Medieval treat for all the family (From Wharfedale Observer)

Medieval treat for all the family

11:28am Friday 11th May 2012 in Leisure

Peasants and noblemen alike are being invited to a medieval fair at Harewood.

Combining all the excitement and horrible history of the period, the fair will include jousting, archery, armoury displays, Norman skirmishes and encampments, and overnight camping.

The event, from June 30 to July 1, will give visitors the chance to experience real life as it was at the time, with the archaeological dig of the newly-excavated Gawthorpe Hall, the 12th century All Saints’ Church with its alabaster tombs, and a guided tour of the newly-opened Harewood Castle to soak up the atmosphere of the medieval ruins.

There will also be crafts, cooking, clothing, puppet shows, games, falconry and storytelling. Visitors will have the chance to make their own shields, crowns, swords, heraldry and beads.

Re-enactors will be on site throughout the event with a range of crafts, cooking and activities to bring the period alive.

Anyone who wants to camp out can make the most of the weekend with a medieval banquet accompanied by traditional musical performances by the Grinnigogs and Celtaraba.