- Festival is a week-long programme of Anglo-Saxon inspired activities
- Community parade, archaeology, blacksmith workshops, Athelstan crown, cherry fair and more
- Supported by local businesses and late evening town centre opening
Tamworth Borough Council is inviting people to join a week-long festival delivered in partnership with St Editha’s Church, Tamworth Town Centre Forum and Tamworth District Civic Society, to celebrate the coronation of Athelstan, the first King of all England 924 – 939AD.
The festival events from 19 –27 July, celebrate the 1,100th anniversary of the coronation of Athelstan, who became the first King of all England, and includes Anglo-Saxon storytelling, re-enactment demonstrations, performances, live music, cherry fair, community picnic and much more.
Athelstan, King of Mercia, was considered by many historians as the first King of England. Athelstan was also the nephew and ward of Our Lady of the Mercians, Aethelflaed. Tamworth, during the Anglo-Saxon times, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, and one of the most powerful kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England.
The festival kicks off on Saturday 19 July – Monday 21 July with a community archaeology dig. To continue the ongoing exploration of Tamworth’s multi layered heritage, an archaeological team are investigating an area located at St Editha’s Churchyard. Witness a new archaeological dig in the grounds of the ancient Tamworth Deanery and help find hidden treasures. More details can be found on Tamworth Castle website.
Saturday 19 July
King’s coronation puppet parade from Market Street to St Editha’s Square starting at 1pm. Follow the colourful giant puppet parade which involves local community groups and the Lantern Company, accompanied by a samba band and NUE’s community-built dragon.
The Athelstan Crown will be unveiled at St Editha’s Church at 1.30pm, a community project funded by Arts & Travel sponsorship, has created a historically inspired and visually striking artwork to mark this significant anniversary.
Made from sustainable materials by local artists Protean Art, and the community, this striking large-scale piece celebrates King Athelstan’s legacy. The crown will be on display throughout the weekly festival.
Unity Shield – Blacksmith workshops, St Editha’s Square, 10am – 3pm.
Tamworth Castle is leading on a special community project to create a large Unity Shield, a permanent artwork symbolising togetherness and resilience in Tamworth. This striking piece will be made using metal elements forged by members of the public under the guidance of professional blacksmiths.
The workshops are free and will run on a drop-in basis throughout Saturday and are open to both adults and children aged seven and over. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Also, in St Editha’s Square, people are invited to ‘have a go’ at being a reporter at the celebration parade with South Staffordshire College.
Sunday 20 July
Free celebration evensong St Editha's Church at 6.00pm.
Experience the beauty and wonder of traditional sacred music with a special service including the dedication of a new statue of St Editha and refreshments. Festival Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer (1662), will be sung by Tamworth Deanery Choir, accompanied on the historic Harrison Organ. Free entry. More information.
The weekday events continue including:
Monday 21 July
St Editha's Church.
Lunchtime piano recital St Editha's Church, 12.30pm. A showpiece 30-minute recital on the magnificent Steinway grand piano. Free to attend.
Tuesday 22 July
St Editha’s way pilgrimage Polesworth Abbey. Starting from Polesworth Abbey at 10am, experience a new guided walking pilgrimage through Amington, Tamworth and Wigginton, finishing at Lichfield Cathedral. For further details visit: www.stedithasway.co.uk.
Anglo-Saxon walking tour - Tamworth town Centre at 4pm
Enjoy an eye-opening 90-minute walking tour of Anglo-Saxon Tamworth with a qualified Blue-Badge Tour Guide. Pre-booking is essential, tickets priced at £10 per person. Visit: www.tamworthtickets.co.uk.
Annie Whitehead talk - St Editha's Church, 7.30pm.
Join renowned author Annie Whitehead for an evening talk on Anglo-Saxon Mercian history. Tickets priced at £10 per person, pay on the door.
Tuesday 22 July – Thursday 24 July - Saxon storytelling for children Tamworth Castle, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm.
Join an exciting adventure into the world of ancient Saxon legends. Children are invited to step into a magical past, filled with brave warriors, mythical creatures, and tales of heroism. See website for more details. Included with general admission to the castle.
Wednesday 23 July
Lunchtime piano recital St Editha's Church, 12.30pm.
A showpiece 30-minute recital on the magnificent Steinway grand piano.
Thursday 24 July
Anglo-Saxon walking tour Town Centre, 4pm.
Enjoy an eye-opening 90-minute walking tour of Anglo-Saxon Tamworth with a qualified Blue-Badge Tour Guide. Pre-booking is essential, tickets priced at £10 per person. Visit: www.tamworthtickets.co.uk.
Late night town centre opening
Presented by the Tamworth Town Centre Forum, participating shops and eateries will stay open late in the town centre, plus visitors can take part in a free murder mystery trail event, presented by Murder by Appointment.
Friday 25 July
Lunchtime piano recital St Editha's Church, 12.30pm.
A showpiece 30-minute recital on the magnificent Steinway grand piano.
Friday 25 July & Saturday 26 July - Discover Saxon weaponry and battle tactics Tamworth Castle, 10.30am - 2pm.
Castle volunteers will be delivering Saxon weaponry and battle tactics information in the Great Hall. Included in general admission.Saturday 26 July
Cherry Fair and Procession.
Reviving a centuries-old tradition, join this FREE procession from the Bandstand up to St Editha’s Church, where there will be a celebration and thanksgiving, including re-enactors and cherry refreshments! Meet at the Bandstand at 10.45am.
Community Picnic - The Dell, Castle Grounds, 2pm.
FREE lunchtime entertainment in the Castle Grounds. 2pm - 4pm. Grab a furry friend, bring your lunch and join in the fun at a special family picnic. Complete with entertainment, games and gifts for children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
New Urban Era’s art battle, Tamworth Castle, 6pm - 9.30pm.
A brand-new live art experience: Saxons vs. Dragons.
An illustration battle where artists compete live, creating incredible artwork under pressure. Expect fast-paced action, creative brilliance, and a truly unique visual experience as they bring Saxons and Dragons to life. Plus, you can vote for a winner! £5 per person. No booking required.
Sunday 27 July
Maria Credali, Saxon Treasures - Raven Watercolour Workshop Tamworth Castle, 10am - 12.30pm.
Saxon themed art story workshop by Maria Credali. Includes access to the castle to explore its rich heritage.
Maria Credali, Saxon Treasures - Metal Embossing Workshop Tamworth Castle, 1.30pm - 4pm
Saxon themed art story workshop by Maria Credali. Includes access to the castle to explore its rich heritage.
Both workshops are priced at £25 per person (18+yrs only). Pre-booking required via website: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.
Lichfield Gospel Choir concert, St Editha’s Church, 6pm.
The incredible Lichfield Gospel Choir return to St. Editha’s Church for another uplifting concert of heart-warming, lively Gospel music. Tickets priced at £10. Book via: www.tamworthtickets.co.uk.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, leisure, engagement and heritage, said: “What an exciting line-up of events we have planned for the Athelstan 1100 festival!
“We are partnering with local businesses, St Editha’s Church and community groups, to host a variety of activities for a week-long event, with many of the activities being free for anyone attending.
“A big thank you to our local businesses for supporting and sponsoring this year’s event:
GB Panels, Tamworth Town Centre Forum, Tamworth and District Civic Society, Beardsley Trust, Pemberton Trust, Sticky Fingers Café, Wylde's Sweet Shop, Tudor House Café, The Cottage Shop and Healing Centre, The Friends of St. Editha’s, The Tamworth Tap and St. Andrew's Church, Kettlebrook.
“What a great way to kick off the school summer holidays, there is something to entertain all ages.”
The Vicar of Tamworth, Fr. Andrew Lythall, said: "We’re thrilled to present this exciting festival which celebrates everything good about Tamworth; its heritage, its places and its people.
“We have so much to be proud about in our town and we hope that the arts, music, performances and events will showcase the creativity and diversity of our community. We are, as ever, delighted to be able to work in partnership with Tamworth's principal stakeholders in delivering something really special this year."
Notes to editors:
Tamworth, during the Anglo-Saxon times, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, and one of the most powerful kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England.
For more information visit the castle website here: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.