PREPARE to bend the knee to a larger than life king who will be putting in an appearance during the three-day Big Tudor Fest,.

When Tudor House Museum Events Manager Judy Pass saw Henry VIII re-creator and film actor John S White in performance, she was riveted – and instantly booked him to appear at the 500-year-old building on Friar Street.

Henry VIII's appearance is just one the highlights of Tudor Fest which will include tasting food fit for a king and a chance to try Tudor activities.

Birmingham-born actor Mr White has appeared in a string of film, television and radio shows, mostly in historical roles.

As Henry VIII, he will be recounting his life, tales of his wives and children, and the events of his long and troubled reign on Wednesday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Clues to Henry’s larger-than-life size will be served up on Thursday with live demonstrations of the secrets from a Tudor kitchen by David Cadle, better known as television's The History Man.

There will be a packed bill centred on Tudor life and leisure activities including a performance by historic dance company Courtesie on Saturday.

Children will have the opportunity to dress-up in period clothing and to get a taste of what life was like for a Tudor child.

Heritage centre manager Eizabeth Pimblett said the family-friendly three-day festival is poised to be the biggest and most ambitious event staged by the volunteers who run the centre.

"This year has been our most successful and varied yet and there’s an ambitious programme of up-coming events throughout the rest of the year."