Last weekend the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre kicked off the abbey’s 2024 events season, and what a strong start it was!
The annual Medieval Fayre is always a firm favourite with visitors and has been expanding year upon year to become the site-wide, award-winning event it is now.
This year’s Fayre saw our largest number of attendees yet, with nearly 8,500 people stepping through the gates across Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April.
Popular performances including the epic Grand Medieval Joust, impressive weapons displays and the multi-era free-for-all Battle returned to the Main Arena to draw in big crowds. In the Small Arena, Medieval Fayre regular What A Palaver was back once again for fire-fuelled hijinks – this time celebrating 40 years as a fire-breathing jester, performer and huge stage presence.
In addition to old favourites 2024 saw some brand new spectacles, including enchanting storyteller Merry Matilda and Tudor Alchemist Master Albert Harvey, who promised many a lump of gold in exchange for a shiny penny or two…
More re-enactors than ever before took to their encampments across the abbey grounds, with Vikings, Saxons, 15th-century households and medieval retinues demonstrating daily life across history. Meanwhile, the 14th-century Abbot’s Kitchen came alive with medieval music performed by medieval music specialists from around the country.
In between performances, visitors could grab a bite to eat from a variety of catering stalls or explore the expanded medieval market, where traders plied all kinds of wares from replica swords to home-made honey.
And across the weekend, four lucky winners – two children and two adults – were awarded the coveted Best Dressed trophy, complete with a Glastonbury Abbey Gift Card.
Not even a spot of rain here and there could dampen the festivities!
Events at Glastonbury Abbey
The 2024 Medieval Fayre may be over, but there’s plenty more to look forward to at Glastonbury Abbey. See our What’s On page for details of all our events, from re-enactment weekends to live music and outdoor theatre:
