Kianush Robeson will give a classical guitar concert on Saturday afternoon.

Busy weekend of events and entertainment at Battle Festival

The two weeks of Battle Festival are in full swing, with a busy programme of events – including music, comedy, poetry, walks and talks – over this weekend. Nick Terdre provides a round-up of what is in story.

Friday 18 July, at 7.30pm in Battle Memorial Hall: An Alphabet of Storms, with Henry Normal.  Henry is a writer, poet, and TV producer who co-founded both the Manchester and Nottingham Poetry Festivals. His CV includes co-writing the award-winning Mrs Merton Show, The Royle Family, and several shows with Steve Coogan, as well as executive-producing and script-editing projects such as Gavin and Stacey and Alan Partridge. His BBC Radio 4 work blends comedy, poetry, and family stories.

Henry now lives in Fairlight with his wife, screenwriter Angela Pell, and their son. Together they co-wrote his bestselling memoir A Normal Family. He continues to perform at festivals, has published numerous poetry books, holds two honorary doctorates—and even has a beer and a bus named after him.

“Dovetails bittersweet poetry with a sublimely observant wit”— The Guardian.

Saturday 19 July, and Sunday 20 July, both at 11am: Hiding in Plain Sight — a History Walk
A walk along Battle High Street with historic buildings consultant Stephen Gray, to learn how to spot the medieval buildings hiding in plain sight. Meet at bench by roundabout at the head of Lake Field (opposite The Chequers).

Saturday 19 July, at 3pm in the Church of St Mary the Virgin: Classical Guitar Concert with Kianush Robeson
The classical guitar as we know it becomes recognised in the 20th century thanks to great performers and none more so than Andrés Segovia and Julian Bream. Robeson will explore the repertoire they inspired, telling the story of how the guitar developed in this period illustrated with British, Spanish and Italian works. Admission free.

Saturday 19 July, at 7:30pm in Battle Memorial Hall: Come Rain, Come Shine
London Revue Company presents a sparkling celebration of the British countryside — the seasons, the landscape, the characters . . . the weather! Starring Sunny Ormonde (The Archers’ Lilian Bellamy), supported by Nicola Keen, Michael Winsor and Malcolm McKee.

Featuring songs by Noël Coward, Rodgers & Hart, Flanders & Swann, Irving Berlin and many more, followed by a Q&A and behind-the-scenes tales from Ambridge.

Sunday 20 July, 7:30pm, Battle Abbey School: Piano Recital with Ryan Wang
The 17-year-old, who made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of five and was the BBC Young Musician 2024, will play a selection of works by Chopin.

Monday 21 July, at 7pm in the Almonry: For The Love of Latin
Discover the joys of Latin in this lively, accessible workshop with tutor and author Caroline Mackenzie.

Through an illustrated talk and interactive discussion, Caroline explores Latin’s rich links to English, shares evocative poetry, and reveals how ancient writers used language to stir emotion.

Battle Festival continues until Sunday 27 July. Most events are paid. To buy tickets, for more details, and for information on other events, visit the festival website, from which all images are taken.

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