Gloucester Medieval Fayre and Banquet 2008

14 June – Gloucester city centre will be transformed into a bustling medieval village for one day only, when the Gloucester Medieval Fayre and Banquet 2008 comes to town.

Visitors from across Gloucestershire and beyond will be flocking to Gloucester city centre on Saturday 14 June 2008, for what promises to be another fun-filled and action-packed Gloucester Medieval Fayre and Banquet.

This year’s event will kick off at 10am at The Cross in Gloucester, with an official opening by The Mayor before a procession makes its way down Westgate Street and into the grounds of Gloucester Cathedral where, in addition to a special Open Air Stage outside Shire Hall and various locations throughout the city, the Gloucester Medieval Fayre 2008 will get underway.

Gloucester Cathedral grounds

The grounds of the historic Gloucester Cathedral will host a number of activities running throughout the day, with appearances from The Wolfpack and the Black Maunch Medieval Society, in addition to hosting the International Pipe and Tabor Festival 2008 whose members will be mingling with and playing to crowds throughout the day. Members of the public will also be able to see demonstrations and listen to talks on everything from candle making and dyeing to warrior clothing and weapons, while the full schedule for the day is still being confirmed.

The Plantagenet Medieval Society are expect to give an archery display at 10.30am, giving volunteers the chance to try their hand at the sport from 11am, while 12pm will see the tug-of-war take place with last year’s champions the King’s Walk Massive hoping to retain their title for another year running. Teams interested in competing should contact Diane Phillips on the number provided below.

Also at 12pm, the Plantagenet Medieval Society will be giving a Medieval music and archery demonstration, followed by squire training at 1pm and ladies dancing at 1.45pm. A highlight of the day, however, will be the full combat medieval tournament which is expected to take place on College Green at 2.30pm – followed by a show and tell session.

Open Air Stage

Situated on the steps of Shire Hall in Gloucester, the Open Air Stage is expected to host both dance acts and live music from local bands – while JAX Dance is certain to make another appearance this year, entertaining crowds with a performance of street dance and hip hop.

Westgate Street through to the Gloucester Cathedral grounds

As well as all of the above scheduled events, this year’s Gloucester Medieval Fayre will also see a whole host of other activities take place throughout the day. The Gloucester Stone Masons will be demonstrating their ancient craft, Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment are hopefully going to make another appearance and visitors will also be able to see friendly rodents performing in the Acrorats show.

There will also be stocks and the chance to soak your best friend, a pig roast, barbecue and a performance by belly dancer Arien, as well as the Mandy Godding Dance Stage with performances running throughout the day. St Nicholas Church on Westgate Street will be playing host to a local choral society, arts and crafts stalls and jugglers, while Gloucester Folk Museum will be welcoming visitors for another year running.

And if that wasn’t enough to keep the fayre’s thousands of visitors entertained, there will be more than 60 stalls selling everything from wooden beer tankards and English wines to local fruits and vegetables, with many of Westgate Street’s shops throwing open their doors for special Gloucester Medieval Fayre activities.

Gloucester Medieval Banquet 2008

Held in Chapter House at Gloucester Cathedral, this year’s Medieval Banquet will take place from 7pm to 11.30pm with entertainment provided by The Plantagenet Medieval Society – dressed as Knights in full armour and wowing diners with a carefully choreographed fight. There will also be musicians singing Medieval songs using authentic instruments, while guests enjoy a rustic menu and plenty of mead in what promises to be a unique evening of fun.

Event: Gloucester Medieval Fayre and Banquet 2008
Venue: Gloucester Cathedral grounds through to Westgate Street, see above for more details.
Date: Saturday 14 June 2008
Times: From 10am
Tickets: Entrance to the Gloucester Medieval Fayre is free, while tickets for the evening’s Medieval Banquet cost £29.50 per person. Contact Diane Phillips from the Central Gloucester Initiative on (01452) 412828 for more information.

SoGlos.com
15 February 2008