The Spirit of Beowulf Festival Fundraising Weekend

FRIDAY - May 3rd * We are delighted to open the weekend with a fascinating ticketed event at the SHIRE HALL on the Market Square * Our very special guest is the renowned author and scholar, Doctor Sam Newton * Tickets are on sale NOW.

BUY THE TICKET FROM EVENTBRITE

You won't want to miss this unique look at Bewoulf's link to the history of the area by one of the world's leading experts.

The Origins of Beowulf and the Kingdom of East Anglia

' Beginning with a look at the unique manuscript of Beowulf and the epic story it tells, we shall explore the indications that the poem may have been composed in the Wuffing kingdom of East Anglia during the eighth century, using older verse traditions reaching back to the sixth century and beyond. We shall also see how splendid account of the royal ship-funeral that forms the climax of its opening movement amplifies our understanding of the Sutton Hoo ship-burial.'

SATURDAY: 11AM - 5PM Fund-Raising events on the banks of the River Deben at Whisstocks and the Tide Mill - Free admission! Food and drink available all day. Craft Market and Art exhibition. Sae Wylfing and Anglo Saxon enactors. Memory Bike for rides around town and so much more. Donations in the Beowulf Buckets.

1PM - Boat launching on the tide. Wooden Roots African Drum Workshops.

2PM - Cambridge University Students act parts of Beowulf in Old English followed by Debby Banham’s popular talk in the Long Shed Mezzanine ‘What would Beowulf eat?

Music all day on Sea Folk Arts Boatstage Marie with Merlyn’s Open Mic ‘Journeys’ Song Contest winners and special guests Celtic Fusion band Aartwork.

The Museum is open all day too ... Fun for everyone down on the river!

SUNDAY: 11AM - 4PM Fundraising continues with the Riverside Trust and TideMill Living Museum - boats, food, drink and Beowulf Buskers.

MONDAY - Join us for TWO special walks along the river to Sutton Hoo - Like last year, this will be a wonderful way to finish the festival - through the bluebells to the mystical mounds of Sutton Hoo.

Sutton Hoo is kindly hosting an exclusive Sunrise Royal Burial Ground Walk as part of the Beowulf Festival Monday May 6th 2019 06:00 - 08:00 Tickets available here

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/88ad15a5-a222-407f-b5c4-bd6ef9c555b1/pages/details

"As the sun begins to rise over the Anglo-Saxon Royal Burial Ground, soak up the atmosphere and discover more about the people who were laid to rest at Sutton Hoo.

Enjoy Sutton Hoo at its best - at sunrise. Join the Sutton Hoo Society as they take you on a journey through time and discover the stories behind those who were laid beside the Anglo-Saxon King.Warm up afterwards with hot drinks and breakfast in the Kings River Café."

12 PM A Beltane treasure and litter walk along the river to the Deben Cafe. Meet at Coffee Link NOON or TideMill 1.30 PM