Timetable revealed for this year’s medieval-themed St George’s Day fun
The countdown is on to Tamworth’s popular St George’s Day extravaganza 2022, with an exciting new line-up of entertainment for the whole family set to take over the Castle Grounds on Saturday, April 23, from 10am – 5pm.
Another jam-packed, FREE programme of entertainment has been put together in the hope of building on previous record-breaking crowds. The line-up will include all the festival favourites that have led to the event becoming well-known up and down the country, such as jousting, archery, a living history camp, walk-about medieval grave diggers comedy, stalls, fairground rides and children’s activities.
Come and meet St George and the amazing new dragon for 2022. Soaring at 3.5 m long and 2.3 m high, this animatronic dragon will amaze children and adults with his roaring, tail swinging and eye movements; enthralling the crowd as he roams around the Castle Grounds.
The Grand Medieval Joust is back by popular demand. Festival-goers will be able to watch the action unfold as competing knights on horseback take to the main arena to show off their jousting skills. Fun displays are guaranteed, full of laughs and action, trick riding and stunts, with skilled performances from stunning horses and knights in shining armour. Throughout the day knights will also demonstrate the variety of weapons and combat methods used during medieval skirmishes.
Throughout the day Medieval Have a Go Archery and Children’s Activities will be within the encampments along with medieval knights presenting displays and a children’s drill on the upper lawn.
Timetable of activities in the Castle Grounds:
10am: Official Opening Times
10.30am – 11am: Mythbusters (Jousting Arena)
11am –11.30am: Arming the Knight (Jousting Arena)
11am – 11.30am: Dragon performance (Upper Lawn)
11.30am – 12pm: Medieval Skirmish (Jousting Arena)
12pm – 12.45pm: The Grand Medieval Joust (Jousting Arena)
12.45pm – 1.15pm: Falconry Display (Jousting Arena)
1pm – 1.30pm: Dragon (Upper Lawn)
2.15pm – 2.45pm: Medieval Shire Court (Jousting Arena)
2.45pm – 3.15pm: Hurried History (Tales for Children) (Encampment)
2.45pm - 3.15pm: Dragon (Upper Lawn)
3.15pm – 4pm: The Grand Medieval Joust (Jousting Arena)
4pm – 4.30pm: Falconry Display (Jousting Arena)
4.30pm – 5pm: Medieval Battle (Jousting Arena)
5pm: Official Finish
Other activities include the dedicated Children’s Zone which this year is being organised by Hamsterzorb who will be supplying land zorb, football dartboard and ninja archery. There will be an admission cost to the Children’s Zone.
Confirmed this year will be more than 26 stalls offering food, refreshments and a selection of gift items, organised by Mark Kyte from the Tamworth Lions.
Stalls include artisan bakery, Everyone Health, Iridescent Jewellery, children’s games and prizes, sweets, We Do Dough, churros, loaded fries, Sona Food and Urban Spice Box, ice cream, Yorkshire pudding wraps, a hog roast, Dogs Trust and much more.
Visitors are also invited inside Tamworth Castle to learn about the craft of ‘dragon charming’ and the ‘care of dragons’. Techniques will include how to track and identify a dragon from its footprints and dragon healthcare. In addition, visitors will be invited to spot dragon eggs as they explore the castle, and receive a small prize. Normal admission fees apply for entrance to the castle. No pre-booking necessary but you can book online via the castle website: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.
Adey Ramsel, Theatre, Artistic and Events Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome back our St George’s Day spectacular and look forward to everyone joining together for a fun-packed day of activities.
“The free annual festival is one of the highlights of Tamworth’s impressive calendar of outdoor events organised by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team and draws thousands of visitors from across the country.
“Due to the popularity of this event, we would encourage visitors to arrive early and use public transport if possible.”
