Take two thousand re-enactors in authentic medieval armour; add horses, real cannon, siege machines, longbows and crossbows; season liberally with breath-taking displays from the world's finest jousters, and place them all in the fairy-tale setting of Herstmonceux Castle near Hailsham and Eastbourne. Add jesters, falconers, strolling minstrels and hogs roasting over open fires. Then invite over 30,000 visitors and watch the fun begin.
The Herstmonceux Castle Medieval Festival celebrates another successful year over August Bank Holiday. What began as a half-day fund-raising event for the Castle has now grown into three days of the biggest event of its kind in Northern Europe, drawing performers and public alike from all over the world. This years Festival will be larger and more spectacular than ever. On each day, visitors have the chance to watch two massive Castle siege battles, full jousting tournaments, plus displays of archery, falconry and medieval craftsmanship. There is also the Kids' Kingdom for younger visitors; the Living History Village for the historically-minded, and two 'Medieval' Taverns for the hungry and the thirsty.
'It has been our goal to bring medieval history to life in all its pageantry and splendour, and make it a magical day out for the whole family,' says Clive Geisler, Event Director of England's Medieval Festival. 'We've also aimed at creating value for money: so the this Festival will have more to experience than ever before.'
