An Anglo Saxon battle display
An Anglo Saxon battle display

Lichfield went back in time as thousands flocked to an Anglo Saxon festival in the city.

The Aerra Lida event, which celebrated the discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard, featured a range of activities from face painting and battle skirmishes, to cathedral tours and music making workshops in Lichfield Cathedral and The Close.

The festival was opened by Town Crier, Ken Knowles, the Venerable Christopher Liley, Archdeacon of Lichfield, and Mi Greenway, Chairman of Hammerwich Parish Council, who said:

“It was great to help open an event to celebrate the Staffordshire Hoard, which was found just outside Hammerwich. The festival also helped to highlight the links with our other local Anglo Saxon treasures, including the Lichfield Angel and St Chad Gospels, which are older than the famous Book of Kells.

“I hope that, as a result of the event, more and more people get excited by and involved in the story of the Staffordshire Hoard, and the district’s proud Anglo Saxon history.”

Lizzie Thatcher, Tourism Manager at Lichfield District Council, who helped to organise the event in partnership with the cathedral team, added:

“I am really pleased that so many people entered into the spirit of our Anglo Saxon festival. A big thank you must go to everyone who helped to lead the activities – from workshops and tours, to spire climbs and ale and mead tasting, which was kindly organised by Lichfield Arts. I’d also like to thank the Arts Council for the grant which made the day possible.”

On the day, groups and families also took part in a Staffordshire Hoard inspire treasure hunt around the city. The hunt was won jointly by two teams, made up of Sarah Croxon and David Place, and Rebecca Parker and Freya Houghton.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.