN Evesham event giving visitors the chance to take a trip back in time attracted more than 20,000 visitors at the weekend.
The Medieval Market took over Evesham’s Market Square, All Saint’s Church Grounds, St Lawrence’s Church, The Evesham Abbey Ruins and the top of Abbey Park with plenty of fun activities for people to enjoy.
There was a hugely popular display of living history, arms and armour, covering the entire high-medieval period (1066-1485).
More than 120 re-enactors representing life in each century, from Vikings to the War of the Roses, camped on-site for the full weekend and put on arms displays in violent but entertaining clashes throughout the day.
And on Sunday, pin-up grey-stallion, King, and his owner-rider Philip dressed up in their Simon de Montfort armour and livery and rode through the market stalls.
They were guided by armed knights from Evesham’s own re-enactment group, The House of the Twin Tailed Lion, created to represent de Montfort’s personal household at the main battle in August, but now travel the country to perform at medieval shows and re-enactments.
The market attracted more than 130 traders from Germany, Scotland, Wales and throughout England – including many local artisan traders and 30 local community and charities.
The event was raising money for the popular Battle of Evesham festival later in the summer.
Mick Hurst, event founder and director said: “As far as we can tell this is the largest event ever to be held in Evesham town centre and equals the main Battle of Evesham Festival, this year to be held on August 4 -6.
“The Medieval Market was set up in 2020 as a small support event to raise funds for the expanding Battle Festival, but it now has a character and life of its own, attracting visitors from all over the UK to the medieval heart of Evesham.
"I spoke to several families who had travelled over two hours just to come to the market, which shows if you have something attractive put the hard work into planning and promotion – you can attract many people to our historic town centre, bringing vital footfall and trade to our local retailers.
“With the continued support of our town council, Wychavon District Council and permissions to use the land from All Saints Church, Churches Conservation Trust and Evesham Abbey Trust - we are already planning next year’s market.
READ MORE: Evesham Medieval Market at Abbey Park this weekend
“The medieval market or main battle festival would never take place without the fantastic group of local volunteers who give up their time to help run these events, we are all aiming to put Evesham on the map and, deservedly become a major tourism destination.
“I hope more residents and businesses in Evesham will think that these medieval events help redefine the town into a vibrant historic riverside market town and want to get involved.”
Anyone wanting to get involved in next year’s event, being held between May 20 and 21, can contact Mr Hurst by email mick@battleofevesham.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here