Saxons are set to take over the Tamworth Castle Grounds in June with a packed weekend of themed activities for all ages to enjoy.

Aethelfest Saxon Festival will take place from Friday 9 June to Sunday 11 June, and allows visitors to travel back in time and see what life was like as a Saxon centuries ago, with fires, battle and armour, pottery, heraldry, myths, legends, stories and archery.

The official opening of Aethelfest 2023 commences on the Friday evening in the Great Hall at the castle, with guest speaker David Stokes, author and Professor at Kingston University. This is a ticketed event priced at £5 including refreshments.

Tamworth, during the Saxon times, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, and one of the most powerful kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. The town’s rich history will be celebrated through various free fun workshops - from embroidery to coin making, to demonstrations of Saxon burial rites and many spectacular battle re-enactments, plus, live free music at the bandstand.

Visitors can expand their knowledge of Tamworth history by visiting the ancient castle and meeting Saxon living history characters - see items of the Staffordshire hoard, and learn about Aethelflaed, the incredible ‘Lady of the Mercians’ (Normal admission prices apply).

The castle is also showcasing a number of special talks throughout the weekend from renowned authors and historians including Annie Whitehead, Donald Williamson, MJ Porter, Tim Clarkson and David Stokes.

In addition, the castle is hosting a unique tasting event with The Mercia Spirit Lab featuring their special range of spirits including mead, whisky and Mercia gin.

For more information and to buy admission tickets, visit tamworthcastle.co.uk/aethelfest.