St George’s Day festivities returned with an exciting line-up
24 April 2023
- Record crowds attended
- New arena site due to popular number of visitors
- Free annual event featured on GB News
Tamworth’s Castle Grounds was packed with excited visitors on Saturday 22 April, for an amazing St George’s Day event.
The FREE annual festival is one of the highlights of Tamworth Borough Council’s impressive calendar of outdoor events and this year was also featured on the TV channel GB News!
Soaring numbers came on a lovely dry day, as estimated crowds of over 10,000 people enjoyed the medieval-themed fun and festivities on offer.
Families enjoyed free festival highlights at the extravaganza which included all the event favourites such as jousting, a living history camp, stalls, fairground rides and children’s activities.
Crowds were delighted to meet St George as he went into battle with the dragon Knight. This year visitors also met an animatronic Ice Dragon and White Walker, inspired by HBO’s award-winning series ‘Game of Thrones’ as they roamed around the Castle Grounds.
The Grand Medieval Joust was back by popular demand. Festival-goers watched the action unfold as St George competed with knights on horseback as they took to the main arena to show off their jousting skills. Due to popularity, to accommodate the crowds the event this year was held in the main Castle Grounds arena by the playground.
New for this year was an engaging storyteller with clever puppetry describing an Anglo-Saxon epic poem, ‘Beowulf’, in a small but perfectly formed adaption.
Other entertainment and activities for the whole family included displays, a medieval encampment, living history demonstrations evident during the period, a large array of traditional children’s games; plus refreshment stalls and a dedicated Children’s Zone organised this year organised by Hamsterzorb who supplied a land zorb.
Visitors took to social media throughout the day and afterwards to share their pictures and praise for the event:
Ronelle Bean said: “We thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you! It was great to see so many people in Tamworth!”
Alexander’s Learning Journal said: “Absolutely loved it! Lots of fun and learnt so much too! Thank you.”
Chris Wilkinson commented:” Attended today's St George's Extravaganza, THANK YOU to everyone involved for organising a great day, even the weather remained dry and warm!”
Anica Goodwin, Executive Director for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “What a fabulous day in the Castle Grounds. We were delighted that the weather was kind to us and it was amazing to see so many people enjoying themselves.
“The council’s teams work hard to ensure this event continues to live up to and even exceed expectations each year. It was great to welcome GB News to the grounds and see our wonderful town showcase on their TV news channel.
“A big thank you to everyone involved and to all the families who attended.
“Our next big outdoor event in the Castle Grounds will take place in just a couple of weekend’s time for The King’s Coronation event. Remember to bring your picnic lunch and head down on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May.”
