Thousands experience life in Anglo-Saxon Mercia with Saxon entertainment at Tamworth Castle Grounds during weekend

The shades were out as families enjoyed a sunny and exciting day of battles and Anglo-Saxon activities as part of the Saxon Weekender event in the stunning Tamworth Castle Grounds.

Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team were delighted to see an estimated crowd of over 6,000 people having fun during the double-header event on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19.

The event was put on to celebrate the opening of the £768,000 Anglo-Saxon-themed Battle and Tribute exhibition that launched at Tamworth Castle earlier this year – which contains a mead hall, an immersive combat film experience and a touch-table strategy game.

People from Tamworth, and surrounding areas, enjoyed thrilling activities such as the skirmishes, the Saxon encampment, the recreation of the siege of Tamworth from 873-874 AD and a main battle between Saxon and Viking re-enactors.

Visitors even got to see a ‘training circle’ where warriors gave them a run-through of fighting tactics, a weapons display showcasing the different arsenal in their armoury, and kids got to experience a kiddie vike – where children had the opportunity to engage with the re-enactors.

Tamworth’s youngsters also got involved in the event through designing a shield wall, containing hundreds of shields, which was displayed around the bottom of the castle, at the top of the motte.

Adey Ramsel, Theatre, Artistic and Events Manager, said: “We’re really proud to have had the chance to put on an event of this scale over this past weekend and the turnout from the people of Tamworth was absolutely incredible.

“It was great to see everyone come down to the Castle Grounds, enjoy a part of our history and get involved in the activities. It was a fantastic memorable event.”

Wars and battles weren’t the only experience guests got to indulge in; the grand event gave people a first-hand perspective of what life in the town would have been like during the Anglo-Saxon period through putting on war gear, learning how to use weapons and shown how objects of the time worked.

Cllr Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “My kids loved the event, as did so many other children who had the opportunity to dress up as Saxon warriors and take part in their own battles against invading Vikings.

“It was great to see so many people out and about not just in the Castle Grounds but also the town centre as a whole. 

“This was another event that showed Tamworth is well and truly open. It’s a great place to visit with lots going on and it’s something we’re hoping to continue to demonstrate going forward.”

The response to the Saxon Weekender event has been great, and visitors have since taken to social media to praise it.

In a message on Facebook, Lynsey Rawbone said: “We went this morning and it was great.”

Mark Loughton, added: “The day took a turn for the worse with the Viking victory. Better luck tomorrow ye Saxons!! #GoSaxons.”

Caroline Handy, said: “Great day out kids and us adults thoroughly enjoyed it.”

And John Betts, said: “Good show love the tent village.”

Historical Promotions, added: “The event went extremely well, it was a complete success in terms of the aims and objectives as part of the lottery fund.

"And also there was a great deal of entertainment in a much needed time which increased footfall so local businesses benefitted as part of the event, and from the comments we’ve received and seen on social media it was well received by the public who enjoyed the event tremendously and gained a lot not just from an educational standpoint and learning about the period but also pure enjoyment for the weekend.”

Additional information about the Saxon Weekender event, and all other events organised by Tamworth Borough Council, can be found at www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk.