Battle For Black Cat Bridge

24/02/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that, following recent events and discussions, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Black Cat Bash.
Although we explored ways to move forward despite the change in management, a number of groups and traders have since withdrawn from the event.
With this in mind, we feel it would not be viable to continue. While we are incredibly grateful for our loyal core of supporters who voiced their encouragement and understanding, it would not be fair to ask traders to attend when we anticipate significantly lower numbers, nor would it be fair to the public who have come to know and love the show for everything it represents.
We are truly thankful to everyone who has attended over the years — especially those who were with us from the very beginning, when it was just a handful of tents in a field. To see it grow into the magnificent spectacle it became over the past two years was something very special. Although it may be ending under a cloud, it has been an unforgettable journey.
Thank you to everyone who supported and defended us across various pages and platforms, and to those who offered guidance on how we might continue. After careful consideration, however, we believe stepping back this year is the right decision.
From all of us at the BCB team, we wish you every success and happiness for the future.

23/02/2026

Good day to all reenactors, traders, and guests,

We’re delighted to announce that the festival is now under new management.

While this change will bring a few adjustments, we’re confident it will also introduce positive improvements to our much-loved event.

So, what does this mean for you? From a guest’s perspective, very little will change. We remain committed to ensuring everyone enjoys a fun, safe, and memorable weekend of medieval mayhem.
Our team and Chief Organiser will continue to be available through our Facebook group and via Facebook Messenger to assist you with your preparations and to support you throughout the weekend.

We will also be introducing some updates to our security and safeguarding policies. These will be shared with all reenactors and traders in a welcome pack, which will be issued the week before the festival. The pack will include emergency contact information for security, first aid, and safeguarding services during the event, along with helpful guidance to ensure you have the best possible experience.

The Black Cat Medieval Festival and Market team looks forward to welcoming you all and greatly appreciates your continued support in making this a truly wonderful event.

16/02/2026

15/02/2026

Reenactors - we wanted to try something new this year. We would like to put an A3 info sheet at strategic points near camps that just say a little about what your group (camp) does or portrays.
So if any of your group would like to design an A3 info sheet with images or contact details then please email them to
[email protected].
These will then be printed and be avaliable on boards by your pitch for the event.

13/02/2026

Traders lanes are filling up nicely so great to see so many returning and some new ones. Will be fun to set up on the site maps.

12/02/2026

With the battlefield growing nicely we would like to try something different this year. Something more 'Tewksburyesc' with both sides forming 2 blocks each. One crowd side one hedge side with alternative pushes so that there is less downtime between pushes for the public but allowing for rest and water. The plan will be for the blocks to take it in rotation to engage and disengage before all blocks in the final push. We are also hoping this will allow those less confident and seasoned to join in the battle on the hedge side without worry about being scrutinised by the public.

10/02/2026

Band booked, an event shelter sorted to keep them dry near the bar tent.
With more reenactors applying this year than before the medieval village should look quite full again this year and the battle look even fuller.

14/01/2026

The applications for both traders and reenactors continue to grow. Field will look full again this year. We do love watching our little city grow.

04/01/2026

We're looking for a bar tent for this year's event.
So far we've had quotes in excess of £2k for the weekend with insurance as an additional cost.
Anyone have any contacts who might be interested in helping to provide one?

24/12/2025

Wishing all our customers old and new a very Merry Christmas and a Great New Year.
Roll on the Black Cat Bash

16/12/2025

As many of you are aware we enjoy the accurate and historical representation of the boom boom sticks and cannon at our events. The proposed merger of these 2 points would make it almost impossible for this to happen and for the Reenactors to keep their hard earned and well maintained display equipment.
So please consider signing the below petition to keep history alive, Black powder displays accessible and our master at arms happy making boom boom noises.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/750236?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOt8j9jbGNrA63yO2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHpC_6pjSgabfA_Pu2RdQnTpH03V8PqEl9Ul0BmPvCYuF06lfBBGGe862IUWs_aem_tuaI_ucU_P_rT2BKNwvsOQ

07/09/2025

For those who attended our event this year could you please leave us a review on our page, will help us to grow and target our audience.

https://m.facebook.com/BBCB2018/reviews/

Steps to Leave a Review:
1. Find the page:
Search for the business or page you want to review using the search bar at the top of Facebook.
2. Navigate to Reviews:
Click on the page's name to go to their page. Look for the "Reviews" or "Recommendations" tab, which might be under the "Details" section or the "More" menu.
3. Rate the Page:
Once on the reviews page, you will see a prompt asking if you recommend the page. Click "Yes" or "No" based on your experience.
4. Share Your Experience:
A pop-up box will appear, allowing you to write a detailed review of your experience. You can also choose to add tags for common themes or upload photos.
5. Set Privacy and Post:
Select the audience for your review (e.g., Public, Friends) and then click "Post" to share your feedback.