Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre is set to return for its annual celebration of history, entertainment, and activities across the weekend of the 27th and 28th of April.

It's one of the biggest events in the town's calendar, and visitors from across the area are expected to come for the festivities.

This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering more entertainment, activities, traders, speakers, and catering than previous years. The event will feature battles, have-a-go activities, living history camps, speakers tent, fine ale, the joust, and more.

If you're getting ready to get medieval, here's everything you need to know.

Where should I park?

The official event parking is at Herbie's Field, Northload bridge, Glastonbury. The nearest postcode is BA6 9LE. It will cost £5 per car (cheaper than town car parks).

It is a 10 minute leisurely walk to Glastonbury Abbey from the car park.

Please do not park in residential streets or block access to driveways or park irresponsibly

The car park will be open from 9am to 7pm on both days. There is no out of hours service. The height restriction is 2.1m and no live in vehicles are permitted to park. Parking will cost £5 and is for all day regardless of arrival time and he parking attendants will be able to take cash and card payments.

Mendip Community Transport will be operating a shuttle service with one bus that seats 16 people throughout the day. There will be no shuttle between 1pm and 2pm.

Visitors are encouraged to use designated parking areas to help keep the town clear and accessible for everyone during the event.

Fayre Highlights

The 2024 Fayre will feature an array of activities, from thrilling medieval battles to educational displays by Historia Normannis and magical tales with Merry Matilda. Notable groups include:

• What A Palaver: Be dazzled by feats of fire, juggling, and audience engagement.
• Knights of Albion: Witness the grandeur of jousting knights.
• Avalon Recorder Consort: Enjoy a mix of music from various historical periods.

Activities and Schedules Both days of the Fayre are filled with continuous entertainment from 10:15 AM to 5:15 PM in both the Main and Small Arenas. Highlights include:

• 10:15 AM, 1:40 PM, & 5:15 PM - What A Palaver: Start your day with a dynamic performance in the Small Arena.
• 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - The Grand Medieval Joust: Experience the pinnacle of medieval sporting in the Main Arena.
• Ongoing: Engage with have-a-go activities like archery and longsword fighting throughout the day.

Can I still buy tickets for Glastonbury Medieval Fayre 2023?

You can buy tickets on the gate for the event:

• Adult: £15
• Child: £10
• Concession: £13

They also offer a free Carer's ticket to all events at Glastonbury Abbey. Should you require a carer to visit the abbey please email [email protected] with your details.

A child's ticket covers children aged between 5-15yrs and children under five go free.

I am an Abbey member, do I need a ticket?

Yes. There is no entry to the site without an event ticket for the duration of the event. If you have a PLUS membership you can claim your free ticket in advance by going to the event page or visiting the abbey gift shop.

Glastonbury Medieval Fayre (Photo: Glastonbury Abbey)

What time does Glastonbury Medieval Fayre 2024 open and close?

The event will take place on the Abbey's main grounds from 10am to 6pm, with the entertainment starting at 11am.

The site opens to ticket holders from 10am on both days of the event. The entertainment and displays concludes at 5.30pm. and the site should be vacated by 6pm.

What will be taking place during the day?

There will be loads of Medieval and historical-themed entertainment, activities, traders, speakers, and catering. You can expect battles, have-a-go activities, living history camps, a speaker's tent, fine ale, plenty of mead, the joust, and more.

There is also the kids area, the have-a-go activities, the strolling fire breathing jester and arena displays throughout the day. Also, the living history encampments will have displays, workshops, combat and more. With over 200 re-enactors on site there is always something to see or do.

Can I come and go?

Once you have your wristband you can come and go as much as you like - as long as your wristband is valid for that day. Remember, your wristband entitles you to entry to the site for either Saturday or Sunday or both days if you have a weekend ticket. If you show up on Sunday with a Saturday wristband you will be refused entry.

Last entry (or re-entry) is at 5.15pm.

Will there be noise and canons at Glastonbury Medieval Fayre 2024?

There will be gunfire and Medieval weaponry displays at this year's fayre so be aware of the potential for loud noises during the battles and firepower displays.

How big is the site and is it accessible?

The Abbey site is 36 acres. The fayre will use most of the site, so expect to burn some calories. There are paths throughout and if the weather is kind the grassed areas should be firm. The entry and exit to the site are via a gentle slope with no stairs.

Can I bring my dog to Glastonbury Medieval Fayre?

As long as it's well-behaved, and kept on a lead.

Can I bring a Chair?

Yes, of course. Although we'd recommend a camping chair rather than bringing your sofa along.

Can I bring a Gazebo or wind break?

No. Both are not allowed at Glastonbury Abbey.

What happens if it rains?

You'll get wet.

What catering is there at the Medieval Fayre?

Traditional Medieval foods like burgers, chips, Pizza, curry, crepes, mac & cheese, cakes, slices, coffee and much more.

There is food for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, carnivores and omnivores. The abbey Café is near the main entrance to the site and is open for fine coffee, cake and more throughout both days.

There is also another coffee and cake seller near the main arena as well as popcorn and candy floss for the kids (and bigger kids).

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, you can.

Will there be alcohol at the Glastonbury Medieval Fayre?

The brilliantly-named Stagger Inn will serve the finest ale, lager, wines and spirits across the weekend, while The Glastonbury Abbey Cider Bar will be selling you guessed it – Glastonbury Abbey Cider - produced using only the apples grown in the abbey orchard.

Like the Stagger Inn you will need to purchase a reusable cup for £1 and you can swap it for a fresh cup throughout the event.

Your first purchase at the bar will include a reusable cup for £1. You can bring your cup back and swap it for a fresh one for not additional charge and keep it at the end of the event as a souvenir.

Can I dress up?

You absolutely can.

However, do not bring any bladed weapons or bows / arrows.

Essentially, the re-enactors have insurance, training, risk assessments and experience. Members of the public probably don't and in the interests of the safety of all only official participants may have weapons or replica weapons. Any other weapons brought to the event will be confiscated.

Tickets and additional visitor information can be found on the Glastonbury Abbey website. Advance online tickets offer savings over on-the-day purchases and are recommended for those looking to enhance their Fayre experience.