A spectacular medieval festival will soon be upon us as crowds prepare for an onslaught of courtesy and carnage which marks a battle which turned the tide of history.

The Battle of Evesham Festival is coming to town for an epic weekend of action and organisers believe it will be the biggest and best yet as the event continues to grow in popularity.

Re-enactors will vivify that courtesy and carnage - the Battle of Evesham Festival this weekend aims to bring to life a vanished age of chivalry and brutality in vivid detail. 

Malvern Gazette: PRESENCE: Simon de Montfort (right) a bold and controversial figure who despite losing the Battle of Evesham made his mark on English history PRESENCE: Simon de Montfort (right) a bold and controversial figure who despite losing the Battle of Evesham made his mark on English history (Image: Battle of Evesham Festival and Supporters)

Visitors are promised all the pomp and pageantry of the Middle Ages with a parade on Saturday morning involving mounted knights and medieval minstrels.

After we shared a series of striking photos in last week's Journal, courtesy of the Battle of Evesham Festival's organisers, this week we bring you more photos which give a taste of the drama visitors can expect over the course of an action-packed weekend.

Organisers have sought not only to bring to life the violence and terror of the battle itself but also to mark the fact that this was a real battle in which many people perished.

Malvern Gazette: IMPRESSIVE: The Grand Parade on Saturday will whet the appetite of visitors to the Battle of Evesham Festival taking place across the weekend IMPRESSIVE: The Grand Parade on Saturday will whet the appetite of visitors to the Battle of Evesham Festival taking place across the weekend (Image: Battle of Evesham Festival and Supporters)

As previously reported, the festival in Crown Meadow in Evesham is expected to draw in crowds of 35,000 and is rapidly gaining a name for itself as the biggest event of its kind not only in England but across Europe.

READ MORE: Battle of Evesham Festival - what the crowds can expect

READ MORE: Battle of Evesham Festival could be biggest and best yet

The Battle of Evesham, fought on August 4, 1265, was one of the two main battles of England's Second Barons' War. It ended with the defeat of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and the rebellious barons by the future King Edward I, who led the forces of his father, King Henry III.

Malvern Gazette: BRUTAL: Sometimes English history comes at you in a rush and the Battle of Evesham in 1265 is one such episode in our medieval past BRUTAL: Sometimes English history comes at you in a rush and the Battle of Evesham in 1265 is one such episode in our medieval past (Image: Battle of Evesham Festival and Supporters)

It was a struggle that helped pave the way for the liberties we enjoy today and sow the seeds of democracy which is why many consider it a watershed moment in English history.

Trevor Battersby, a committee member for the Battle of Evesham, said: "We have worked hard this year, and have received a lot of support from ‘official’ sources, on the Grand Parade on Saturday morning. We really want to get the festivities off with a spectacular ‘bang’ and we think we have got somewhere close this year."

After the parade has formed up between 10am and 10.30am in St Lawrence’s Church grounds, the Grand Parade will wend its way along Vine Street, High Street and Bridge Street ending in Abbey Park at the Simon De Montfort Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony where all present will honour the 5,000 men who died 578 years ago.

Taking part will be about 600 re-enactors, fully armed medieval soldiers, 20 Knights on war horses, 'King Henry III and Simon de Montfort’ along with minstrels and camp followers, all dressed in authentic 1265 costumes.

He added: "Furthermore, thanks largely to the support of Wychavon DC Chair, Robert Raphael, we will be joined by up to 20 regional Mayors and their consorts.

"At the time of writing, the following have confirmed; Malvern, Bewdley, Gloucester, Forest of Dean, Wyre Forest, Hereford, Stourport, Chipping Campden, Pershore, Alcester and Worcestershire.

"We call this group ‘A Magnificence of Mayors’ and must be one of the largest gatherings of dignitaries ever seen on a single parade in this area! They are heading to Evesham in recognition of the importance of Simon de Montfort in creating the political structure which ensured the position of elected Mayor could exist. After the parade, the guests will be treated to an authentic medieval lunch in a pavilion at the festival, before watching an afternoon of full-on medieval action."

The Parade is a chance for the public to get up close to the horses and cheer for the re-enactors as they walk through the ancient part of Evesham in a fantastic show of noise and colour right in the heart of the town.