Where: Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury

When: Saturday, July 8 and Sunday July 9, 2017

Reenactors, entertainers and traders from all over Europe are descending on Gloucestershire this weekend for Tewkesbury Medieval Festival.

The event is the country's largest re-enactment and is a fantastic and unique free family day out.

It opens at 11am on Saturday and there will be guided battlefield walks at midday and 2pm. There will be a falconry display at 3pm before the Battle of Tewkesbury gets under way at 4pm on part of the site of the original 1471 battlefield.

The Battle of Tewkesbury was the final battle in the War of the Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Prince Edward was killed and is now buried in Tewkesbury Abbey. 

Every year it is re-enacted with cannons firing, swords clashing and soldiers marching. Many participants live as a medieval army in authentic medieval encampments for the whole weekend.

A new attraction this year is the Flag Throwers of Arrezo from Italy who will be performing at 5pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.

There is also a children's activity area with period-based arts and crafts sessions. Musicians and entertainers will be performing around the site all day.

The action moves to Tewkesbury Abbey in the evenings with jesters and a Skirmish at 7.30pm.

The Festival returns on Sunday with a Grande Parade starting in Quay Street at 11.15am and proceeding to Lower Lode Lane and the main festival site. 

The Battle of Tewkesbury will start at 3pm and the main event site closes at 5pm.

To find out more about great upcoming events and attractions, visit our What's On  section every day.