Countdown to St George’s Day Free Extravaganza
There are just two weeks to go until Tamworth’s spectacular St George’s Day celebrations in the Castle and the Castle Grounds, complete with a medieval joust and a friendly dragon.
The St George’s Day extravaganza is always one of the highlights in Tamworth’s events calendar. Last year’s celebrations attracted more than 8,500 visitors and in 2011, Tamworth was highlighted as one of the best places in the UK to celebrate the feast day of England’s patron saint.
Falconry, have-a-go archery and living history are just some of the events taking place during the free celebrations, which this year are being held on Saturday April 20 from noon until 5pm.
Sir Aurelious Jones and his dragon will also be making an appearance – and are set to be a hit with the crowds.
The hugely popular Medieval Joust returns again this year, when the Black Knight and Sir Robert Marmion will once again do battle for the honour of Tamworth.
Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Cllr Robert Pritchard, said, “We know how important the free events are to the whole of Tamworth, and yet again, the St George’s Day extravaganza is the first of many this year.”
The event is completely free and will feature displays and activities including:
- Children’s workshops
- ‘Have a go’ archery (for which there will be a small charge)
- Falconer
- Foot tournament
- Medieval encampment displays
- Walkabout characters
- Face painting
A major highlight of the day will be the unveiling at Tamworth Castle of it new displays, as part of its £1.6 million refurbishment project. Visitors will be able to look at the new displays in the Castle Grounds and the Courtyard, experience the new Armoury and take part in living history and craft activities taking place throughout the Castle.
Admission to the Castle will be reduced on the day of the extravaganza to £3 for adults, £2 for children aged five and above and 50p for children aged between two and four. Children under two will be admitted free. Admission is valid for a full day, so visitors can enter and leave the castle as often as they wish on production of a valid admission ticket.
For more information, see www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk or find the Castle Grounds on Facebook.
Timetable of Events for Castle Grounds
10.00am Official opening
10.30am – 11am Meet the Medieval Falconer (Upper Lawn)
11am – 11.30am Medieval Falconry Display (Jousting Arena)
11.30am – 12noon Dragon Walkabout/Show (Upper Lawn)
12noon – 12.45pm Grand Medieval Joust (Jousting Arena)
1pm – 1.30pm Medieval Foot Arena Display (Jousting Arena)
1.30pm – 2pm Dragon Walkabout/Show (Upper Lawn)
2pm – 2.30pm Arming/Dressing the Medieval Knight (Medieval Camp)
2.30pm – 3pm Medieval Combat Arena Display (Jousting Arena)
3pm – 3.30pm Medieval Falconry Display (Jousting Arena)
3.30pm – 4pm Dragon Walkabout/Show (Upper Lawn)
4pm – 4.45pm The Grand Medieval Joust (Jousting Arena)
5pm Official finish
Timetable of Events for the Castle
10.30am Official opening
11am – 11.30am Domestic Life in the Castle (Lady De Freville, Ladies and Children)
11.30am – 12noon Mummers Play (15 minutes)
12noon – 12.20pm Dressing the Knight in the Castle
12.45pm – 1pm Arrival of the Earl of Warwick
1.30pm – 2.30pm The Knight’s Feast (Lunch in the Castle)
3pm – 3.20pm ‘The Lords Court’ – Local cases are heard
4pm – 4.30pm The Earl of Warwick and Life at Court
4.30pm – 5pm Mummers Play (15 minutes)
5pm Official finish
