TENS of thousands of people have flocked to Evesham this weekend for the 760th anniversary of the Battle of Evesham.
Organisers believe up to 60,000 have enjoyed going back in time to witness the sights and sounds of medieval England with 13th Century battle reenactments, living history demonstrations, talks and concerts.
On Saturday, a grand parade of knights, soldiers, and their retinue through the centre of Evesham saw the street lined with spectators.
There followed the annual open-air service to commemorate rebel baron Simon de Montfort and the 4,000 men slaughtered in battle at Abbey Park.
Meanwhile, on Crown and Corporation Meadows, the crowds were entertained by several spectacular battle reenactments that recreate the bloody conflict that saw the Simon, the earl of Leicester, killed in combat by the forces loyal to King Henry III.
Visitors have been busy browsing stalls at an artisan craft fayre and medieval market, as well as learning about life in the 1200s at a living history camp.
A big hit yesterday (Saturday) was the arrival of special guest speaker, Sir Tony Robinson, who happily posed for selfies before his sell-out talk at the presentation pavilion.
He repeated his talk about history, Time Team, and his fiction writing today (Sunday) at 1.30pm.
Festival director Mick Hurst told the Observer: “The speakers, dancers and musicians are waiting to entertain and educate audiences.
“If you have a chance to pop down for some exciting medieval mayhem down here on Crown Meadow, there is loads to see and do this afternoon. It is free to enter and great fun for kids of all ages.”
The main festival runs until 4pm with main Battle of Evesham reenactment ‘fight to the death’ at 3pm at the main battle arena on Corporation Meadow.
See www.battleofevesham.co.uk for more information.
