An exciting new line-up of entertainment set to take over the Castle Grounds, with medieval-themed fun for the whole family on Saturday, April 23, from 10am – 5pm.
Due to the pandemic the past two years, Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team have only been able to offer a virtual event of activities, but this year they are ready to return with a live, jam-packed, FREE programme of entertainment in the hope of building on previous record-breaking crowds.
The line-up will include all the festival favourites that have led to the event becoming well-known up and down the country, such as jousting, archery, a living history camp, walk-about medieval grave diggers comedy, stalls, fairground rides and children’s activities.
Come and meet St George and the amazing new dragon for 2022. Soaring at 3.5 m long and 2.3 m high, this animatronic dragon will amaze children and adults with his roaring, tail swinging and eye movements; enthralling the crowd as he roams around the Castle Grounds.
The Grand Medieval Joust is back by popular demand. Festival-goers will be able to watch the action unfold as competing knights on horseback take to the main arena to show off their jousting skills. Fun displays are guaranteed, full of laughs and action, trick riding and stunts, with skilled performances from stunning horses and knights in shining armour. Throughout the day knights will also demonstrate the variety of weapons and combat methods used during medieval skirmishes.
Other entertainment and activities for the whole family include workshops, displays, entertainment and a medieval encampment featuring equipment and living history demonstrations evident during the period.
The free annual festival is one of the highlights of Tamworth’s impressive calendar of outdoor events organised by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team and draws thousands of visitors from across the country.
Timetable of activities in the Castle Grounds:
10am: Official Opening Times
10.30am – 11am: Mythbusters (Jousting Arena)
11am –11.30am: Arming the Knight (Jousting Arena)
11am – 11.30am: Dragon performance (Upper Lawn)
11.30am – 12pm: Medieval Skirmish (Jousting Arena)
12pm – 12.45pm: The Grand Medieval Joust (Jousting Arena)
12.45pm – 1.15pm: Falconry Display (Jousting Arena)
1pm – 1.30pm: Dragon (Upper Lawn)
2.15pm – 2.45pm: Medieval Shire Court (Jousting Arena)
2.45pm – 3.15pm: Hurried History (Tales for Children) (Encampment)
2.45pm – 3.15pm: Dragon (Upper Lawn)
3.15pm – 4pm: The Grand Medieval Joust (Jousting Arena)
4pm – 4.30pm: Falconry Display (Jousting Arena)
4.30pm – 5pm: Medieval Battle (Jousting Arena)
5pm: Official Finish
Activities in the grounds will this year be supported by the Easter fun planned inside Tamworth Castle from April 12 – April 24. The castle will be hosting a Dragon Egg Hunt and providing Dragon Charming activities. Visitors will be invited to learn about the craft of ‘dragon charming’ and the ‘care of dragons’. Techniques will include how to track and identify a dragon from its footprints and dragon healthcare. In addition, visitors will be invited to spot dragon eggs as they explore the castle, and receive a small prize.
