COLCHESTER’S annual Medieval Fayre and Oyster Market is back this weekend with organisers promising this year will be bigger and better than ever.

The event is typically enjoyed by hundreds of residents each year, and continues to grow in success and popularity.

Described as “a tour de force in medievalism that’s the biggest of its type in Europe” by The Sunday Times, the event returns to Colchester for the first time since celebrating city status.

The festival boasts one of the last original performing Mummers plays in Britain, with director and organiser Donn Quinn saying: “We are very proud to have them at our festival.”

“We also have a brilliant puppeteer and of course the wonderful Colchester Waits filling the air with sweet music alongside nationally famous Emma Mordue as a wandering player”, he added.

Gazette: Organiser - Don Quinn toasts the success of his medieval fair last yearOrganiser - Don Quinn toasts the success of his medieval fair last year (Image: Steve Brading)

Alongside the historic mummers plays, puppet show and medieval crafts this year there will also be ten entire societies of knights and fighters.

The knights, fighters and re-enactors from various clubs and societies will be wowing guests with their skills.

There will also be lots of medieval campsite living history, a free trying-on of medieval armour and costumes and a puppet show for kids.

There will also be the birds of prey swooping overhead, and a large number of well-attired ladies with the King and Queen gracing the park too.


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Guests can also expect to enjoy lots of different types of food this year, alongside various ales, meads and a top prosecco bar.

Ticket prices for the event were reduced as a leading events firm declared the event will be a community enterprise.

The Medieval Festival and Oyster Fayre is now run by Historic Events CIC.

This is a not-for-profit company which will be for the people of Colchester to celebrate city status.

Gazette: Battle - last year's medieval festival attracted hundreds of peopleBattle - last year's medieval festival attracted hundreds of people (Image: Steve Brading)

Mr Quinn added: “We reduced our ticket price by 20 percent to help people come and enjoy this unique and wonderful Colchester event. Parking is also free.”

The event will run in Lower Castle Park from Saturday, June 3 to Sunday, June 4 from 10.30am to 5pm. 

For more information or tickets, go to foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk/colchester-medieval-fayre.