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A famous
battlefield rang once more to the sound of clashing swords, cannons
and whistling arrows as the Battle of Tewkesbury was recreated.
Blue
skies and brilliant sunshine brought the visitors out in huge numbers
for a colourful celebration of times gone by.
To
see our photo gallery of the weekend's old-fashioned entertainment
click on the link below.
The
occasion was the 20th re-enactment of the fateful May day in 1471
when the conclusive battle in the Wars of the Roses brought victory
to the Yorkists and put King Edward IV on the throne of England.
The
21st century drama - the biggest re-enactment in Europe this year
- took place on some of the fields south of the town where the real
battle took place more than 600 years ago.
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The
battle re-enactment featured 2,000 troops in costume
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It
featured more than 2,000 troops in medieval costume, some sweating
it out in soaring temperatures in full armour.
The
weekend's entertainment also included a medieval fair with demonstrations
of 15th century crafts including pottery and spinning.
For
those with a real interest in history there were guided walks of
the ancient battlefield - while others preferred to stay in the
shade and keep their cool - after all, no trip back in time to the
Middle Ages would be complete without an opportunity to visit a
tavern and sample some mead or ale!
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Medieval
minstrels entertained the crowds
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Adding
to the festival's traditional flavour of Olde England were strolling
players, fire-eaters, jugglers and acrobats.
After
all that it was a shame to have to return to the 21st century!
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