Wildlife Photography and medieval re-enactment will offer an unforgettable weekend at Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Excitement is mounting at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, in preparation for a unique weekend, which will see the opening of the world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, and a spectacular medieval re-enactment, with Sir John Savile’s household.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open in the house on Saturday, 4 May, featuring exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Using photography's unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent for nearly 60 years. Launching in 1965, today the competition receives entries from 95 countries, highlighting its enduring appeal. The 2023 award-winning images are on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people.  

The 2023 competition attracted an astounding 49,957 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels. During an intense week at the Natural History Museum in London, entries were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.

The winning images, including the prestigious Grand Title Award winners, were announced last October during a glittering awards show hosted by wildlife presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.

The brand new exhibition will run from 4 May until 14 July.

As well as the exhibition, Sewerby Hall and Gardens is set to welcome back Sir John Savile’s Household, after the success of the event in 2023, for a weekend of exciting medieval re-enactment.

Last year, the group was fully equipped with a living history camp, complete with medieval tents. They demonstrated the everyday tasks of medieval life to visitors, such as chopping wood, fetching water, food preparation and often cooking meals on open fires to feed the camp, and this year the camp is set to be even bigger and better.

This action-packed interactive weekend is a must for families, children and history enthusiasts to learn more about this fascinating period of history.

The sound of handgonne fire and the clash of amour will be heard coming from the event field when the Household will demonstrate medieval warfare during The Wars of the Roses period. Visitors can expect to see a variety of warfare, with a contingent of archers demonstrating the use of the feared English longbow and a small company of foot soldiers which include bill men, men-at-arms, crossbowmen, and gunners.

This will be chance to march along and enjoy, join in, or just observe the range of activities and captivating crafts taking place. From bill drills, period armour, have a go archery, costumed mummers’ plays and even a bit of merry dancing, there’s certainly something for all the family, and all trainee warriors who want to try their hand in battle.

Sir John Savile’s Household, which was formed in 1995, portrays the family, servants, and retinue of the Savile family from the middle of the 15th century until the beginning of the reign of Henry Tudor. It is a member of The Wars of The Roses Federation and stages historic re-enactment displays for several organisations including English Heritage and The National Trust.

This event will take place from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. Visitors can prebook online or can pay on arrival.

Councillor Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet member for Coastal and Heritage, said: “We are so excited by the return of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to Sewerby Hall and Gardens! The exhibition has proved hugely popular there for the last two years, and its unique mix of powerful and stunning images with underlying important environmental messages is another great reason to visit Sewerby Hall in 2024.

“To add to the excitement, we can’t wait to welcome Sir John Savile’s Household back for a weekend of battles, history, and fun!”

Sir John Savile’s Household Captain, Andy Strain said: ‘We had a fantastic weekend at Sewerby Hall last year and are looking forward to returning for our first event of the season in 2024!”

Full details of all events are at: sewerbyhall.co.uk/wpy along with details of all facilities at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, including the house, events, gardens, the zoo, and the Clock Tower Café, as well as opening hours and admission prices.

For more information on the Sir John Savile Household, please visit: http://www.savilehousehold.co.uk/

Wild life Photo Credit - © Laurent Ballesta (1), Wildlife Photographer of the Year (1)-2