Sarehole Festival 2026

So... I managed to get myself down to the Sarehole Festival in Birmingham, (which i somehow had never heard of!) and in short, it basically celebrates everything Middle Earth. Mainly Tolkein driven, but with plenty of nods to the films with the traders that were present. There were also medieval combat demonstrations, which are always fun to watch! It was so hot, so i can only imagine how cooked those guys were in all their gear. So great job from them. Also i have to mention how great the price of entry was, being able to get a family ticket for under 20 pounds, in this day and age was great value, also included entry on both Saturday and Sunday.

There were many folk dressed up as their favourtie characters, some perfect reinactments to the films, others with just elf ears or waistcoat. Also plenty who didnt, but it was great to see everyone coming together in their one love for middle earth.

The various tents that were setup to entertain/open our coin purses were as follows

1. Guest speakers & storytelling marquee

2. Crafts and gaming marquee

3. Stage marquee

4. Outdoor educational marquee

5. Arena

There was so much going that i couldnt attend everything, whilst also having a young family i had to pick and choose what they were willing to sit through, but my favourite take aways from the day were as follows.

• Laura Pahkel, she played the classic theme song from the movies, along with Enya and more. She was amazingly talented i actaully thought it was a recording when i first heard it. Her flute skills clearly have ben perfected over time and honed into a sharp instrument that she can command at will.

• The "Raven company" and the "School of historical combat" put on some sword fighting shows in their full gear, which was incredibly entertaing to watch. Always makes me want to join. One day when i have more time i hope to be a part of something like that.

• And finally the "Middle Earth Stratergy Battle Game" or MESBG for short, always has a place close to my heart. I used to play in events a while ago, its such a lovely gaming scene filled with freindly like minded people. with such a lovely rules set that no surpise has lasted over 20 years. Rob Lainchbury's award winning "Battle of Fornost" army was on display. It was well worth all the accolades which I'm sure its picked up, great piece of work.

There were also talks on Tolkein, his life and his history which is always a great read or listen if your'e a big fan of the professors work, which lets be honest, hes done so much for many people. Being able to slip into the rich world he created will always be a precious gift that we cant really ever repay. So im thankfull for his work, and the Tolkein society for putting the event on, plus all the people who had to stand around entertaing us in really hot conditions. This is one thankful hobbit, so thank you!

The Witch King!

Plenty of other styles of weaponry/trinkets..