Thousands turn out for King Harold Day in Waltham Abbey

In its sixth year, the event was declared bigger and better than previous years, helped by dry weather and a throng of visitors keen to see re-enactments of life from Norman and Anglo-Saxon periods and to sample the mouth-watering hog roast.

At noon, costumed performers and traders held a vibrant procession along Sun Street, through the market square and into the Abbey churchyard where flowers were laid at the Harold Memorial Stone, where the king is believed to have been buried.

The Household, a living history re-enactment group representing the Norman period, demonstrated combat in the arena and The Grinnigogs entertained crowds with uplifting medieval music.

Visitors also enjoyed seeing a wide variety of animals, including eagles, hawks and owls from PL Falconry on display, sheep and goats from Lee Valley Park Farms for petting and horse and cart rides.

Children queued up to have a go at archery with the Epping Archers, clay sculpting in the crafts marquee, making flower rings and to have their names written in old English by Anglo-Saxon historical group English Companions.

Lauren Boys, nine, a St Peter's Primary School pupil in Epping, said: “I really enjoyed watching the man writing in old English. He told me about the history and how they made the ink. It's been really good.”

Chris Sumner, chairman of the Waltham Abbey Historical Society, which had a stall with photos of Sun Street past and present, said: “It has been a good day and yet again we have been lucky to have good weather.”

Special guests included Eleanor Laing MP, Vice Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Mrs Anne Grigg, and the Mayor of Waltham Abbey, Cllr Ricki Gadsby.

Cllr Gadsby said: “It has been a really nice day. I enjoyed the parade, the music was nice and it was good to see the shopkeepers out. There was a good family atmosphere.

"It has been a good year with this and the Town Show and next it will be the Calvacade of Lights.”