Saxon and Viking Big Festival Weekend – Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal

Stonham Barns Park, one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations, is staging a massive Saxon & Viking Festival on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September for families and history lovers from all over the region.  The show was not staged last year and so the return to Stonham Barns Park is expected to attract a mega crowd.

The much-acclaimed Saxon and Viking Festival – the flagship show for new 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 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, fire dancers, and the spectacle of the ceremonial burning of a Viking Boat to honour the fallen!

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.

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.  Glamping tents are also available to hire or a Shepherd’s cabin for those who prefer something a little more unusual.  Visit the following Pitchup link
https://www.pitchup.com/campsites/England/East_Anglia/Suffolk/Stowmarket/stonham-barns-caravan-park/ 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.

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 glamping and fishing lakes.

For more information or to book tickets email: redlionevents85@gmail.com