| Where: | Formerly Ampthill, Bedfordshire - Festival events in the garden of the Old Sun on Dunstable Street, Procession from St Andrew's Church on Church Street |
| When: | Formerly A Saturday mid to late in July |
| Time: | Formerly 11 am Procession, Festival from noon |
Henry VIII’s long-suffering first wife Catherine of Aragon resided for a time at Ampthill Castle during her divorce proceedings, and Aragon Day was initiated in the early years of this century to commemorate her stay here. At first it was held every other year but changed to a usually annual event, held on a Saturday around the middle of July or towards the end of the month. It was a family friendly celebration of the Tudor past, with living history displays, cookery and craft demonstrations, storytelling, games and a lavish pageant. The procession was led by local civic dignitaries and featured all six of Henry’s wives including Catherine, and of course the much-married monarch himself.
Helpful Hints
In 2019 it was on Saturday July 13th and this was the last festival as the committee has now been dissolved. If it gets revived please let me know!
Click here for the Festival Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/281616245313397/about/
The next Aragon Day Festival will be on Sat. July 13, 2019.
Alice Sanders.
Many thanks Alice – I’ve put the date up on the site.
Best wishes,
Averil