The Medieval Festival of Guillaume, which captivated visitors of all ages in 2024, is making a comeback through a comprehensive photography exhibition in Dives-sur-Mer. The stunning visual retrospective will be on display until September 30, showcasing the festival's highlights across three carefully selected locations throughout the historic French town.

The exhibition, titled "The Medieval Festival of Guillaume of Dives-sur-Mer: A Journey Through Time," features 53 photographs captured by Barrys Photography and the municipal communication service. These images document the spectacular medieval celebration that brought the past to life, featuring knight tournaments, artisan markets, historic boats, and elaborate feasts that transported visitors back to medieval times.

Pierre Mouraret, the mayor of Dives-sur-Mer, stands proudly before the 2024 Medieval Festival photographs displayed in André Lenormand Park, one of the three exhibition sites. The locations were not chosen randomly but were specifically selected because "these are sites that were important during the Medieval Festival," explains Mayor Mouraret.

Each of the three exhibition venues offers a unique presentation format that enhances the viewing experience. In André Lenormand Park, the photographs have been planted directly into the ground, creating an immersive outdoor gallery experience. At the historic market halls, display panels have been mounted on the exterior walls, allowing passersby to enjoy the images while exploring the town center. Inside the Notre-Dame Church of Dives-sur-Mer, the photographs are elegantly displayed on easels throughout the sacred space, creating a contemplative atmosphere for visitors to reflect on the town's rich medieval heritage.

This photography exhibition serves as more than just a nostalgic look back at a successful event; it plays a crucial role in building anticipation for an even more significant celebration on the horizon. The display is part of the extensive preparations for the millennium celebration of the birth of William the Conqueror, scheduled for 2027. This momentous anniversary will feature not only another Medieval Festival but also "many other projects at the regional, national, and even international level," according to local officials.

The Medieval Festival of Guillaume was initially launched in 2022 and was originally planned to occur every two years. However, due to the unprecedented scale and importance of the upcoming millennium celebration, organizers have decided to shift the next festival date by one year to align with the William the Conqueror anniversary celebrations.

While visitors wait for the next live medieval spectacle, the current photography exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to relive the magic of the most recent festival. The images capture the authentic medieval atmosphere that made the 2024 event so memorable, from the thundering hooves of horses during knight tournaments to the intricate craftsmanship displayed at artisan markets, and the elaborate period costumes that brought historical figures to life.

The exhibition not only celebrates the success of the 2024 Medieval Festival but also serves as an educational tool, helping visitors understand the historical significance of Dives-sur-Mer and its connection to one of history's most famous conquerors. William the Conqueror, also known as William I of England, launched his invasion of England from this very location in 1066, making the town a site of immense historical importance.

Visitors to the exhibition can explore all three locations at their own pace, each offering a different perspective on the medieval celebration. The outdoor displays in André Lenormand Park provide a casual viewing experience perfect for families, while the church setting offers a more reflective environment that connects the medieval theme with the town's spiritual heritage. The market hall location bridges the gap between past and present, as these halls continue to serve the community much as they would have during medieval times.

The photography exhibition will remain accessible to the public through September 30, giving both locals and tourists ample opportunity to experience this unique retrospective and begin anticipating the grand millennium celebrations that await in 2027.