Organisers of Wellingborough’s Medieval Festival are predicting a “bigger and better” event this summer as more acts are confirmed to perform.
The free-to-attend family event will take place throughout the town centre on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th, July.
The re-enactors confirmed so far include Sir Nicholas de Cantilupe, the High Sherriff of Nottingham, Baron of Greasley and Lord of Ilkeston as well as expert wood carvers Dragan Wood Art and medieval musicians Squeake’s Noyse.
‘Hodges Aaaaaaargh’ from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels will also be bringing his forge to the festival and demonstrating the age-old techniques of working with hot metal to make useful tools and household items.
The event is being organised by the Wellingborough Business Improvement District (BID), a team tasked with bringing together retailers to encourage trade.
BID manager John Cable said: “History will be brought to life during the Medieval Festival as we aim to turn Wellingborough into a destination to help showcase our great town centre, which includes a wealth of independent traders, parkland, historic buildings and free parking.
“Last year’s Medieval Festival was spectacular, with thousands of people visiting Wellingborough town centre. We are hoping to build on the success and stage an even bigger and better event this summer.”
Wellingborough County Councillor Graham Lawman, who represents the town centre ward, helped to secure the event by providing a grant from Empowering Funds. He said: “Last year the Medieval Festival brought fun, joy and laughter to many people from Wellingborough and the surrounding area, as well as enabling people, young and old, to learn about the way of life in the middle ages, so I felt its continuation was essential and am proud to be able to support this year’s event.”
Activities will include sword training, dance displays and classes, stocks, ferret racing, falconry, a display of medieval food and short concerts will also be staged.
Last year youngsters got the chance to fire bows and crossbows, musicians performed songs and a camp was set up in Croyland Gardens, while Juggler extraordinaire Devilstick Peat and battle re-enactments also entertained the crowds.