Saxon and Viking Mega Festival Weekend is Full of ‘Shock & Awe’

The much-acclaimed Saxon and Viking Festival – the flagship show for events company Red Lion Events – was the largest Early Medieval event in East Anglia taking visitors back 1000 years features a chaotic and boisterous army encampment full of hundreds of Saxon and Viking warriors.   The event – full of ‘Shock & Awe’ battles – portrayed the rich and textured history of East Anglia in the Dark Ages.  Now in its seventh year – it reflected the people of the 850 to 950AD when East Anglia was conquered and settled by the Danish Vikings.

During the two-day festival, the various Champion Warriors made a name for themselves on the battlefield, with Lords Present looking to replace Jarl Sigaard as Lord of East Anglia.  

Comments Fraser Carson of organisers Red Lion Events, ‘Once again the largest Early Medieval event in East Anglia – focussing on Saxon and Viking history – has been a huge success!’

‘With more groups from across the country than ever and crowds of public having nothing but praise for the event, our largest Viking burning and torch lit procession led to our best show yet!

’This was a fabulous weekend of reenactment with stunning shock and awe battles.’

‘And we are already planning and preparing for 2026 and within a month will be releasing dates and into on next year’s event. 

The Saxon & Viking Festival offers modern day warriors – of all ages – the chance to experience a taste of what life was like in times past.   There will be re-enactment groups from all around the country for the weekend of activities. Each group gets an insight into the way of life and culture which includes insights into cooking, weaving, leathercraft, woodwork, blacksmithing, herbalism, with Saga storytelling and Rune readings.  Visitors were able to participate in ‘have a go’ sessions which included archery and axe throwing, all handled under the supervision of certified instructors.

Re-enactment displays and battles took place in the show ring, after which a mega battle finale was fought out. On Saturday evening, crowds lined the walkways for a torchlight parade and the spectacle of the Ceremonial Burning of a Viking Boat to honour the fallen!  The Viking Fire Performers were back for a third year with their unique visual spectacular, high energy Viking Fire Show.

One of the most prominent re-enactment groups – central to the organisation of the event – is the Wuffa Viking and Saxon Re-Enactment Society who are dedicated to learning and living the ways of the early Medieval Period.  They meet at three locations in the region – Lowestoft, Ipswich and Norwich.

Adds Josh Forward Events Manager at Stonham Barns Park, ‘This event is a long-standing, much-loved festival for anyone interested in history.  The characters who attend bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the show – along with a good amount of fighting and hostility – to bring The Dark Ages to life.  This is one dynamic show that rolls out action from beginning to end – it really is a spectacular historical event for Suffolk!’

Stonham Barns Park is a day out for all the family to suit all ages. Other activities at the leisure, retail and holiday venue include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Legends Sports Bar, Café 24, The Golf Centre including Adventure Golf and FootGolf, The Teapot Pottery, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and glamping and fishing lakes.

For more information or to book tickets email: redlionevents85@gmail.com