England's Largest Medieval Festival Set to Break New Record in August !

The Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle, held annually every August Bank Holiday weekend, is expected to draw its biggest-ever attendance this year. Last year over 30,000 visitors flocked through the gates at the three-day Festival, already the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. This year, the Festival has been enlarged and expanded and includes more performers, artists and attractions than ever before. The unique mix of entertainment and hospitality is set for a record number of visitors joining in the medieval fun.

A complete medieval village will be reconstructed, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the everyday life and times of the fifteenth century. Here, craftsmen and traders will display the wares and skills of a bygone age.

A full-size jousting arena will be recreated in the Castle grounds to give visitors a taste of the excitement and bravery of this ancient sport, in which combat skills and horsemanship once meant the difference between life and death.

Some of Europe's finest bowmen will also be on hand to demonstrate their precision with the longbow, and to pass on their expertise to any members of the public who care to try their hand.

But the centrepiece of the festivities are the two massive and colourful set battles staged each day during the Festival. These battles, which recreate the bloody struggles of the Houses of York and Lancaster, are fought out by over 2,000 members of Medieval groups based throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Complete with showers of arrows from squads of supporting bowmen and cannon fire from ancient artillery pieces, these (usually bloodless!) clashes put the spectator right at the heart of the action.

Manly deeds of heroic strength apart, the Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux is essentially a complete day out for the whole family. From strolling minstrels and Medieval Puppeteers, to Fire Eaters and whole hogs roasted over glowing embers: the Festival provides something for everyone of every age.

Bringing history to life and allowing people to experience it first hand is the secret of the attraction, Festival Director Clive Geisler believes. The moated castle, itself dating from the fifteenth century, is located near Hailsham in East Sussex, and provides a magical backdrop for this celebration of the colourful Middle Ages. The Festival annually attracts visitors from around the world.