Step back in time this December as Dunster Winter Festival brings the magic of the Middle Ages to life from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7. The charming Exmoor village will be transformed into a festive medieval wonderland, bursting with heritage, music, food, and family-friendly fun.
The festival kicks off with a grand Medieval Banquet in the atmospheric Tithe Barn, expertly curated by the award-winning Reeves Restaurant team. Guests can savor traditional dishes like dressed salmon, venison pies, and the unique mushroom broth known as “funges,” all paired with mead and classic tarts. Diners will enjoy lively entertainment from jesters, singers, and lyre players, surrounded by straw-covered floors and handmade pennants. Medieval costumes are warmly encouraged. Tickets are priced at £60 and available at www.dunsterwinterfestival.co.uk/ticketed-events.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will find the village alive with hands-on medieval experiences. The Tithe Barn hosts exciting demonstrations of archery, swordplay, and mock battles led by groups such as the Wessex Medieval Alliance and Bowlore. Children can safely engage in supervised knightly “battles,” while the Memorial Hall showcases traditional spinning and weaving crafts.
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On Saturday at 4 pm, historian Brian Hoggard presents an illustrated talk, “Medieval Beliefs in Villages like Dunster,” exploring ancient protective rituals and symbols found in historical homes. Tickets cost £7 and are available through the festival website.
As the weekend culminates, a torch-lit procession on Sunday at 2 pm will wind its way from the Yarn Market to St George’s Church, led by the famed Ivor Novello Award-winning Mediaeval Baebes. Later that day, they perform their enchanting concert, Twelfth Moon. Tickets for the concert are £32.50 at www.mediaevalbaebes.com/live.
Families will enjoy free craft activities hosted by Homestart at the Exmoor National Park Centre, including marshmallow snowman kits, reindeer food-making sessions, and a festive treasure trail with an Amazon Fire Kids Pro as the grand prize. Pre-booked visits with Santa will also be available.
Nearby, Dunster Castle will open its doors, decorated for the season, while children can meet Santa’s reindeer in the Green Court. Local businesses will join the festivities with special menus, live music, a hog roast, and an art exhibition at Ashleigh Bishop’s Gallery. Visitors can warm up with mulled apple juice served by the Dunster Community Orchard, and medieval shields alongside a large Christmas tree from the Dunster Estate will grace the village.
Festival Director David Noad shared his enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled about this year’s lineup that brings together so many from our wonderful community. After last year’s weather challenges, the 2025 Festival will be even more resilient, ensuring a fantastic weekend for all.”
For convenience, a shuttle bus will run between Minehead Train Station and Dunster daily from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets cost £2 single or £3 return (cash only; under-12s travel free).
For full details and event scheduling, visit www.dunsterwinterfestival.co.uk/festival-programme.