🌿 Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Wyldwood RenFest 2026 Trailer 🌿

Every festival has its heart. For Wyldwood RenFest, that heart beats in the laughter, creativity, and passion of our incredible community. When the time came to create our very first pre-event trailer, we knew it needed to capture not only the magic of what’s to come, but also the spirit of the people who are helping to bring it to life.

And so, on a bright summer’s day, we gathered together—crew, volunteers, friends old and new—at the stunning Kirkleatham Estate, the very grounds where Wyldwood will open its gates in May 2026.

Guided by the extraordinary talents of Moor & Moon Photography, and fuelled by excitement (and a little mead), we set out to tell the story of Wyldwood in moving pictures. What followed was a day of creativity, camaraderie, and just a touch of chaos—the good kind!

A Setting Fit for a Festival

The Kirkleatham Estate was the perfect backdrop for our trailer shoot. Its sprawling grounds and rich history gave us everything we could wish for: winding woodland paths, sweeping open fields, and a stately air that instantly transports you to another world.

Wyldwood Renaissance Festival has always been about weaving together history, folklore, and fantasy, and as our cameras rolled, it was clear that Kirkleatham offered the perfect stage for our tale to unfold.

The Ceremony of Ties

At the heart of our shoot was a moment of connection and tradition. Our celebrant, the wonderful Lottie Moon, led a mock handfasting ceremony as part of the trailer—an ancient ritual where hands are bound with ribbon to symbolise unity and devotion.

It was a beautiful performance, full of sincerity and joy, and it gave us just a taste of what guests can expect at Wyldwood RenFest itself. We’re delighted to announce that Lottie will be joining us throughout the festival, offering handfasting ceremonies for those who wish to celebrate their bonds in Wyldwood’s magical setting. Better still, her ceremonies will be captured by the ever-talented Moor & Moon Photography, so every promise and smile will be remembered long after the ribbons are untied.

A Clash of Steel

Of course, no Renaissance festival would be complete without a little action! We were thrilled to be joined by members of Anarchy Reenactment (previously Comitatus Aquilla), who brought their energy, expertise, and more than a few swords to the shoot.

Their mock skirmish added drama and excitement to the day, with blades flashing, shields clashing, and laughter echoing through the grounds. Though the fight was staged, the dedication and spirit of the reenactors was very real—and we cannot wait to see them bring their craft to life again at Wyldwood RenFest 2026.

Here it is — The finished product of all our hard work!

A Day of Many Faces

The trailer would not have been possible without the many hands and hearts that came together to create it. Our volunteers and crew donned their costumes, braved the summer sun, and poured their energy into bringing Wyldwood to life on screen.

From villagers and travellers to nobles and adventurers, each person played their part in creating the world we’re building together. The laughter between takes, the shared excitement, and the willingness to go the extra mile made this more than just a shoot—it was a gathering of the Wyldwood family.

Mead, Merriment, and Thanks

A special mention must go to our sponsor, Nidhoggr Mead Co, who kindly supplied the mead that kept spirits high throughout the day. Their generosity and support help us make Wyldwood possible, and we are deeply grateful.

And most of all—thank you to every single volunteer and crew member who travelled to be with us. Your time, energy, and creativity mean the world to us, and Wyldwood Renaissance Festival would not exist without you. You are the roots from which this festival grows.

Looking Ahead

The trailer marks just the beginning. As we move closer to May 2026, we’ll be sharing more glimpses into what awaits within Wyldwood’s gates. From music and markets to performances and pageantry, every piece of the puzzle is falling into place.

But for now, we invite you to enjoy this first taste of Wyldwood magic—crafted with love, laughter, and the hard work of a community united by creativity and joy.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Kirkleatham, where our story will continue… and where yours can begin.