A MEDIEVAL banquet with minstrels and dancing was certainly no washout despite the impact of a violent storm which led to the closure of roads and schools across Worcestershire.

Last Saturday’s Storm Babet failed to put the wind up the guests after they determined to spend a fun evening in Evesham. 

Over 140 costumed characters blew into town for a night of 'medieval merriment and jovial japes' in All Saints Church, a medieval location in the heart of Evesham.

Evesham Journal: FEAST: The banquet is a vital fundraiser for the Battle of Evesham Festival in August and Storm Babet failed to spoil the fun FEAST: The banquet is a vital fundraiser for the Battle of Evesham Festival in August and Storm Babet failed to spoil the fun (Image: The Battle of Evesham and supporters)

Mick Hurst, director of the Battle of Evesham, said: "To help guests get into the spirit, each banqueteer had been given a real name from medieval history, a King, Queen, Princes, Baron, Knight or other famous person, as their ticket place names.

"Some of the outstandingly outfitted guests had travelled from as far afield as Durham, Kent and Devon for five hours of high-energy entertainment and a four-course authentic medieval meal provided by the Battle of Evesham team.

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"One banqueteer flew over from Australia for the evening in Evesham for his son, Andrew’s 25th birthday – they both had a great time. As did sisters Lucy and Sally who celebrated their 72nd and 74th birthdays, one on Saturday and the other Sunday. They were in prime position to enjoy the sword fighting, the stocks, mistrals and medieval dancing that took place throughout the evening.

The food was superb, with a massive whole salmon served per table, roast boar, and chicken along with medieval soup, side dishes and puddings."

The Battle of Evesham organiser and volunteers host this annual extravaganza to help raise funds in support of the now huge, self-funded and free-to-enter Battle of Evesham Re-enactment Festival in August.

This is just one of the four major Evesham events based around the town’s history and heritage. Next is the Evesham Christmas Artisan Fayre on November 25 and 26.

Many of the banqueteers have vowed to come back next year on the 19th October 2024 and already half the tickets have been sold.

The remaining tickets are now up for grabs at £45 per person. More information and tickets can be found on: www.battleofevesham.co.uk click on banquet.