Evesham’s second medieval market weekend is scheduled to take place over the weekend of May 22-23.

The outdoor market, staged in locations across the town centre, will include over 80 medieval battle re-enactors, knights demonstrating armour and weaponry, community stands in the church, market stalls, and food and drink.

“After so many events have had to be cancelled because of Covid – including last years the Battle of Evesham Re-enactment Festival – we’re thrilled to be able to put on this outdoor medieval market right in the centre of our beautiful town,” said event director, Mick Hurst.

“Evesham people have really rallied round to make this event happen.

"It’s taken a huge amount of planning work has gone into the putting on an event which will be great fun – and offer an insight into medieval life and our town’s part in events which shaped the modern world.

“I would like to thank all the re-enactors, volunteers, sponsors and traders for their work which has enabled us to stage a spectacular market which will be safe for visitors, everyone will be required to observe social distancing rules in place at the time.

“Throughout the planning process, the Battle committee has made the safety of our re-enactors, traders, volunteers and the public its first priority.”

The market will take place in the historic centre of Evesham. There will be armoured medieval knights and weapon demonstrations in the Living History Camps, located in St Lawrence’s church yard. You will also see iron-forges, leatherwork, wooden crafts, needlework, mead making and cooking from throughout the ‘High Medieval Period’ of 1066 to 1485.

The Abbey Cloisters and nave are to be opened up for the first time in 600 years for members of the public to wonder how the third largest abbey in England use to look in its heyday.

The official Robin Hood Visitor’s Centre re-enactment team are heading over from Sherwood Forest, including Friar Tuck, Maid Marion, Little John and of course Robin himself.

Other groups are representing late-period Vikings, Norman soldiers from the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries – all powerful barons and royal households with colourful coats of arms.

The History of Dogs group will be describing how faithful friends played their part in medieval life, and DevilStick Pete – the county’s best-loved jester - will be wending his way around entertaining the public.

St Lawrence’s church will host displays from local community groups, the exciting Evesham Abbey archeology project will showcase their activities in the Cloisters.

An artisan crafts market will take place in Market Square, with many crafts, food and drink stalls showcasing some of the best local produce – from Jam to Gin and Ceramics to Greetings Cards.

Admission to the Evesham Medieval Market is free. Funds raised through donations will go towards running the Battle of Evesham Festival which will be staged over the weekend of August 7-8. The spectacular re-enactment event is now England’s largest annual c13th Battle re-enactment.

More information about the September medieval market and August’s battle re-enactment is available from: www.battleofevesham.co.uk- or on the event’s Facebook page.

Tickets are also on sale now for Evesham’s first Evesham Medieval Banquet, which will take place in the town on October 23 – full details on this event, the Medieval Market Battle of Evesham Festival are on the website and Facebook page.