City of Wolverhampton Council will be raising the city flag on Friday (5 August) to celebrate the anniversary of one of the country's most significant battles, which took place more than 1,000 years ago.

The Battle of Wodensfield - also labelled as the Battle of Wednesfield and the Battle of Tettenhall - saw the Anglo Saxons and their allies defeat the Danes of Northumberland at what is now modern day Wolverhampton, on 5 and 6 August, 910 AD.

The historic battle is celebrated each year and in addition to the flag raising, the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay, will officially open the Battle of Wodensfield Re-Enactment Event, at Wednesfield High School, Lichfield Road, Wolverhampton, on Saturday 6 August (11.30am to 4.30pm).

Wednesfield North Councillor Phil Bateman, whose resolution to celebrate the anniversary of the battle was passed by council in 2014, said: "This was one of the greatest battles in British history, and we should be very proud of the part that Wolverhampton had to play.

"The first written references to Wednesfield came in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle where there is mention of a great battle at Wednesfield in which the Mercians and their allies inflicted a defeat on the Danes, leading to the effective end of their power.

"Although there is no definitive evidence of where exactly the battle occurred, what has been proven by historians is that it was within the city boundaries. I am delighted that once again we are commemorating this hugely important event in our nation's history."

Entry to the event is £1 per person with re-enactments of the battle taking place at 12.30pm and 3pm.

Other attractions include a Saxon Village, inflatable fun fair (wristband must be purchased on the day), community and craft stalls, a prize raffle, face painting and a mini soccer tournament.

  • released: Tuesday 2 August, 2016