Alcester

This area, in the heart of the Midlands, was originally called the Forest of Arden, and we decided to keep this reference in our new name, Alcester and Arden Festival. It is a wonderful site for a Festival. It has a wide High Street which is not choked with traffic and many 17th Century buildings, including the Town Hall, completed in 1641. This was used as the Court House until the 1960's and inside the main entrance can still be seen the cell-door from the old lock-up which had been in use until the 1850's.

Alcester first found prominence as the Roman town of Alauna, situated at the junction of Ryknild Street and Salt Way. The existing town is medieval and though not mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, it is likely that there has been a continuous settlement here since Roman times.

There are many pubs in Alcester. Most of them are dog-friendly, serve food and are in easy reach. In fact 5 of them are actually on the High Street itself! There are tea-shops, cafes, take-aways and slightly more sophisticated restaurants. There are antique shops and many other small independent shops here, and there is a large carpark near the High Street, with a reasonably-sized Somerfields.

For anyone visiting the area, there are many places of interest. Of course there is the main attraction of Stratford on Avon, but what about Ragley Hall (home to the Marquis of Hertford) and Coughton Court, supposedly where Guy Fawkes hid out after his attempt to blow up Parliament? They are both within four miles of the town and worth a visit. We will have details of other places of interest available at Reception.

There are rooms available at some of the town centre pubs, and there are several larger hotels within walking distance, as well as other attractive hotels in the immediate vicinity. We are very pleased with the campsite we have been able to use. It is in easy walking distance of the town centre but in a very peaceful setting, extremely secure as it is completely surrounded by the Rivers Arrow and Alne and only approachable over a small bridge (wide enough for cars, campers & caravans, etc.)

The Court Leet, an ancient form of local government, still exists in Alcester, complete with High & Low Bailiffs, Ale-taster, Bread Weighers, Town Crier and Constable. Last year they formally opened the Festival and we hope they will agree to do the same this year. We think we have found the ideal location for the Festival, and hope you will agree.

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