The Roses Theatre is helping to bring Tewkesbury Medieval Festival back to the town centre in 2026, by reviving its popular parade.
One of the highlights of the festival which has been missing in recent years, The Roses is using its theatrical skills to join forces with the festival and bring the parade back to the town centre.
Most of the event's festivities – including a thrilling battle reenactment and a historically accurate encampment – are located just outside the town centre at the site of the Battle of Tewkesbury, which took place in 1471 during the Wars of the Roses and saw King Henry VI defeated by King Edward IV's forces, bringing an end to a long period of civil war.
While the town centre is always decorated for the occasion with authentic medieval banners, recently the parade through the town centre has only taken place sporadically.
With The Roses Theatre on board, this year promises to fill the streets with 'historic pageantry' with a full parade featuring spectacular costumes, character walkabouts, and medieval-themed performances.
The Roses Theatre's artistic director, Derek Bond, said: 'It’s such a brilliant part of the culture of our town. So it makes total sense to play our part and ensure our streets and shops are able to get properly into the medieval mood!
'Cultural events like this are so important to towns like ours. Not only should everyone have access to exciting spectacle and informative events; theatre and the arts is good for the economy, too.
'For every £1 spent on a theatre or cultural event ticket, £1.40 of further spending flows into surrounding restaurants, pubs, and shops! Bringing the parade back into town will inject even more life into Tewkesbury – and we’re so proud to be part of that happening.'
Mikki Hache – one of Tewkesbury Medieval Festival's directors – added: 'The parade has been a much-loved part of the festival weekend since its inception in 2015, and we know how much it’s been missed in recent years.
'That’s why we’re so grateful to The Roses for all their hard work and dedication in bringing it back for the 2026 event, and in engaging the community and local groups. We can’t wait to see it back!'
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026, with the parade taking place at 11.15am on the Sunday.
