A TAPESTRY telling the story of the Battle of Fulford will go on display in the village for the first time when Fulford Show is held later this month.

The 18 ft tapestry – York’s answer to the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicted the Battle of Hastings – was hand-stitched in coloured wool on a linen background by a group of volunteers over seven years.

It shows the invasion of England in September 1066 by King Harald Hardrada of Norway and his victory against the English earls Morcar and Edwin at Fulford, which was followed later by the battles of Stamford Bridge and then Hastings.

It was designed by historian Chas Jones, who collected and grew the plants needed to hand-dye the wools.

Show chairwoman Verna Campbell said the tapestry would go on display in a special gazebo on the field in School Lane on the day of the show, August 26 – Bank Holiday Monday.

Funds raised through the sale of goods will be used to conserve and maintain the tapestry, and also to build a storage case and display stand.

She said she was hoping for better weather than the heavy rain which spoilt last year’s show, and said there would be an increased number of attractions on the field, including a demonstration of street dancing by the Dance Factory, a zumba presentation by Jane Bailey, children’s sports and a tug-of-war between pub teams.

There will also be a climbing tower, a children’s fun fair, model railway, a visit by the Minster FM grand summer tour, and children would be able to ride KMX Bikes courtesy of Get Cycling.

Music would be provided by the New Notes quartet who would be playing at intervals throughout the afternoon.

Admission to the field is free, but there is a 50 pence admission charge to the social hall to view exhibits, including flowers, fruit and vegetables, handicrafts, wine, beer, photographs and cookery.

The field opens at 1pm.