THE LOXWOOD JOUST: MEDIAEVAL MAYHEM
Taking place at the enchanting Loxwood Meadow this August, The Loxwood Joust is a pageant of passion, a festival of filthe and fury the most spectacular mediaeval festival you’re likely to find in the Realm.
THE LOXWOOD JOUST / LOXWOOD MEADOW, LOXWOOD 3, 4, 10 & 11 August 2019 / 10am-6pm daily
With an unrivalled programme of mediaeval mayhem awaiting the very bravest of souls – step back in time and experience the verve and vigour of a world where lives were harsh and hearts were passionate at this unique, fun and educational day out for all the family!
JOUSTING
From an all action jousting tournament that will amaze and astound you to daring displays of weaponry, archery and cannon fire that will enthral you – witness fully armoured knights as they prepare to meet in a thunderous battle.
MUSIC
The main concert stage is where performances from the internationally acclaimed singing group the Mediaeval Baebes will enchant and soothe on 3rd and 4th and Trobar de Morte who travel all the way from Spain will perform on 10th and 11th.
FIELD OF BANNERS
Wander the massive Living History Village in the ‘Field Of Banners’ – a totally authentic recreation of a mediaeval battle camp and browse the Mediaeval Market Place where traders and hawkers vie for your attention as companies of actors, wandering minstrels, the Court Jester and dance troupes entertain and delight throughout the day.
CHILDREN’S KINGDOM
Try your hand at archery, sup mead and fine ales and dine on local organic fayre while the little ones can enjoy their very own Children’s Kingdom – a festival within a festival where the Mediaeval Groat is the currency! This “Mini Mediaeval Mayhem” includes Have a go Archery, Face and Wound Painting, Pelt the Peasant and “Sword School” where you can learn to be an apprentice Knight.
THE TORTURE ZONE
Visit “The Torture Zone in the Woodland” where you’ll find Gilbert Savage, aka The Executioner, putting his new rack to good use. A replica of the real one that was used in the Tower of London, this gruesome assemblage of rollers, ratchets and metal framework just goes to show that creativity came in all forms during the dark ages.
ENCHANTED WOODLAND
Visit the new Faerie Realm, just beyond the witch wood in the Enchanted Woodland. Inside, at the Crescent Moon Temple, resident Goddess Mother Amantha Willoweaver will introduce you to the Loxwood nature spirits – and you’ll be able to place a blessing on the Wishing Tree. Next to the Faerie Realm is a Pagan Wedding Site offering handfastings for those who wish to literally tie the knot.
MEDIAEVAL FEAST
Why not try a mediavel “Experience” where you can try your hand at Blacksmithing, Copper Bowl or Chain Mail making and if you want to treat yourself why not try one of our spectacular Banquets where you are invited to dine in style with a mediaeval feast in the Grand Banqueting Marquee.“A feast fit for a King” has never been more appropriate!
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT BACK IN THE DAY
- In mediaeval times, children were set to work at the age of 7 and babies were swaddled in linen strips, wrapped in a woolen blanket and bound to a board before being hung on pegs, high on the wall to keep them safe.
- Keep it under your hat: – this saying came from mediaeval archers, when they kept their spare bow strings under their hat.
- Straight laced: This term comes from how a bodice was laced in mediaeval times. Crossed laced was faster to undo and therefore respectable women only straight laced their gowns and ladies with looser morals crossed laced them.
- Honeymoon: Mead, which is made with honey, was believed to have aphrodisiac and fertility properties. A bride and groom would be given enough mead to last one full moon to promote good luck in their marriage, and it is from here that we have the term “honeymoon.”
- The handbag: Women and children were sent onto the battle field to ‘finish off’ any of the opposing wounded soldiers. They then cut off their right hand and placed it in a cloth bag – a hand bag – slung over their shoulder, so that the oppositions death toll could be counted.