High summer returns to Tatton’s Old Hall with a Medieval Fayre on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.

The Medieval Fayre is one of the largest and most dramatic events in Tatton’s calendar. Returning for the 17th consecutive year, in association with Plantagenet Events, the Medieval Fayre has established itself as one of the leading events in the country celebrating medieval life.

Each day ends with the flash of cannon fire, twang of longbow and wallop of sword and axe. Hear battle cries sound around the grounds at the spectacular Battle of Tatton Field and bear witness to the clashing of two terrifying battalions of men at arms and knights in full armour.

This year the Old Hall is expecting a fantastic number of re-enactors to join in the drama.

Old Hall steward Mick Ricketts said: “Seventeen years of Medieval fayre shows its popularity and quality. This is a chance for people of all ages to step back in time and get close to the medieval world and experience its sights, sounds and characters. Don’t forget to muster with the steel clad armies and follow them to the excitement of a battle finale. Choose your side to cheer and boo. Be part of living history.”

The fantastic festival atmosphere is enhanced by around 40 traders, set up in colourful tents in the beautiful grounds of the Old Hall, selling authentic medieval food, crafts, ironwork and clothing from home-spun fabrics, such as linen and worsted. Nothing to buy from medieval times?

You’ll be surprised!

Visitors will also be able to see ‘living history’ displays of cooking over open fires, spinning and weaving. Thirsty peasants can enjoy refreshments in the ale and mead tent and be entertained by the falconry display, archery tournaments and cannon demonstrations. Squeake’s Noyse, a marvellous musical duo, create medieval music on the bagpipes, hurdy gurdy, harp and tabor drum.

The Old Hall will be open for free flow tours.

The Medieval Fayre takes place at the Old Hall from 11am-5pm (last entry 4pm). Tickets are priced £7 for adults, £4.50 for children and £18.50 for a family (two adults and up to three children). Park entry is £5 per car. Call 01625 374400 or visit www.tattonpark.org.uk for more information. Plantagenet Events can be contacted on their website at: www.plantagenet-events.co.uk/

For further information about this release contact:  Vicky Wilby, Marketing Department  Tel: 01625 374417 / Email: vicky.wilby@cheshireeast.gov.uk www.tattonpark.org.uk

101 things to do at Tatton

Experiencing Tatton’s Old Hall during the Medieval Fayre is just one of over 101 things to do at Tatton Park, a brand new campaign launched last month and featuring 101 of the best possible experiences to be enjoyed at Tatton this year. These range from feeding Tatton’s deer their daily breakfast to singing happy birthday with a rare breed pig: watching the Vikings invade Tatton’s Old Hall to escaping in to a New Zealand rain forest. www.101tatton.org.uk

Tatton Park is managed and financed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust.

This impressive historic estate receives in the region of 800,000 visitors every year all of whom come to enjoy its Georgian mansion, Tudor Old Hall, award- winning gardens and 1930s rare breeds farm. The 1,000-acre deer park is home to red and fallow deer and the estate also boasts speciality shops, adventure playground, restaurant, Gardener’s Cottage tea room and year-round events programme.

In May this year Tatton Park was named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence.