The East Sussex Living History Festival

09/09/2026

Nearly two weeks later and we're still reminiscing about what was another fantastic, magical, and unforgettable weekend at Michelham Priory House & Gardens!

Despite a few weather challenges along the way, the East Sussex Living History Festival 2026 once again brought together thousands of visitors, traders, performers, volunteers, reenactors, and living history enthusiasts for three days of medieval magic, laughter, learning, and adventure.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year's festival so special. Seeing the site come alive with camps, battles, crafts, music, food, and storytelling is something we'll never tire of.

And we're delighted to say that plans are already underway for 2027!

⚔️ Save the date: Saturday 28th - Monday 30th August 2027 ⚔️

As we start planning next year's festival, we'd love to hear from you. If you came along this year, please take a few moments to complete our feedback survey using the link below.

Your comments, suggestions, and ideas are invaluable in helping us continue to develop and grow into what we hope will become the South East's most authentic medieval festival. While there are some things beyond our control (the weather being a prime example!), your feedback helps us understand what worked well and where we can improve.

🔗 Feedback Survey: https://form.jotform.com/262461181708356

Thank you once again for being part of the journey, and we can't wait to welcome you back to Michelham Priory in 2027!

03/09/2026

What a weekend!

Despite battling some truly challenging weather, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the East Sussex Living History Festival 2026 such a success!

Whether you were a visitor joining us for the first time, a reenactor braving the elements in camp, a trader, performer, volunteer, member of the Michelham Priory team, part of the catering crew, one of our marshals and car parking team, or working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, thank you. Events like this simply couldn't happen without the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of so many people.

We're incredibly proud that, even with the wind and rain doing their best to test us, the festival still delivered a fantastic weekend of living history, combat displays, traditional crafts, music, education and plenty of memorable moments!

A special thank you must also go to the wonderfully talented Roz Bassford, who somehow managed to capture the weekend beautifully despite the weather. Her photographs perfectly reflect the atmosphere, spirit and determination that made this year's event so special.

📸 You can view Roz's fantastic photographs here: https://rozbassford.pixieset.com/eastsussexlivinghistoryweekend2026/

We'd love to see your photos and hear your feedback. If you took any pictures over the weekend, please share them in the comments below. Equally, if you have any feedback, suggestions or highlights from the event, we'd love you to email them to [email protected]. Your comments help us continue to improve and develop the festival for the future.

And the good news? The East Sussex Living History Festival will return to Michelham Priory over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2027!

Thank you once again for your support, and we look forward to welcoming you all back next year for another weekend of history brought to life.

Photo collection by Roz Bassford

29/08/2026

The weather has won today's battle...

With the rain showing no signs of easing, we've taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor performances today.

But it's not all bad news! Devilstick PEAT will still be entertaining audiences inside the Barn, and our Living History camps are open, though our reenactors may look slightly less historical and slightly more waterproof than usual!

If you're booked for today, don't worry. You can transfer your ticket free of charge to Sunday or Monday, when the forecast looks much kinder and we'll be back with our full programme!

Just give Michelham Priory House & Gardens a call and they'll arrange everything for you.

Thank you for sticking with us through the British summer weather! 🌦️

22/08/2026

ONE WEEK TO GO!

With just one week until The East Sussex Living History Festival returns to Michelham Priory House & Gardens, here are 10 things you won't want to miss this Bank Holiday weekend!

12th Century Arming of a Knight & Combat Demonstration with Sussex Medieval Society - See a knight equipped piece by piece before witnessing brutal medieval combat in action.

Armoured Skirmish - Experience the noise, skill and intensity of warriors clashing in full armour, to recover stolen valuables from the Priory!

Have-A-Go Archery - Test your aim and see if you've got what it takes to be a medieval archer.

Axe Throwing - Try your hand at one of the festival's most popular activities.

Hartley's Companie Weapons Demonstration - Discover the weapons and fighting techniques of the 15th century from experienced living historians.

Meet Bestselling Author Toni Mount - Join Toni for the launch of her latest novel, The Colour of Malice at 2pm on Saturday, with opportunities to purchase signed copies!

Kubb: The Mythology Behind the Game - Learn about the fascinating history and legends behind this popular medieval-style lawn game with Hirtir Aett, Stag House Family - Viking Living History ᚻᛁᚱᛏᛁᚱ ᚨᛖᛏᛏ

Morris Dancing - Traditional music, colour, storytelling and spectacle from one of England's oldest folk traditions, with Mythago Morris on Sunday, and Black Powder Morris on Bank Holiday Monday.

Gallyard Tudor Dancers - Be transported back to Tudor England with interactive historical dance displays.

Devilstick PEAT the Jester - Expect laughter, mischief and plenty of surprises from the festival's resident fool, alongside all day circus skills workshops included with your ticket!

And that's just the beginning...

Hundreds of living history reenactors, unique traders and craftspeople, delicious food and drink from the on-site cafe and all in the stunning setting of Michelham Priory come rain or shine!

Saturday 29th - Monday 31st Aug 2026
10am - 5pm Daily

Thanks to the Great British Summer Savings offer, we have been able to reduce ticket prices by over 10% for this event!

Adults – £13.12
Seniors (65+) – £12.25
Child (5-17) – £6.56
Child (0-4) – Free
Essential carers – Free
Sussex Past Members – Free

https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/east-sussex-living-history-festival/

Who's joining us next weekend? Let us know below! 👇

17/08/2026

A message from the team at The East Sussex Living History Festival.

We know many of you have been keeping an eye on the recent weather reports, and we'd like to reassure everyone that the festival is currently proceeding as planned.

While the dry conditions across the country are something we're taking seriously, they are also something we're actively planning for. Our event team is monitoring the situation daily and reviewing all appropriate safety measures to ensure we can deliver a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.

One of the things we love most about this festival is the sense of community it creates. By working together, following site guidance and remaining mindful of fire safety, we're confident we can continue to provide a welcoming environment for visitors and participants alike.

Thank you for your patience and support. We know many of you travel significant distances and put a huge amount of effort into preparing for the weekend, and we look forward to sharing another fantastic event with you all.

We'll keep you updated if there is anything further to report, but in the meantime we are keeping everything crossed that next week is as wet as forecast whilst we're busy getting ready to open the gates and bring history to life once again!

https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/east-sussex-living-history-festival/

Michelham Priory House & Gardens

Step back in time at the East Sussex Living History Festival, 29 - 31 August at Michelham Priory. Enjoy live reenactments, medieval crafts, family entertainment & more on a stunning historic moated site.

14/08/2026

Step into the forge with Master Blacksmith Ian Lansley!

Have you ever wanted to shape glowing steel with your own hands?

Now's your chance to learn from one of the UK's most accomplished blacksmiths.

Ian, of Tangmere Forge has spent more than 30 years mastering the art of blacksmithing. His work has featured on The One Show, The Repair Shop, and in some of the world's most iconic fantasy productions, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Amazon's Rings of Power.

Fresh from serving as a judge at the FABA & Bearded Brotherhood AGM in Florida, Ian will be offering a very limited number of hands-on blacksmithing experiences exclusively during the East Sussex Living History Festival at Michelham Priory House & Gardens.

⚒️ 1-hour practical blacksmithing session
⚒️ Only £40 per person
⚒️ Maximum 2 participants per session
⚒️ No experience necessary
⚒️ All materials and safety equipment provided
⚒️ Ages 16+ only
⚒️ Long trousers and closed-toe shoes must be worn

Available sessions on Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday:

11:00am - 12:00pm
12:00pm - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 3:00pm
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Whether you've always wanted to try blacksmithing or you're looking for a truly unique festival experience, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a master craftsman and create something you'll take home and treasure!

⚠️ Spaces are extremely limited and tend to fill quickly.

📧 To book, contact Ian directly at [email protected]
📞 07818 500784

https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/east-sussex-living-history-festival/

13/08/2026

If this beautiful video from Talos Arcana doesn't get you excited for the East Sussex Living History Festival, we don't know what will!

This August Bank Holiday, over 300 living history enthusiasts will transform the beautiful grounds of Michelham Priory House & Gardens into a living, breathing journey through the centuries. Wander through authentic encampments, discover traditional crafts, browse our bustling medieval market, meet historical characters and watch spectacular combat demonstrations before witnessing the clash of steel as rival mercenaries battle to recover Michelham's stolen treasures.

There's entertainment throughout the weekend from world-renowned performer Devilstick PEAT , traditional dancing & storytelling from Gallyard Tudor Dancers , Mythago Morris and Black Powder Morris, alongside hands-on activities for all ages including knight's training, sword school, archery, axe throwing, blacksmithing and circus workshops.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for a fantastic day out, or simply curious to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the past, there's really something around every corner!

Even better, thanks to the Great British Summer Savings offer, ticket prices have been reduced by over 10% for 2026!

🎟️ Secure your tickets today and join us for our biggest Living History Festival yet: https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/east-sussex-living-history-festival/

I recently visited the East Sussex Living History Festival at Miche...

07/08/2026

KUBB: THE MYTHOLOGY BEHIND THE GAME

Think you've got what it takes to battle for the Nine Realms?

Join Hirtir Ætt in the Main Arena at 2pm each day for "Kubb: The Mythology Behind the Game" - an interactive demonstration exploring the legends and stories behind one of the Viking world's most popular games.

Far more than simply knocking over wooden blocks, Kubb has long been linked to Norse mythology and storytelling. As the game unfolds, Hirtir Ætt will guide visitors through a tale of the gods, the Nine Realms, and the mighty world tree, Yggdrasil, bringing the myths of the Viking Age to life through action, storytelling and friendly competition.

And the best part? You could be part of the game!

Hirtir Ætt are looking for 6–12 brave volunteers from the crowd each day to join the battle. Under the watchful eye of the team, participants will take part in the game while discovering the stories and legends that inspired it.

Whether you're a Viking enthusiast, a mythology lover, or simply fancy trying something new, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and become part of the action!

📍 Main Arena
🕑 2:00pm Daily
🪓 Public participation encouraged!

Who will claim victory in the struggle for the Nine Realms?

https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/east-sussex-living-history-festival/

06/08/2026

Saturday 29th - Monday 31st August 2026
10am - 5pm Daily
at Michelham Priory House & Gardens

Book your tickets at https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/east-sussex-living-history-festival/