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Viking re-enactors

Middle Earth Weekend at Sarehole Mill - Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May, 11am to 5pm each day.

A performance of the classic Old English epic poem 'Beowulf' by Shire Productions, will be one of the highlights of the popular annual Middle Earth event (formerly known as the Tolkien Weekend), which this year has the theme of 'Myths and Monsters'.

Visitors to this year’s event will be able to shoot arrows at monster targets on the archery range, look out for visiting dragons, watch a costume parade and enjoy storytelling.Ìý

Sarehole Mill

Moseley Bog and Viking encampment

There will also be guided tours around Moseley Bog and along the River Cole.Ìý Children will be able to enjoy the miniature railway, a street organ entertainer, hands-on craft workshops and the Viking Encampment.

Also look out for falconry displays, rope and food historians, demonstrations, readings and stalls to buy from.

Tolkien Trail bus tour

The Tolkien Trail bus tours will include visits to: King Edward’s School, formerly attended by the famous author; the Oratory, where his family worshipped; and Perrott’s Folly, one of the inspirations for the Two Towers.

New this year is a guided tour around the homes that Tolkien’s relatives lived in around Moseley.Ìý There is a charge for the bus tour.

Councillor Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, said.Ìý "Middle Earth Weekend is a hugely enjoyable and entertaining free event for all the family.Ìý The event both celebrates Birmingham’s Tolkien heritage and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Sarehole Mill and surrounding area."

An orc at Sarehole Mill

Myths and Monsters

There will be other fascinating and scary creatures including a Dragon, a Cyclops and a Yeti at the 'Myths and Monsters' exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s Gas Hall from 24th May – 31st August.Ìý

To book tickets online visit www.bmag.org.uk or telephone 0121 303 1966.Ìý Tickets: £4.00, Adults, £2.50 concessions, Family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) £12.

For further information on Middle Earth Weekend, please call 0121 464 6633.Ìý To book tickets for the Tolkien bus tour, please contact 0121 777 6612.

Sarehole Mill and Recreation Ground, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.