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 * Something for everyone at Whisstocks and the TideMill Quay from midday to dusk as we celebrate the Beltane Weekend and Fundraise for the 2020 Festival *

An array of Bespoke Food and Drink co-ordinated by Charlotte Murray, the Scouts and the Tide Mill Living Museum who offers free entrance over the weekend *

Music from Merlyn's Open Mic and the the 'Journeys' Song and Poetry Competition on the Marie Boat Stage *

Boat building and launching with Woodbridge Riverside Trust in the Long Shed with Sae Wylfing and Anglo Saxon Enactors *

Craft demonstrations and Market Stalls with Woodbridge Creative Arts *

Park and Ride the Beowulf Bike - Leave the car and get a ride to the events! *

A return of the very popular talk 'What did Beowulf eat?' from Dr. Debby Banham *

Visit the newly opened Woodbridge Museum on Whisstocks Place *

Students from the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, University of Cambridge performing scenes from Beowulf in Old English *

Wooden Roots West African Drum Workshops *

Art and Sculpture installations in the Mezzanine (TBC) *

Charles Mugleston with the story of Edward FitzGerald and the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyham in the Museum (TBC) *  

and many more fund-raising events to be announced this month!

SUNDAY - May 5th - Song Writing Workshops with Sea Folk Arts on Marie the Scottish Trawler moored by the TideMill for the Beowulf Festival *

girl in a gale plays a Techno Brunch on the TideMil Quayl*

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."

There will also be an informal lunchtime walk along the river with Julia McPherson. Join us as we celebrate Monday Bank holiday with an extra bit of Beowulf and Beltane magic walking from the TideMill along the River Deben via a special lunch aboard the Deben Cafe on HMS Vale. For those who wish to walk on to Sutton Hoo standard entrance fees to the site will apply. (TBC)