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The traditional May Day Fair returns after a two-year absence and will celebrate the coming of summer.

This two-day event takes place on Sunday, 1 May and Monday, 2 May and will feature Maypole dancing, Birds of Prey displays from local company Eden Falconry, and ‘Barbaric Battle’ re-enactments that interact with the crowd. For the first time ever, there will also be an award-winning medieval village set up for the event, complete with a ‘household’ of over 30 actors, giving visitors a fascinating and interactive insight into the life of a merchant family in the 15th century.

Throughout the day, guests can also take part in archery, axe throwing and storytelling, and enjoy live traditional and medieval music and street theatre, all included in the ticket price. Craft and food stalls will also be available.

Plus he Pantaloons theatre company will perform a song penned by pop legend Nik Kershaw on Hedingham Castle and its history.

The lyrics, penned by the local singer songwriter who shot to fame in the 80s, feature tongue-in-cheek facts about the most notable of the estate’s ancestors, including Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, who is thought by some to have been the real Shakespeare.

The song will be performed as part of the theatre company's brand new comedy show ‘The Earls of Oxford’, which will take place exclusively at Hedingham Castle during the May Day Fair.

Gates open at 10am both days, with the first display starting at 11am. Free onsite parking available. For more information, visit www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk