History enthusiasts who missed out on securing tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry this year will have to wait until next year for a chance, as the tickets for this year’s exhibition have already sold out rapidly, likened to the popularity of Glastonbury tickets.
The invaluable 11th-century artifact, which narrates the story of the Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings, will be showcased at the British Museum for a ten-month period starting in September, following an agreement between the UK government and the French government last year.
Demand for tickets has been high, with over 100,000 individuals attempting to secure their spot in the online queue when tickets were released at 10 am on Wednesday. As a result, many will likely have to delay their visit to see the 224-foot medieval masterpiece until next year.
The British Museum has cautioned that availability of tickets is very limited until the end of December, with a second batch of tickets for 2027 anticipated to be released in the coming months. The notice on the official portal also warned that tickets may sell out by the time individuals reach the front of the queue.
Ticket prices have been set at £33 for peak times and £27 for off-peak hours, while children aged 16 and under can visit the Bayeux Tapestry for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
The rush for tickets resulted in lengthy waits of up to nine hours in the online queue, with no assurance of availability once individuals reached the booking stage, prompting some frustrated individuals to express their disappointment on social media.
Despite the challenges, some fortunate visitors managed to secure tickets after hours of waiting, drawing comparisons to the excitement of securing Glastonbury tickets.
The Bayeux Tapestry, believed to have been created by Anglo-Saxon women in England under the commission of Bishop Odo of Bayeux in the 11th century, illustrates the events of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, including the pivotal moment of King Harold’s demise, which marked the onset of the Norman conquest.
Having been housed in France for over 900 years, the loan agreement between UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will mark the first time the tapestry returns to British territory.