THE Abbey 900 Festival will be one of the highlights of the Bank Holiday weekend with a host of events including battle re-enactments planned.

The Plantagenet Medieval Society will be in The Abbey Grounds on Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday, following parades through the town at 11.30am on both days.

There will also be Plantagenet musicians playing Hurdy Gurdy, shawmns, rauschphipe, drums and rebecks.

Both days will follow the same schedule:

  • 11.30am – Plantagenet Parade forms in Abbey Grounds;
  • 12noon – Parade in to town;
  • 12.30pm – Squire Training – learn to use real weapons;
  • 12.30pm – Meet the Medieval Warhorse;
  • 1.15pm-2pm – An audience with Henry IV;
  • 1.15pm – Dress the Knight – See how the armour is worn and fitted by an armourer;
  • 2pm – Ladies Dance and participation dancing;
  • 2.45pm – Full contact Knights Foot Tournament;
  • 3.45-4.30pm – Show and Tell – Meet the characters and ask questions.

Corinne Lamus, chairman of Abbey 900 Festival, said: “We are so pleased that the profile of our lovely town of Cirencester is being raised and the community are coming together to have an amazing festival year.

“After the enormous success of the Fleece Fair, we are hoping for a sunny Bank Holiday.”