Newent will be returning to the 17th Century in September when it welcomes Europe’s biggest medieval re-enactment society, The Sealed Knot, to the town for a unique event – Newent Celebrates! Newent will be transformed with stalls, music and activities filling the streets on Saturday, September 13 followed by The Battle for Newent, and an opportunity to experience life during the English Civil War, on Sunday 14th September. Newent Mayor, Sara Hulbert, said: “This event is going to be something truly special and Newent is delighted to be hosting it. “The town is steeped in history and Newent Celebrates The English Civil War will give people the opportunity experience it like never before and immerse themselves in 17th Century life… but with the addition of tasty food, brilliant music and lots of other fun activities!” Newent Celebrates is a brand-new event replacing what was traditionally the Newent Onion Fayre weekend – the second Saturday of September. The Onion Fayre was an annual festival held in the town which hasn’t taken place since 2019, before the covid pandemic. “The Newent Onion Fayre was a fantastic event and something which we know residents, and people from all around, really miss. “Newent Celebrates brings back that ‘last party of summer’, but it’s bigger, better and with a new twist! And there may still be an onion or two!” Over 200 soldiers will take part in The Battle of Newent, which is due to take place on the playing fields of Newent Community School, within sight of Commonfields, where, in 1644 a cannon was fired at St Mary’s Church Steeple. The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote, part of the Sealed Knot, will be camped on the school playing field and create a living village, allowing visitor the chance to experience 17th century life and watch soldiers prepare for battle. Tickets for The Battle of Newent, on Sunday 14th September, are £5 per adult, £2 per child or £10 for a family ticket. Activities taking place on Saturday, September 13 in Newent are free. For further information and for tickets visit www.newentonionfayre.net/newentcelebrates