3 Day Tudor Festival at Mary Ardens Farm

Tudor Festival at Mary Arden's Farm 29 - 31 May 2010

Mary Arden's Farm, Wilmcote, plays host to Warwickshire's biggest ever Tudor Festival since 1603. Spend a day in the 16th century and immerse yourself in all the merry-making and traditions of Tudor life. Join us during this 3-day event as the farm is transformed into a bustling hive of activity and fun.

Discover how families lived 400 years ago and the skills they needed to survive. See farmhands and servants (all costumed re-enactors) at work and watch as they prepare for the Handfasting feast. Witness a traditional Handfasting Ceremony (the equivalent of a modern-day engagement party).

Enjoy the music, dancing, the royal sport of Falconry and the expert marksmanship in the Archery Contest. Wander around a jumble of stalls, including soap makers, market gardeners, wood whittlers, foodstuffs and decorative crafts. Or have a go at throwing sponges at rogues and villains as they sit in the stocks.

Children's activities are on offer with face painting, dressing up in Tudor costume and a Shakespeare themed Children's Trail.

If you are hungry for more, why not sample traditional "vittles" from the Tudor Menu at the farm kitchen or try one of the local ales from Purity Brewery...or if you really want to get into the spirit of the festival a delicious hog roast will be available on each day.

Mary Arden's Farm is situated on Station Road, Wilmcote, near Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. Mary Arden's opens at 10.00am and closes at 5.00pm during the summer hours.

Traditional Tudor 'Handfasting' ceremony:

Similar to an engagement party, the Tudors celebrated the betrothal of two people with a handfasting ceremony. But unlike engagement parties of today, the Tudor handfasting ceremony was legally binding, no backing out!

To book tickets phone Mary Arden's Farm on 01789 293 455