The Immersive Dark Ages Show at the Mid-Suffolk Showground is on its way … complete with Fire Dancers and the torching of a Viking Boat to thrill and entertain
Stonham Barns Park, one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations, is staging a massive Saxon & Viking Festival on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September for families and history lovers from all over the region.
The much-acclaimed Saxon and Viking Festival – the flagship show for events company Red Lion Events – will take visitors back 1000 years when it features a chaotic and boisterous army encampment full of hundreds of Saxon and Viking warriors looking to portray the rich and textured history of East Anglia in the Dark Ages. The event – now in its seventh year – will reflect the people of the 850 to 950AD when East Anglia was conquered and settled by the Danish Vikings and the two people lived together as one for many years.
During the two-day festival, the various Champion Warriors will be looking to make a name for themselves on the battlefield, and the Lords Present will look to replace Jarl Sigaard as Lord of East Anglia. This event will be based in Stonham Aspal – the mid-Suffolk village – where significant historic finds have been discovered.
The Saxon & Viking Festival offers modern day warriors – of all ages – the chance to experience a taste of what life was like in times past. There will be re-enactment groups from all around the country for the weekend of activities. Each group will give an insight into the way of life and culture which will include insights into cooking, weaving, leathercraft, woodwork, blacksmithing, herbalism, with Saga storytelling and Rune readings. Visitors will be able to participate in ‘have a go’ sessions which will include archery and axe throwing, all handled under the supervision of certified instructors.
Re-enactment displays and battles will take place in the show ring, after which a mega battle finale will be fought out. On Saturday evening, crowds will line the walkways for a torchlight parade and the spectacle of the Ceremonial Burning of a Viking Boat to honour the fallen! The Viking Fire Performers will be back for a third year with their unique visual spectacular, high energy Viking Fire Show.
One of the most prominent re-enactment groups – central to the organisation of the event – is the Wuffa Viking and Saxon Re-Enactment Society who are dedicated to learning and living the ways of the early Medieval Period. They meet at three locations in the region – Lowestoft, Ipswich and Norwich.
Comments, Fraser Carson of Red Lion Events, ‘We are delighted to be back at Stonham Barns Park with this festival weekend which is always very well attended. It’s not just one day but two fully packed days with action and excitement including a bigger torchlight procession featuring four fire dancers and an even bigger sacrificial boat to burn! We are also adding music at The Barn to complete the festival atmosphere. It’s going to be one mighty and immersive weekend for all those who attend.’
‘We are looking to tell the story of the Anglo Saxons who established kingdoms in Britain after the Romans left, and the invading Vikings bringing skilled seafarers, traders and warriors to Britain. Known for their mythology, runes and craftsmanship both groups helped to shape the way we live today.’
Adds Josh Forward Events Manager at Stonham Barns Park, ‘This event is a long-standing, much-loved festival for anyone interested in history. The characters who attend bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the show – along with a good amount of fighting and hostility – to bring The Dark Ages to life. It is a must for families and friends with fun activities everywhere you look from cooking to crafting. This is one dynamic show that rolls out action from beginning to end – it really is a spectacular historical event for Suffolk!’
Arise, arise. Warriors of courage!
Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter!
Spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered, a sword day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Stonham!
A licenced bar will be open throughout the event. Hot and cold refreshments and food will also be available. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.
Advanced tickets available or on the gate. Saturday Adult all-day £15. Saturday Adult evening only £5. Sunday Only Adult £10. Under 12s FREE both days.
Visitors can bring their own tents, caravans or motorhomes or stay on the Stonham Barns Park campsite. Visit Pitchup.com or search Stonham Barns Park for more details.
A range of luxury holiday homes that sleep up to 4-6 guests is also available. Call 01449 711901 to book.
Offering facilities to suit all ages, Stonham Barns Park has pirate themed adventure golf, adventure footgolf, a 9-hole golf course, shopping village, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Teapot Pottery and Tearooms, Meerkat Castle, Legends Sports Bar, Theatre, Café 24 restaurant, fishing lakes and fair rides. All show visitors will be given an Event Wristband to entitle them to receive discounted entry to Bloomfields Amusements, Carters of Suffolk Pottery Painting, Stonham Barns Golf Park family fun and entry to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Nature Centre.
Stonham Barns Park is a day out for all the family to suit all ages. Other activities at the leisure, retail and holiday venue include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Legends Sports Bar, Café 24, The Golf Centre including Adventure Golf and FootGolf, The Teapot Pottery, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and fishing lakes.
For more information or to book tickets email: [email protected]
