Revel Grove, Oxfordshire, England

Unique among renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a storyline and each season progresses forward through the reign of Henry VIII and tells the story of his six wives. This season's story:

1540: The King's new marriage & the 50th Harvest Festival.

The annual Harvest Festival is the biggest event in the calendar year for the small village of Revel Grove, which is east of the city of Oxford in Oxfordshire. Mayor Matthew McGregor, his wife Mayoress Beatrice Appleton McGregor and all of the villagers welcome visitors to enjoy the food, entertainment and crafts in the village.

King Henry VIII and his new wife Anne of Cleves (wife #4 for those keeping count) arrive in Revel Grove for a day of celebration at the Harvest Festival. On the surface the King and his new bride appear to get along very well. But gossip is brewing that all is not what it seems. The King is most unhappy in this recent marriage – and he blames his chief minister, Thomas Cromwell!

Royal Charters were given to towns for hiring fairs, also called mop fairs. Most workers had a one-year contract, normally beginning on Michaelmas (September 29^th). These hiring fairs gave workers the chance to secure a new job opportunity and employers to find new servants or farmhands. The fairs were also a chance to celebrate and socialize. Revel Grove is celebrating the final year of their 50-season charter. The King is arriving to announce a new charter for the next 50 years. Will it once again go to Revel Grove or will the rival town of Tiddington get the honor?

The royal and village story is just one aspect of the Maryland Renaissance Festival, set in the Village of Revel Grove, where visitors can find all manner of amusement, feasting and shops galore.  More than 200 performers fill ten stages and taverns as well as the streets of the village with continuous entertainment.  A three thousand seat jousting arena host combat joust thrice daily as well as other large exhibitions.  More than 140 merchants fill their shops with their predominately handcrafted wares by the artisan in the shop, as well as various demonstrating shops creating treasures before your eyes.  Forty-two food and beverage emporiums and five taverns create a feast throughout the village to sate your appetite and quench your thirst.

Time travel to fun at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Huzzah!