Woodbridge’s Beowulf Festival heralded magical success

Woodbridge Mayor Clare Perkins speaks before music at the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHARMIAN BERRY (Image: Archant)

The festival was organised by outgoing Woodbridge Mayor Clare Perkins with help from Woodbridge composer Jan Pulsford and was held in lieu of a Mayor’s ball.

“It was amazing,” said Ms Perkins, “The music was magical, mystical and ethereal.

“Everybody was enthralled.”

Plans for the festival had been in the works for around 18 months.

The projections were accompanied by music by Woodbridge's Jan Pulsford. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Organisers had initially planned for a much smaller festival but as time went on more and more events were added to the schedule leading to a full five day festival.

The weekend began with an event at the Woodbridge Emporium book shop which featured stories, poems and songs about dragons.

It also introduced Scruff the Plastic Dragon who was created by Wildlife Gadget Man ,Jason Alexander and Bon Collins from plastic collected around the area.

As well as the Dragon evening there were live music events including sessions from a specifically created from the Marie Boat stage.

Visitors gather at the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Saturday also saw a light show projected onto the front of the Tide Mill Living Museum with the help of sponsors Holly Blue Boutique.

The show featured music and poetry written by Jan Pulsford and was accompanied by .

On Sunday author Kevin Crossley-Holland, who is renowned for his work on Beowulf, hosted a talk and book signing.

Bank Holiday saw the event move along the River Deben as festival goers walked to Sutton Hoo.

Oktoba at Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHARMIAN BERRY (Image: Archant)

“I just wasn’t expecting it to be so fantastic, Ms Perkins, “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback.

“A massive thank you to everyone to Jan, Merlyn Bruce, Jason and Bon.

“Thank you’s to all the musicians and everyone involved in putting it on.”

After a successful weekend in the Bank Holiday sunshine Ms Perkins said that event’s success had made her think about making it a regular event in the town.

Story time with Kevin Crossley Holland at the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHARMIAN BERRY (Image: Archant)

As for Scruff the Plastic Dragon Ms Perkins said that he would be remaining close to the Tide Mill for the foreseeable future as a reminder of the event.

Re-enactors at the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHARMIAN BERRY (Image: Archant)

The Beowulf Festival in Woodbridge. Picture: CHARMIAN BERRY (Image: Archant)

Colourful costumes on show at the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHARMIAN BERRY (Image: Archant)

Caswell on the Marie boat stage. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Mayor Clare at the Dragon evening story telling event. Picture: J BUTTON (Image: Archant)

Crowds at the Tide Mill Quay. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Local artists work was showcased on the side of the Tide Mill. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Visitors watch the Tide Mill lit up for the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

The Tide Mill plays its part in the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Re-enactors at the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Beowulf Festival goers relaxing in the sunshine. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Displays by the Woodbridge Riverside Trust. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Visitors in Whisstocks Place. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

It was a bright sunny day for the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Visitors gather to see Scruff the Plastic Dragon. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

The Tide Mill is lit up for the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Whisttocks Place in the sunshine. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Overhead shot of the Beowulf Festival. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Visitors in the newly opened Whisttocks Place. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge DJ David Freedland, with electronic music artist Girl in a Gale. Picture: CHRIS MAPEY (Image: Archant)

Jules Button from the Woodbridge Emporium escorted by Saxon soldiers. Picture: J BUTTON (Image: Archant)

Scruff the Plastic Dragon . Picture: J BUTTON (Image: Archant)

Mayor Clare Perkins on the Saxon boat at the Beowulf Festival. Picture: J BUTTON (Image: Archant)