A mythical mariner of the sky that appears in early poems and novels of JRR Tolkien is the inspiration for the eleventh annual Middle Earth Weekend at Sarehole Mill, 15 -16 May (11am – 5pm), admission free.
The theme of this year’s event is The Mariner –Sailing Around Middle Earth. Tolkien wrote The Voyage of Eärendel the Evening Star in 1914, based on an Anglo-Saxon poem which contained the line “Hail Earendel, brightest of angels, sent over Middle-earth to men.” Tolkien felt that Earendel was not only a mariner, but ‘a herald star and a sign of hope to men’ his story also appears in The Silmarillion, and there are further references to him throughout The Lord of the Rings novels.
Visitors to this year’s event will be able to take a journey into the past to watch Viking battles, experience life in a medieval village, see craft activities that date back hundreds of years and watch the old watermill in operation. There are tours on old Birmingham buses to the church that Tolkien attended, the Oratory; and also to his old school, King Edward’s.
There will be a ‘Tribute to Tolkien’ by outdoor drama group Shire Productions within Moseley Bog with re-enactments of short scenes from The Lord of the Rings woven around details of Tolkien’s life. There will also be poetry readings, archery, live music, guided walks with the Park Rangers, family activities and a Farmers Market.
Councillor Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, said.: “Middle Earth Weekend is a wonderful family event which celebrates Tolkien’s local links and importance to the heritage of Birmingham. Now in its eleventh year, its continued popularity is a further example of why Birmingham has been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2010.”
Sarehole Mill, one of only two working watermills left in Birmingham, will be open throughout the weekend. Admission to Middle Earth Weekend is free. There is a small charge for some activities. For further information visit or contact Hall Green Library 0121 464 6633; or Sarehole Mill on 0121 777 6612.
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Media Contact: Jason Lewis – 0121 303 4266
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