From Mega Battles to Fire Dancers and the Burning of a Viking Boat …
Stonham Barns Park, one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations, has staged a massive Saxon & Viking Festival (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September) for families and history lovers from all over the region.
The much-acclaimed Saxon and Viking Festival – the flagship show for new events company Red Lion Events – took visitors back 1000 years when it featured 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 reflected the people from 850 to 950AD, a time when East Anglia was conquered and settled by the Danish Vikings.
During the two-day festival, various Champion Warriors looked to make a name for themselves on the battlefield. The event was based in Stonham Aspal – the mid-Suffolk village – where significant historic finds have been discovered.
The Saxon & Viking Festival offered modern day warriors – of all ages – the chance to experience a taste of what life was like in times past. There were re-enactment groups from all around the country attending the weekend of activities. Each group gave an insight into the way of life and culture which included insights into cooking, weaving, leathercraft, woodwork, blacksmithing, herbalism, Saga storytelling and Rune readings.
Re-enactment displays and battles took place in the show ring, after which a mega battle finale was fought out. On Saturday evening, crowds lined 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.
Comments, Fraser Carson of Red Lion Events, ‘It was great to be back at Stonham Barns Park for this awesome festival weekend. Two fully packed days with action and excitement which included a huge torchlight procession featuring four fire dancers and the burning of a sacrificial Viking Boat! We added music to the event to complete the festival atmosphere. It really was one mighty and immersive weekend for all those who attended.’
Adds Lily Wakeling from Stonham Barns Park Events Team, ‘This was a non-stop action festival for all those who attended. The characters brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the show – along with a good amount of fighting and hostility – to bring The Dark Ages to life. It was as colourful and dramatic as a show can get!’
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.