Athelstan 1100

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Monday 20 - Sunday 26 July 2026

Join us for a week-long festival delivered by Tamworth Castle, St Editha’s Church and The Tamworth and District Civic Society. The week will include Anglo-Saxon living history, talks and lectures, music and more.

Find out what events are in store for the week below or download the programme (pdf):

Monday 20 - Sunday 26 July
 Pop-up art gallery - Ankerside Shopping Centre, 9am - 3pm daily.
A pop-up art gallery with scenic, portrait, glass, textile, design, sculpture, ancient and modern art on display. Free. 
More info: www.tamworthheritage.co.uk
Also Monday 20th, 10am-12noon - free clay workshop - make your own Champion The Bull clay pot.
 Saxon Weaponry Demonstrations - Tamworth Castle Great Hall, daily.
Included in general admission fee.
 

Mercian Quest Challenge - Tamworth Castle, daily. Included in general admission fee.
Young visitors can take part in the Mercian Quest Challenge: explore the Castle, follow a trail of clues and riddles before completing the challenge sheet. Completed sheets should be presented at Reception, where participants will receive a small prize.

Alongside the Quest, two self-led activities will be available throughout the week:
Rune Activity (Dining Room) Visitors can explore the Saxon alphabet by writing or decoding messages using runes.
Shield Design Activity (Oak Room) Visitors can decorate the shield printed on their Mercian Quest sheet to create the emblem of their own Saxon warrior.

Monday 20 July
 Lunchtime Piano Recital – St. Editha’s Church, 1pm 
Featuring a surprise, sensational, pianist performing a variety of classical works. Free.
Tuesday 21 July
 Beowulf Recitals – Tamworth Castle, Day Parlour 
Included in general admission fee.
 Brass Band Concert – Tamworth Bandstand, 2pm
Featuring the St. John’s Ambulance Band, playing a variety of favourites. Free.
 Tamworth’s Anglo-Saxon Past Talk – Tamworth Castle, 7pm
Learn about Anglo-Saxon history in this informative talk by renowned author Annie Whitehead. £12 (includes refreshments). Book a place at www.tamworthtickets.co.uk
Wednesday 22 July
 Flower Arranging Workshop – Ankerside Shopping Centre, 10am
Learn the art of arranging beautiful flowers in this masterclass. No prior experience needed. £20, including all materials and an arrangement to take home. Book a place at www.tamworthtickets.co.uk
Thursday 23 July
 Tamworth Flower Festival – Church / Town Hall / Castle*, Open 10am - 2pm.
A magnificent display of more than 50 arrangements, spread across three of Tamworth’s most important historic sites. 
 Walking Tour of Tamworth – Tamworth Bandstand, 4pm
A two-hour walking tour of historic Tamworth taking in the most important places and buildings. £10, pay on arrival.
Friday 24 July
 Tamworth Flower Festival – Church / Town Hall / Castle*, Open 10am - 2pm.
A magnificent display of more than 50 arrangements, spread across three of Tamworth’s most important historic sites. 
 Community Picnic – Tamworth Castle Grounds, 2pm - CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
Bring a picnic for family fun and children’s entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of the historical Castle Grounds. Free.
Saturday 25 July
 Tamworth Flower Festival – Church / Town Hall / Castle*, Open 10am - 2pm.
A magnificent display of more than 50 arrangements, spread across three of Tamworth’s most important historic sites. 
 Artisan Market – St. Editha’s Churchyard, 10am - 4pm
Browse and sample local food, drink and crafts by artisan producers, in the tranquil surroundings of St. Editha’s Churchyard. Open 10 - 4pm.
 Cherry Fair and Procession – Tamworth Bandstand, 11am
Join the annual Cherry Fair Procession and service, celebrating Tamworth’s Patron Saint. Don’t forget to wear something red! Free.
 Electronic music at the Bandstand, 1-6pm (castle grounds)
A vibrant performance. Free.
 Kingdom of Mercia family fun event – Tamworth Castle Grounds, 10am-4pm
Expect Living History Encampments, Historical Demonstrations, Anglo-Saxon & Viking Heritage, Storytelling & Entertainment, Family Activities, Educational Experiences. Free.
Supported by Mercia Distillery and Airborne Falconry. More information
Sunday 26 July
 Tamworth Flower Festival – Church / Town Hall / Castle*, Open 10am - 2pm.
A magnificent display of more than 50 arrangements, spread across three of Tamworth’s most important historic sites. 
 Festival Evensong – St. Editha’s Church, 6pm
A traditional Evensong service, sung by the St. Editha’s Church Choir and followed by festive refreshments. Free.
 Kingdom of Mercia family fun event – Tamworth Castle Grounds, 10am-4pm
Expect Living History Encampments, Historical Demonstrations, Anglo-Saxon & Viking Heritage, Storytelling & Entertainment, Family Activities, Educational Experiences. Free.
Supported by Mercia Distillery and Airborne Falconry. More information 

* Admission fee applies to Tamworth Castle: half-price for flower festival visitors

THANK YOU to the following local businesses for supporting and sponsoring this year’s Athelstan1100 event: 

  • The Tamworth Tap
  • Christopher’s and Peel Aldergate
  • The Book Nook
  • Tudor House Café
  • The J. W. Pemberton Trust
  • Ankerside Shopping Centre
  • The Beardsley Trust
  • St. Editha’s Church
  • Tamworth and District Civic Society
  • Lovejoy’s Art and Antiques
  • Wylde’s Sweet Shop
  • Tamworth Town Centre Forum

Learn more about Athelstan here.