Saxons set to invade Tamworth Castle Grounds in June for fun historical event

Aethelfest Saxon festival weekend 9-11 June Living history encampment in the Castle Grounds Special talks throughout the weekend from renowned authors and historians for Tamworth Castle visitors (general castle admission prices apply)

Saxons are set to take over the Castle Grounds in June with a packed weekend of themed activities for all ages to enjoy.

Tamworth Borough Council’s event, scheduled from Friday 9 June to Sunday 11 June, allows visitors to travel back in time and see what life was like as a Saxon centuries ago; think fires, battle and armour, pottery, heraldry, myths, legends, stories and archery.

The official opening of Aethelfest 2023 commences on the Friday evening in the Great Hall at the castle, with guest speaker David Stokes, author and Professor at Kingston University. This is a ticketed event priced at £5 including refreshments.

Tamworth, during the Saxon times, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, and one of the most powerful kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. The town’s rich history will be celebrated through various free fun workshops – from embroidery to coin making, to demonstrations of Saxon burial rites and many spectacular battle re-enactments. Plus, don’t miss live free music at the bandstand –grab refreshments from the Gatehouse, sit back and enjoy.

Expand your knowledge of Tamworth history and take your Saxon weekend experience to the next level by visiting the ancient castle and meeting Saxon living history characters. See items of the Staffordshire hoard, and learn about Aethelflaed, the incredible ‘Lady of the Mercians’ (Normal admission prices apply). 

The castle is also showcasing  a number of special talks throughout the weekend from renowned authors and historians including Annie Whitehead, Donald Williamson, MJ Porter, Tim Clarkson and David Stokes.

In addition, the castle is hosting a unique tasting event with The Mercia Spirit Lab featuring their special range of spirits including mead, whisky and Mercia gin.

Head to the castle website for more information and buy admission tickets: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/aethelfest.

Anna Miller, Tamworth Borough Council Assistant Director for Growth and Regeneration, said: “We’re really looking forward to this event as it’s a fantastic experience for everyone, old and young.

“These events are extremely popular in Tamworth as it gives people the chance to put themselves in the shoes of people that lived centuries ago, and the events aren’t only educational, but they’re filled with loads of fun activities and it makes for a great day out, too.

“It’s also an opportunity to visit Tamworth Castle and take in the history and traditions inside these walls as well as take pictures of the site. It’s an incredible structure which is definitely worth a visit. This year we have some renowned speakers and historians sharing their knowledge live demonstrations.”

The Castle Grounds is open all year round, with the Saxon weekend event running from 10am – 5pm on both days.