Medieval show set to delight crowds at Jarrow Festival

L-R: Coun Ken Stephenson, vice chair of Jarrow Festival Committee, Roy Merrin, chairman of Jarrow Festival Committee, Sarah French, Groundwork's Business Director, Riverside Falconry, Sean North - Time and Tide Events, with members of the Moss Troupers and Making History group.

A day of medieval fun is set to be a highlight at this year's Jarrow Festival, with a range of historical activities sure to delight the crowds.

The Jarrow Festival Medieval Fayre, which takes place on Sunday, May 29, will feature a combat re-enactment, a Viking craft display and falconry stage.

Now in its 28th year, the event will be staged at Drewetts Park, between Bede’s World and St Paul’s Church on Church Bank from 10am to 5pm.

Launch of last year's Jarrow Festival.
From left Mayor Councillor Fay Cunningham, Coun Ken Stephenson and mayoress Stella Matthewson — Launch of last year's Jarrow Festival. From left Mayor Councillor Fay Cunningham, Coun Ken Stephenson and mayoress Stella Matthewson

The free family day has been organised by communities’ charity Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle and Time and Tide Events, with support from Big Local Central Jarrow.

Sarah French, Groundwork STAN Director of Business, said: “The day promises some unrivalled entertainment for all the family.

“The Medieval Fayre has proved hugely popular for many years to people from across the North East.

“From combat re-enactment to craft stalls, there is something of interest for everyone.”

During the event, Hartlepool-based Vanguard Re-enactment will carry out the Medieval combat and recount the period and The Black Gate Combat Academy will provide crafts and living history.

Riverside Falconry will display its birds of prey, and medieval music will be performed by Paul Martin, with local folk songs from Jarrow Lowp.

Community Arts Project North East Radio will also be on-site collecting and recording stories of Jarrow past.

Also present will be the Moss troopers and historical education company Archaeosoup, who will tell the tale of Lindisfarne Gospels and the Codex Amiatinus.

The ten-day Jarrow Festival running from May 27 to June 5, will be officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Alan Smith and Councillor Moira Smith on Friday.

Roy Merrin, Chairman of Jarrow Festival Committee, said: “I am delighted that this year’s Jarrow Festival will again include the Medieval Fayre.

“I know that all those that go along will be entertained by the wide variety of activities and stalls on display.”

 THE EVENTS:

The ten day Jarrow Festival will offer a range of entertainment for the family each day.

Dates for the diary include a community art exhibition at Primrose Community Centre which will be opened by local artist Bob Olley on May 27 at 9.30am and runs until June 5; a youth football tournament starting at 9am and family fun day starting at 12noon at Perth Green Community Centre on May 28.

A carnival and family fun day will also be held at Hedworthfield Community Centre on May 28 starting at 12noon and the Aaron Todd Memorial Trophy family football match on May 29 at 12noon.

Jarrow and Hebburn History Society photography exhibition will also run from May 27 until June 5 in the store next to Thompson Travel Agents and the festival finale family fun day will take place at Low Simonside Community Centre on June 5 at 11am.

To find out more about the whole range of activities, pick up a leaflet from Jarrow Library or community centres or visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/jarrowfestival.