Saxon Weekender in Pictures

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Sat 18 Sep 2021 - Sun 19 Sep 2021

Thousands of people took a trip way back in time as they experienced life in Anglo-Saxon Mercia during a special weekend of entertainment at Tamworth Castle Grounds in Staffordshire. The sunglasses 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 surroundings. Tamworth Borough Council's Arts & Events team were delighted to see an estimated crowd of more than 6,000 people having fun during the double-header event on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19. The special historic 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. The impressive exhibition contains a mead hall, an immersive combat film experience and a touch-table strategy game.



During the Saxon Weekender event, people from Tamworth and surrounding areas enjoyed thrilling activities such as skirmishes between warriors, 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, and a weapons display showcasing the different arsenal in their armoury. Children were also able to experience a kiddie vike – where youngsters had the opportunity to engage with the re-enactors. Tamworth children 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 visitors 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 being shown how objects of the time worked.



Councillor 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."



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

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#community_events
#fun_things_to_do
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#september
!date 18/09/2021 -- 19/09/2021
%wnbirmingham