Knights prepare for battle as Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre nears live return

Fighting knights and expert archers will be among the entertainment when the annual Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre returns as a live event next month.

Organisers say tickets have bee selling fast for the Fayre, which resumes as a live show in the grounds of Ludlow Castle on November 27-28.

The live programme for 2021 will include returning favourite the Tournament of Knights, which sees fearsome warriors compete before the crowds using sword, mace and quarter-staff, culminating in a Saturday evening fight with fire.

Other highlights include a re-enactment of the Battle of Agincourt which gets the whole audience involved as they re-enact Welsh archers demonstrating their prowess against the French during the famous victory.

This year’s entertainments include Big Beynon's Blacksmithing, showcasing the secrets of a medieval forge, pottery demonstrations from Jim the Pot of Trinity Court Pottery and the craft of making armour from Ludlow couple Chain Reaction.

Confirmation of the programme comes after the first 1500 tickets sold in record time when bookings opened. Tickets for some entry timeslots are already close to selling out.

The team at Dakin Events, the south Shropshire family business behind the Fayre, have been delighted to shape the programme for 2021, mixing old favourites and new entertainment. Mother and daughter team Prue and Abi Dakin have been pleased to see the rush to buy tickets for this year’s live return. 

Abi said: “The 2021 Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre is set to be back with a bang, with a live programme to entertain audiences of all ages, so it has been tremendous to see so many people booking early to join the spectacle.

“We have exhibitors and entertainers from across the UK joining the celebrations, as well as regular visitors who travel from all over Shropshire, the wider West Midlands and across the UK. We know Fayre goers are joining us from far and wide, with coach companies reporting high levels of interest from people who missed being able to join us last year.”

Prue said: “Given the challenges of the last 18 months for everyone, it means a great deal to see so many people plan to join us for the full return of the Fayre. For many families, the Fayre marks the start of the build-up to Christmas so we cannot wait to see everyone with us for another live event.

“We have tremendous support from Ludlow Castle, all our entertainers and the stallholders, as well as the wider community of Ludlow. On behalf of everyone involved, we cannot wait to welcome Fayre goers back to Ludlow Castle for the 2021 Fayre.”