Disappointed enthusiasts of historical artifacts are informed that they will have to wait until the following year to view the Bayeux Tapestry as this year’s tickets have quickly sold out, likened to the rush for Glastonbury tickets.
The valuable 11th-century tapestry, narrating the Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings, will be exhibited at the British Museum for a period of 10 months starting in September, following an agreement between the UK government and the French authorities.
The public’s eagerness was evident as over 100,000 individuals attempted to secure tickets online when sales commenced at 10 am on a Wednesday. With the high demand, many may now have to postpone their visit to witness the 224-foot medieval masterpiece until the next year.
On this morning at 10 am, the museum cautioned visitors through the official portal about the limited availability of tickets until the end of December, hinting at a subsequent release of tickets for 2027 in the upcoming months.
Furthermore, a notification was added that tickets might be sold out by the time individuals reach the front of the queue. Subsequently, participants who had not secured tickets by midday received an email stating that the queue had closed, canceling their position.
Ticket prices have been set at £33 for peak times and £27 for off-peak hours, with children aged 16 and below eligible to accompany a paying adult for free.
The rush for tickets led to long waiting times of up to nine hours on the online platform, with no guarantee of availability upon reaching the booking stage, prompting frustrated individuals to express their disappointment on social media.
One Twitter user shared their experience of finding 80,000 people ahead in the queue, anticipating a similar demand during the January to July ticket release period. Another individual expressed skepticism about securing a ticket after waiting for over four hours in the queue.
A fortunate museum member who successfully obtained a ticket after a six-hour wait likened the experience to acquiring Glastonbury tickets.
The Bayeux Tapestry is believed to have been crafted in England by Anglo-Saxon women under the commission of Bishop Odo of Bayeux in the 11th century to adorn his cathedral. It vividly portrays the events of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, including the pivotal moment of King Harold’s demise, symbolizing the onset of the Norman conquest.
Having been housed in France for more than 900 years, the agreement between Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron marks the first occasion that the tapestry will be displayed on British soil.