Tournament Gathering of the North 2026

Afon Mêl has been confirmed as the official mead sponsor for the Gathering of the North 2026, bringing a producer widely recognised across the UK’s medieval and fantasy event circuit for both its craftsmanship and its distinctive product range.

Known for their atmospheric Mead Hall and for Nectar, their uniquely fizzy and much‑loved mead, Afon Mêl will take a prominent position on the Main Green within the Gathering Hub, beside the Jousting Arena, from 23–25 May 2026.

A Recognised Name Across Historic & Fantasy Events

Afon Mêl has established a strong presence at leading heritage, reenactment, and fantasy festivals throughout the UK. Their Mead Hall has become a familiar landmark, offering an experience that blends historical ambience with modern artisan production.

Its arrival at the Gathering of the North 2026 reinforces the event’s commitment to immersive, high‑quality programming and provides a central meeting point for visitors throughout the weekend.

A Producer Defined by Craft & Provenance

Operating from a 40‑acre honey farm on the west coast of Wales, Afon Mêl manages 500 beehives and produces meads using honey harvested directly from their own hives along with carefully selected honeys from around the world.

Their production year is divided between beekeeping and the slow ageing of meads, melomels, and metheglins. This integrated approach has contributed to their status as one of the highest‑awarded meaderies in the UK.

Their range is characterised by purity, depth of flavour, and a commitment to maturation. Alongside traditional honey‑forward meads, they offer nearly 30 varieties, including fruit‑infused and spiced styles.

Among their most distinctive products is Nectar, a naturally sparkling mead that has become a favourite among attendees at medieval and fantasy events for its refreshing character and unique profile.

Strengthening the Gathering’s Historic Atmosphere

The inclusion of Afon Mêl enhances the Gathering’s focus on heritage, craftsmanship, and experiential storytelling.

Positioned at the centre of the event, the Mead Hall will provide a space where visitors can explore the breadth of Afon Mêl’s award‑winning range, learn about the craft behind their production, and enjoy a historically inspired environment between competitions, displays, and performances.

Co‑Director of the Gathering of the North, said:

“Afon Mêl is a producer I have admired for many years at events such as Fantasy Forest. Their team can often find me at the end of a festival seeking out the last of their stock to secure my summer beverage of choice. We are genuinely delighted that they have chosen to bring their Mead Hall to our event. After a long day of tourneys, we know the clans of the North will relish the chance to enjoy this exceptional taste of mead.”

Afon Mêl will be present throughout the full duration of the event and looks forward to welcoming attendees to the Mead Hall.