Battle of Evesham director looks to 2023 after 35,000 flock to re-enactment

Around 35,000 people flocked to the town for the Battle of Evesham last weekend.

Hundreds of re-enactors and knights on horseback entertained the crowds as they recreated the events of August 4, 1265, when Simon de Montfort and his rebels succumbed to the Royal Army of Prince Edward.

Festival director Mick Hurst believes it was the ‘biggest thing to ever happen’ in the town and is already looking ahead to 2023.

He said: “We aim to grow the festival year on year, limited only by the land we are able to use.

“Plans are afoot to increase the space, but we are close to the maximum number of re-enactors we can fit onto the riverside meadows we used this year.

“We had 500 re-enactors and 30 knights on war horses, plus 140 traders and entertainment.”

He added: “2023 will be even bigger and better, with more things to see and do, hopefully falconry and more dogs to add to the huge number of horses.

“The battle is now a firm favourite with re-enactors and each year more and more are wanting to take part.”

READ MORE: Battle of Evesham re-enactment beats the heat and is a major success

30 knights on war horses took part in the battle re-enactment

Next year, the festival will take place on August 5 and 6.

There is also more to look forward to in 2022, with the Medieval Banquet in October, followed by the Artisan Christmas Fayre on November 26 and 27.

PICTURES: 27 photos from the Battle of Evesham

While he is pleased to see guests enjoying themselves, Mr Hurst is hopeful that the popularity of the festival can inspire people to learn more about the historic event that inspired it, in which around 5,000 people were killed.

He said: “The Battle of Evesham is one of the most important battles in political history that has largely been forgotten – the education curriculum in England teaches bright young minds about the Battle of Hastings in 1066 then the War of the Roses in 1485, but misses out this thirteenth century Baron’s War that effected how parliaments around the World were formed.

“In fact, when the USA was formed both Simon de Montfort and Edward I (our Prince Edward) were both used as role models to help formulate the laws to govern the new Government.

“The Battle of Evesham festival is now the second largest high-medieval era battle re-enactment in Europe, second only to Tewkesbury.”

Anyone wanting to get involved in next year's festival can contact Mr Hurst on Mick@BattleofEvesham.co.uk.