20 - 28 July 2024

2024 marks the 1,100th anniversary of the ascension of Athelstan, King of Mercia, who is considered by many historians as the first King of England. Athelstan was also the nephew and ward of Our Lady of the Mercians, Aethelflaed. Tamworth, during the Anglo-Saxon times, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, and one of the most powerful kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. 

Join us for a week-long festival delivered by Tamworth Castle and St Editha’s Church. The week will include Anglo-Saxon living history, community archaeology, talks and lectures, demonstrations, community art and live music.

More information coming soon.

Calling young performers

We are looking for young people in Tamworth who want to be part of a new creative performance project with renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse this summer.

Young people aged 16-25 years from Tamworth, are invited to join a series of free workshops to have fun and gain new skills, by learning and performing with international company Motionhouse’s professional dancers,  in Tamworth Castle Grounds on 20 July.

To take part, interested participants will need to be available on the following dates for rehearsals and performance:

•  Wednesday 5 June: 6.30-8.30pm
• Wednesday 12 June: 6.30-8.30pm
• Wednesday 19 June: 6.30-8.30pm
• Wednesday 26 June: 6.30-8.30pm
• Wednesday 3 July: 6.30-8.30pm
• Wednesday 10 July: 6.30-8.30pm
• Thursday 18 July: 5.30pm - 9pm
• Friday 19th July: 5.30pm - 9pm
• Saturday 20 July: all day for rehearsal and performance.

The series of weekly workshops and the public performance are all FREE and participants have the opportunity to work alongside Motionhouse professional dancers, kicking off the Athelstan 1100 event.

You don’t need any previous dance experience to take part, just enthusiasm and commitment. You must sign up before 30 April by contacting Lara Rowe, Tamworth Castle Museum and Archive Manager on: [email protected].