Street Fair Planned
Putting the medieval spirit back in the town
A street fair could be part of this year’s Medieval Festival.
Members of the Companions of the Black Bear, who organise the annual event, have got together with local business people to discuss the idea of a fair in Church Street on the Saturday evening of the July festival.
It is hoped that local crafts people, charities and others who find manning a stall at the two day event too onerous will take part.
There are also plans for small scale depiction of the Lancastrian retreat into the Abbey. This would be a dramatic re-creation rather than a battle, and a possible re-enactment of the execution of the Duke of Somerset.
A fire sculpture, to be lit at dusk, is also on the cards.
Steve Goodchild, who dreamed up the idea of the street fair, said: ''With the row of Medieval cottages as a backdrop, we have a unique and ideal venue for the event.’’
The street fair and associated events are part of a scheme aimed at bringing the spirit of the festival back into the town. Many people say this was lost when the main fair moved to its present site at the Gupshill Manor three years ago. The move was necessary because the event outgrew its original home on the Vineyards.
Other ideas to put the town in medieval spirit for the event include a window dressing competition, living history in the Little Museum and a children’s competition to design a banner.
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday July 8th and 9th.
Last year 2000 people took part in a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury, making it the largest event of its kind in Europe. More than 100 stalls made up a colourful and lively Medieval Market. An estimated 10,000 people visited the event over the two days.
News story date:March 3, 2000
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