Yorkshire may have been in the news with the Tour de France, but it is set to go back in time this summer, says JUDITH BAKER. From Pontefract to Knaresborough, Sherrif Hutton to York, Yorkshire is going medieval-mad this summer with the launch of the most packed programme ever for the Yorkshire Medieval Festival.
Organised by the JORVIK Group, who also host the annual JORVIK Viking Festival, the Festival brings together medieval themed events, activities, talks and tours around the region celebrating the 500 year period from the Norman invasion until the demise of Richard III and the start of the Tudor era.
“The medieval period was a time of significant change for Yorkshire, with its power and importance waxing and waning with each generation, but we’re fantastically fortunate to still have many castles, churches and buildings from the period still around today,” comments festival director, Danielle Daglan. “The Yorkshire Medieval Festival makes this history even more accessible, whether through talks from expert historians or getting your hands on a replica medieval sword for a session of combat training, we’ve got a whole summer of medieval fun across the Yorkshire region organised from the medieval capital of the North, York.”
Some of the Yorkshire Medieval Festival highlights include:
• Medieval Merriment, a two day festival of medieval fun and activities for all the family at York’s Rowntree Park on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August. From knightly combat sessions, archery and have-a-go sessions to bouncy castles, wandering minstrels and even a jester or two, admission is free (with charges for some activities). Each day from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
• Swords & Sieges at Knaresborough Castle on Saturday 9 August – family fun including medieval sword fighting workshops, tours of the castle, crafts and activities from 11.00am to 4.00pm
• Medieval Combat Class at York Guildhall from Monday 18 – Friday 22 August– led by the Hotspur School of Defence, these 90 minute sessions feature fight demonstrations and the chance to try out some medieval weaponry with expert tuition. The workshops are suitable for both children and adults.
• Hollywood & The Sword: Dispelling Popular Myths about Medieval Combat, Friday 22 August at York Mansion House. Movie fight scenes may be spectacular, but often the dramatic licence can mean that the fight can lead to misconceptions about combat. This session looks at how Tinseltown has done well – and not so well – at portraying combat on screen.
• Church Explorers – taking place at some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful medieval churches across the region throughout August, these tours offer a unique insight into churches large and small, with specially organised walks and tours.
• Colours of Conflict: The Wars of the Roses in Yorkshire, daily at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall in York. A new exhibition exploring the terrible events of the Wars of the Roses in Yorkshire.
“Alongside the packed programme of events, we’d encourage visitors to pop into some of the medieval attractions that are open year around in York, from Barley Hall – which was home to a wealthy merchant – to the Richard III and Henry VII Experiences in Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar in the city,” adds Danielle.
For more information, or for a full programme of Yorkshire Medieval Festival events, please visit www.yorkshire-medieval-festival.com