England's medieval festival at Herstmonceux castle
15 August 2008
Kent & Sussex Courier
With hundreds of battle re-enactors and just about every fun history activity you can think of, England's Medieval Festival is an unmissable celebration of life in the Middle Ages.
Held over three days on August bank holiday weekend, Europe's largest medieval festival is set to attract record crowds to the spectacular setting of Herstmonceux Castle. Each day will open with a spectacular grand parade featuring horses, carts, jugglers, falconers, men-at-arms and drummers, followed by a bloody siege in front of the castle.
Then a huge battle involving armies of re-enactors takes place every afternoon at the back of the castle, complete with showers of arrows from squads of supporting bowmen and cannon fire from ancient artillery pieces. More than 500 members of medieval groups based throughout Europe fight out the battles, recreating the bloody struggles of the Houses of York and Lancaster.
To the west of the grounds in the Royal Arena, teams of mounted riders will vie with each other for top scores in the three day long Skill-at-Arms competition while mounted knights on fiery steeds cross swords and lances and pitch their skills as they join combat in the noblest of old English sports, jousting. Away from the battlefields, jugglers will demonstrate and teach their skilful art in the Kids' Kingdom, which also sports Have-a-Go Archery and the chance to test your sword fighting skills against the evil Black Knight.
Living history encampments are reconstructed throughout the 200 acre estate, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the everyday life and times of the 15th century. Here, craftsmen and traders display their wares and demonstrate skills of a bygone age with hands-on factual exhibits. Another feature is the chance to see the 'local poachers' compete in a longbow tournament against their noble masters for a purse of gold, while on the village stage the myths and legends of days-gone-by will be recited through song and dance.
The festival has expanded considerably since its humble beginnings in 1992. Originally a half-day show with around twenty performers, it began as a fundraising event for Queen's University, Toronto, which owns and runs Herstmonceux Castle as an International Study Centre.
The moated castle - although extensively rebuilt in 1910 - dates from the 15th century and funds from the festival still provide necessary support for its upkeep. England's Medieval Festival is a truly memorable day out for the whole family, a unique experience with everything from strolling minstrels and puppeteers to period crafts, falconry displays and whole hogs roasted over glowing embers.
Saturday August 23 to Monday August 25, 10am to 6pm daily
Admission adults 17, OAP/Student 16, Children five to 13 10. Group discounts available. Car parking is free. A shuttle bus runs between the castle and Polegate station.
Phone bookings 020 8416 0389
Visit www.EnglandsMedievalFestival.com for full event listings
