Celebrating King Æthelstan: Hold Parties for England’s First King

When we think of great English monarchs, names like Harold, William the Conqueror, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Victoria often come to mind. 

Yet before all of them, there was King Æthelstan (894–939), widely regarded as the first King of England. 

Grandson of Alfred the Great, Æthelstan united the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and ruled over a realm that stretched from Cornwall to the Scottish border. His reign marked the birth of England as a nation.

So, why not bring a bit of history into the present and hold a party in his honour? Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of tradition, or just looking for a unique reason to celebrate, here’s how you can toast Æthelstan in true Anglo-Saxon style.

1. A Historical Theme with a Modern Twist

Decorate your party space with banners, shields, and candles to echo a medieval hall. Wooden platters and goblets (plenty of affordable replicas are available online) can add to the effect. You don’t need to be strictly authentic – blend history with fun. Think of it as a nod to the Saxon court rather than full-on re-enactment.

2. Feast Like an Anglo-Saxon

Food was central to communal gatherings in Æthelstan’s day. While medieval banquets featured hearty fare, you can adapt the idea for a modern table:

Roast meats: chicken, pork, or beef joints as centrepieces.

Cheese, bread, and butter: staples of the Anglo-Saxon diet.

Stews and pottages: a warming option if your celebration is in autumn or winter.

Ale and mead: traditional drinks, though cider or beer will do just fine.

Honey cakes or apple tarts: sweet finishes inspired by medieval ingredients.

For fun, you could label the dishes with Anglo-Saxon-inspired names.

3. Music and Entertainment

Æthelstan’s court was known for its love of poetry and song. To honour this, create a playlist of folk music, medieval tunes, or even modern acoustic tracks with a traditional flavour. For entertainment, you could:

Host a storytelling competition (a nod to the skalds and poets).

Stage a light-hearted mock battle with foam swords.

Run a pub quiz on Anglo-Saxon history, with questions about Æthelstan and his era.

4. Toast to the King

Raise a glass to Æthelstan with a short speech, reminding guests that without him, the England we know today might never have existed. A simple toast could be:

“To Æthelstan, the first King of the English, who united the land we call home.”

5. Why Celebrate Him?

Marking Æthelstan’s legacy with parties helps bring history out of the dusty pages of textbooks and into our everyday lives. It’s a chance to celebrate English identity, learn a little history, and enjoy good company – much like our ancestors would have done.

King Æthelstan may not yet have his own national holiday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create our own traditions. A yearly gathering in his honour – whether small family suppers or bigger themed parties – could grow into a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the roots of England.

After all, birthdays, jubilees, and coronations aren’t the only times to celebrate royalty. Why not raise a tankard this year for Æthelstan, the very first King of England?

Should England have a day dedicated to celebrating Æthelstan? Please let us know in the comments below.