VISITORS to Evesham's riverside Workman Gardens will be able to take a trip back in time when battle commences at a two-day Medieval Festival on Saturday.

Organised by Bengeworth Traders and sponsored by the West Midlands Market Towns Partnership, the Festival and Continental Market, from 10.30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 1, promises to be fun for all the family with live battle re-enactments, jesters, magicians, owls, free competitions, stalls and stocks.

A living history encampment and an exhibition of Evesham Through the Ages will give visitors an insight into life in times gone by.

Adults can buy ancient brews at the medieval tavern while the youngsters enjoy the mini fairground, try their skill at archery or take part in the circus skills workshop.

The Bear Radio, street entertainment, Minstrels and Morris Dancers will lead people to the Bengeworth shops and services where the traders are putting on special offers, competitions and pub food.

There will be ample opportunity to wander round the grand and unique market, specially brought over from the continent to Evesham and boasting spices, jewellery, wines, cider and leather goods.

Sue Earnshaw, secretary of Bengeworth Traders, said: "We are very keen to get more events going in the town and really hope this will be a big success. We will be looking to stage it every year."

Town centres manager Lew Hammond said: "Evesham's riverside and parks have been at the centre of an exciting regeneration programme; what better use could we put them to than to provide fantastic entertainment."

He added: "As well as being a lot of fun, the festival offers an historic insight into life in Evesham long before radios, computers and mobile phones were on the scene. It's really not to be missed and I hope to see new and familiar faces turning up at the festival."