| Where: | Ampthill, Bedfordshire - Festival events West Park & Cricket Ground, Procession from Ridge Path near Coffee Lodge |
| When: | A Saturday in mid June (formerly in July) |
| Time: | 11 am Procession, Festival from noon |
Henry VIII’s long-suffering first wife Katherine 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; as of the 2026 revival, it’s moved to a Sunday in mid June. It’s a family friendly celebration of the Tudor past, with living history displays, cookery and craft demonstrations, storytelling, games and a lavish pageant. The procession is led by local civic dignitaries and features morris dancers, Tudor courtiers, all six wives including Katherine, and of course the much-married monarch himself.
Helpful Hints
In 2026 the festival was revived on Sunday 14th June- 2017 date is yet to be announced.
Up to 2019 it was usually on a Saturday (July 13th in 2019) and this was the last festival before the then committee was dissolved.
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