Battle of Lewes Festival 2025

by Edwina in Lewes, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Total raised £75

£2,000 target 14 days left
3% 5 supporters
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 11th May 2025 at 6:00pm

To celebrate the historic Battle of Lewes 1264 - a free for all, fun event featuring reenactment and entertainment in May 2025

by Edwina in Lewes, East Sussex, United Kingdom

The team

Our enthusiastic group of local historians has been organising and running the Battle of Lewes Festival at Convent Field in Lewes every May, and on a volunteer basis, for the last 4 years. 1743260533_20220507_164437189_ios.jpg

The Event

Completely free to visit and take part in, featuring historic battle enactments where they took place through the town, medieval stalls and entertainment, refreshments fit for a medieval King, and historic talks and tours.

Attendees

Last year with over 15,000 attendees, 150 medieval reenactors many travelling across the country, shared their skills in armed combat, with the people of Lewes and surrounding areas. 

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The vision

Our vision is to keep the event free to attend for all, expand the reach to more people and backgrounds, to educate in a pivotal special battle in a special place - Henry III was defeated by Simon de Montfort at Lewes Priory in May 1264, leading to the summoning of the first ever recorded parliament which included ordinary people as well as the nobility. And this year will be particularly special, as we celebrate the 760th anniversary of that parliament in 1265. Also, needless to say, de Montfort's comeuppance at the Battle of Evesham where the royalty took back control again.

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But we can't do it alone. Will you help us?

All the money we raise will go towards the running costs of the festival. And to thank you for your support, we are offering you some extra special rewards which could make a wonderful treat for a loved one, or yourself, and add some extra 13th century fun into your weekend. 

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Thank you.

Or enter custom amount

Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£150 or more

0 of 3 claimed

Carry Simon de Montfort's sword through Lewes

Simon de Montfort led his troops through the streets of Lewes to fight at Lewes Castle and the Priory in May 1264. We recreate this during our procession to the event. And you or a loved one could be leading the way carrying his ceremonial sword in front of him. A must for Penny Mordaunt fans.

£20 or more

1 of 12 claimed

£20 Take a ride on the 'Battle bus' - SATURDAY

A single ticket to join the reenactors on a ride of a lifetime on the morning of the battle. In 1264 the two armies gathered at the battle site at the top of the town. The 'Battle bus' departs from 9am from the Convent Field to The Gallops, on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, to transport the fully clad reenactors to the start of the battle (only 12 tickets available)

£50 or more

0 of 2 claimed

£50 Carry Henry III sword through Lewes

Henry III led his troops through the streets of Lewes to fight at Lewes Castle and the Priory in May 1264. We recreate this during our procession to the event. And you or a loved one could be leading the way carrying his ceremonial sword in front of him.

£50 or more

0 of 2 claimed

£50 Carry Prince Edwards sword through Lewes

Prince Edward fought with his father Henry III at Lewes. Although he led his cavalry North from the battle field in May 1264 he returned to the Priory to join his father. We recreate this during our procession to the event. And you or a loved one could be leading the way carrying his ceremonial sword in front of him.

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