If you think you know more about swordplay than John Snow or if your skills with a lance are far superior than William Thatcher’s, then you’d better head to St Ives Medieval Faire.
The sixth annual ye olde celebration takes merry revellers back into the Dark Ages and the bloody centuries that followed. Over two days, they can cheer on their champions at the jousting arena, watch knights clash on foot, skip along with the minstrels through the village markets and then gorge themselves at the tavern. There’ll be medieval classics served at the tavern – prepare to brave the pigeon pie – as well as more familiar dishes at the food court.
The entire weekend of medieval themed entertainment and eating tries to be as authentic as possible – those steel jousting lances pack a literal punch – so you’re encouraged to wear your 12th century royal wedding best (yep, there are costume prizes). Got a slightly newer get-up? Never fear, the thematic elements span seven centuries of European history, from the Vikings to the Hundred Years’ War and on as England spent the 1600s mourning Queen Elizabeth’s death. And if you’re not obsessed with history or modern tales of valiantry, the weekend’s activities are a bit of a riot anyway.
You can learn to shoot a traditional longbow, watch an authentically-constructed trebuchet catapult watermelons, and see birds of prey work with their masters. There’s also huge program for mini knights, from juggling workshops to archery tag and a stable full of critters to cuddle.
Purchase tickets for a single day of bloody tournaments and feasting or a full weekend of historical re-enactments.
