The Rochford Festival
Historically speaking the Battle of Assandun was the second most significant battle fought on our shores during the medieval era, and it was fought right on our doorstep.
​
Assandun is now known as Ashingdon, the battle took place just behind the church, in fact the church was built to mark the battle by the victor, Canute.
​
The date of the battle was 16th October 1016, over 14 thousand souls lost their lives that day, as a result Canute won a lot more than the battle on that fateful day, he won the crown and became King of England!
The Rochford Festival is bringing together some of the UK's top re-enactment groups to tell the story and recreate the battle in magnificent style with a cast of hoards of practiced warriors both Viking and Saxon.
​
If you loved TV's series Vikings or Last Kingdom this is the event for you. Both series are representative of the era covered by The Rochford Festival, wandering around the Living History Village will have you feeling like you're on a film set, or have stepped back in time.
Postponed until 2024
What's On?
The Battle
We believe in going big or going home, so we have not one, not, two, but three re-enactment groups joining forces to form two fearsome armies who will recreate the battle of Assandun with lots of exciting theatre. The clothing and weaponry are as authentic as possible, the blood, and wounds, not so much. Fighting with sharp things wasn’t pretty and we’re a family show after all.
Jousting
Brought to you by the Destrier Organisation, these ladies and gentlemen don’t mess about. Wearing real armour, on real war horses, breaking real lances. You will feel the ground shake as these magnificent horses charge towards each other to meet with an almighty crash. Meet the riders and their beautiful mounts in the paddocks and choose which team will win your favour.
Living History
Here we delve into the day-to-day tasks of medieval life. See Blacksmiths, Weavers, Spinners, Potters, and many more, some are almost forgotten crafts that were essential in the era. Watch skilled demonstrations, or even get hands on by having a go yourself, some are not as easy as they look. More hands-on demos include Archery and Axe throwing, try it if you dare!
Buy your tickets
Save a massive 25% on all tickets with our event launch early bird offer
​
ADULT £22.00 OFFER PRICE £16.50
CHILD £14.00 OFFER PRICE £10.50
FAMILY £60.00 OFFER PRICE £45.00
​
Offer valid until 28 February 2022, don't miss out – book your tickets today!
Prices subject to booking fees.
POSTPONED
Event Info
With two main arenas, a living history village, lots of side stalls, crafts, catering and bars, here is all the info you might need to help you plan your day ahead of time.
Plan Ahead
Find your feet and plan your day. We will have a downloadable event map and schedule nearer the time so that you don't miss a thing! You'll be able to see what activities and events you'd like to do and see across the whole day.
There is ample car and bicycle parking on site, profits from the parking fees are going to the Friends of Cherry Orchard to help repair the ground and improve other areas of the country park.
Charges are: Cars & Vans £3, Motorcycles £1.50, Bicycles £1
All the marauding is bound to work up a healthy appetite, we have a whole host of food and drink options to satisfy a warriors hunger, from Hog Roasts to Fish & Chips, Veggie and Vegan menus to Delicious Desserts. You'll be spoilt for choice.
Also on offer from Tink's Tipsy Tavern, will be Real Ales, Ciders, Mead, Lager, plus everything else you would expect from a great bar.
When
Saturday 27 to Bank Holiday Monday 29 August
10am - 5.30pm
Car park open from 9.30am
Where
Cherry Orchard
Jubilee Country Park
Cherry Orchard Way
Rochford
Essex SS4 1GP
