Huntingdon 800

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August 2005, from 11am

Free admission!

Medieval re-enactments - procession - jousting - combat and displays - drama, music, song and dance - archery - falconry - puppet shows - huge living history encampments - medieval market, banquet and more!

What a fantastic event (and definitely one of EventPlan's favourites to date)! 20,000 people hugely enjoyed a huge variety of medieval displays, living history and entertainments marking the exact 800th anniversary of King John's signing of Huntingdon's town charter (7 August 1205). The event was part of an ambitious programme of activities (partly lottery funded) staged locally over the course of the year.  An extremely enthusiastic and good natured audience, beautiful venue and excellent weather all combined to create a first class weekend.

This highlight event featured around 300 top performers, and was organised and directed by EventPlan on behalf of Huntingdon Town Council. 

There was lots to enjoy - living history encampments, pageantry, battles, jousting, music, drama, street procession, banquet, historical craftsmen & traders and many other activities as they brought the C13th to C15th alive for thousands of townsfolk and visitors. Admission was free, the events being jointly funded by Huntingdon Town Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and local sponsorship.

This fabulous event began with an impressive Saturday morning parade by participants and local groups through the town and down to the riverside encampment, with church bells ringing, followed by a very full programme of displays and activities on both days.

The top line up of performers and groups included Conquest, Destrier, Livery and Maintenance, The Wars of the Roses Federation, Lion Rampant, Hautbois, Perrotts Puppet Theatre, All of a Quiver, Drudion, Ridgeside Falconry, Griffin Historical and Ancient Wisdom, plus local community groups.

Enormous crowds enjoyed the various shows in three arenas. They were however extremely good natured and well-behaved, following EventPlan's simple but effective viewing arrangements, with those at the front all sitting on the ground, those on folding seats behind and standing behind this. This and our green camera-friendly barrier stakes and tape ensured the best possible view for everyone, especially the children.

In addition to our popular medieval market adjacent to the living history areas, there were other more "modern" stalls and stands adjacent to entrance to the show, with local clubs,  groups and individuals participating.

For an independent review of the event by photographer Des Knock, please click here.

Other activities arranged by the town council included a medieval banquet on Saturday evening at the Commemoration Hall (with entertainers from EventPlan). Participants enjoyed a mouth-watering feast of delicious medieval food using authentic recipes, plus music, entertainment & licensed bar. At the same time, there was a rock concert in Market Hill. On Sunday morning there was a re-enactment of the charter signing, in an extract from the play Kings and Liberties, performed on the Friday.

Events 2006

Click here for details of  historical events organised by EventPlan this year.

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Updated 3 February 2006