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It might surprise one or two of you bearing in mind I've been working in local radio now for several decades, I haven't had that many opportunities to present outside broadcasts.

Robert Hardy

In fact this week's 25th anniversary of the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival will be only my second.

But I must admit, rather than feeling a touch anxious about the prospect of broadcasting live from right among the battle re-enactors, I really can't wait to get involved.

On Thursday I joined organiser Peggy Clatworthy on a preliminary visit to the site which has been housed for the last few years onΜύ three or four adjoining fields just outside of the town.ΜύΜύ

Organisers of the free festival weekend kicking off on Saturday 12 July are promising to make this year's anniversary event the biggest and best yet.

Medieval style

The festival which has become the largest event of it's kind in Europe will include a massive recreation of the battle of Tewkesbury of 1471 with up to two thousand re-creators taking part and camping in full medieval style for the whole weekend.

Richard Atkins

The festival was opened by actor and historian Robert Hardy who himself is an acknowledged expert in the English long bow.

My producer David Aston and I rolled into the festival grounds late in theΜύmorning ready to embark on a three hour medieval OB.

More than three hours later and upwards of ten thousand people having gathered around, the battle was ready to commence.

And hopefully a really exciting radio programme to boot!