Following the successful launch of the Uncover the Story tourism initiative across Leicester and Leicestershire, a week of exciting on-site and digital events has now been announced to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth.
Bosworth Medieval Medley will run at the county council's Heritage Centre from 16 to 22 August and will feature a wide range of events and activities for the whole family.
The activities which take place both on-site and online are a mixture of free and paid-for events. More details can be found on the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre website.
Events taking place in the week leading up to the anniversary weekend include a Knight School, themed evening guided walks and daytime family-friendly walks led by a costumed guide.
There's also the opportunity to meet and chat to heritage volunteers in the award-winning exhibition area with a Battle of Bosworth-themed QR code trail also taking place.
It was really disappointing that last year’s event had to be cancelled. This year, due to uncertainties over what restrictions might still be in place in August, it was felt that it wouldn’t be possible to stage the type of event which attracts thousands of visitors, re-enactors and traders – many of them from overseas.
However it's so important to commemorate the Battle of Bosworth, to give visitors an enjoyable time, and to help our heritage centre bounce back as Covid restrictions lift.
Leicestershire has a rich and proud heritage to showcase, and the Bosworth Medieval Medley will do just that.
Person:Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts
The Medley also includes several online events, including a craft competition, history talks and a chance for people to share their pictures of previous festivals.
The anniversary weekend itself (21 and 22 August) will see the site play host to a packed programme of events.
Visitors will be able to get up close to medieval history at the living history camp, where re-enactment groups LEAD and the Beaufort Companye will recreate the camps of Richard III and Henry Tudor on the eve of the battle as well as giving visitors an eye-opening insight into the day-to-day workings of a battle camp.
Living history activities will run throughout both days, and will include a 'walk-through' Battle of Bosworth in which audience members will get the chance to participate.
There will also be crowd-pleasing performances from The Fool Monty jester as well as evening and costumed guided walks, war gaming, a fancy dress competition for children and the traditional rose laying ceremony at the Sundial on Sunday 22 August – the anniversary of the battle.