Celebrate historic Oak Apple Day at The Commandery, Worcester

Bank Holiday Monday 27 May, 10am – 4pm

Oak Apple Day celebrations return to The Commandery in an exciting day of fun bringing history to life on Bank Holiday Monday 27 May.

The spectacular Grade-1-listed Commandery – the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester – will be alive with reenactors, military demonstrations, history talks and more. Visitors can watch musket firing take place in the picturesque walled gardens, and children can take part in pike drills throughout the day.

Fascinating talks from the Battle of Worcester Society and Worcester Reenactors will transport visitors back to the time of the Civil War – and people can take a short walking tour up to Fort Royal Hill where fighting took place during the final battle in 1651.

This spring tradition marks the anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 following the English Civil War – and has a special connection to the city of Worcester, the scene of the deciding battle of the Civil War in 1651.

Nine years after Charles II hid from Parliamentarian troops in an oak tree following the loss of his Royalist cause at the Battle of Worcester, he returned to the throne on his thirtieth birthday, 29 May 1660 – which became the annual celebration of Oak Apple Day, now only celebrated in a handful of places in the country.

Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, says: “Oak Apple Day is a fun spring celebration for all the family to enjoy, and it brings to life some of the amazing stories from The Commandery's history.”

There is no booking required for Oak Apple Day, and usual entry admission applies. There is free admission to those with a Commandery season ticket or Worcester Residents’ pass.

For Worcester residents who don’t yet have an annual pass, sign up on Oak Apple Day and receive free admission to The Commandery for the rest of the year.

The canal-side independent café, Commandery Coffee, will be open and offering fantastic homemade cakes and toasties. A perfect place for all to refuel during an adventurous day out.

For further information, please visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk