The Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre has been awarded the prestigious Gold award for Tourism Event of the Year at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards.

The accolade serves as a testament to the event's significant impact on tourism in the region.

This year's fayre saw a record turnout with over 8,000 attendees enjoying a weekend replete with jousting, market stalls, music, living history encampments, and historical talks.

The awards ceremony, which took place on 30 November 2023 at the Bristol Hotel, celebrated the best in regional tourism.

Brad Lister, the Head of Commercial Activity at Glastonbury Abbey, said "The abbey team, its suppliers, and all of the participants at the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre work tirelessly to create a memorable event for visitors year after year. To receive a Gold award is wonderful recognition of that effort and the whole team should be very proud."

Previously, the fayre had been awarded Silver in 2019 and Bronze in 2022, and this year it was also a nominee for the National Outdoor Events Association's Event of the Year award.

Securing the Gold award now puts the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre in contention for the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, which will be presented at Exeter University in March 2024.

Looking ahead, the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre is set to return on 27 and 28 April 2024, promising to be the grandest iteration yet with an expanded array of stalls and activities for families to enjoy. Discounted advance tickets are currently available for purchase on the Glastonbury Abbey website.