VIDEO: Billingshurst pupils enjoy medieval fun ahead of two-day joust festival

The morning began with the children presenting Sir Stephen with the flags they had made, taking inspiration from medieval symbols and local towns.

The Heraldic style flags will be used to create a colourful entrance feature at the Loxwood Joust mediaeval festival which takes place next month.

Organiser Maurice Bacon said: “The Field of Flags project ties in closely with many stages of the National Curriculum and each school was provided with a guidance fact sheet about the origins and practice of heraldry so the children could learn as well as have some creative fun.”

Although Sir Stephen was not in full armour due to the heat, he succeeded to captivate the children’s imaginations during his demonstration of the various medieval weaponry he had brought with him.

When he asked the children which of the weapons they thought was the most dangerous, he gave a brilliant in depth demonstration of the many deadly uses of ‘the stick that’s standing up’ (a spear) suggested by an enthusiastic pupil.

After revealing the bow and arrow as the most deadly medieval weapon, Sir Stephen continued to bring history to life for the students by describing its role in the Battle of Agincourt, October 25, 1415.

At the end of Sir Stephen’s presentation, the children were given the opportunity to have a closer look at the range of medieval paraphernalia and hold the weapons for themselves.

The pupils of Billingshurst Primary School greatly enjoyed the talk and hope to attend the Loxwood Joust on Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4, which will take place from 10am to 6pm at Loxwood Meadow, just off the B2133 between Wisborough Green and Loxwood.

The two-day event includes battlefield skirmishes showing off the skills and fitness expected of England’s knights when called upon to defend the nation.

Meanwhile a mighty tale unfolds in the Jousting arena as Knights compete for honour, favour and their lives under the watchful eye of the Knight Marshall.

Other highlights will include an all action jousting tournament where knights and their steeds compete in thunderous battle; a mediaeval village complete with masked executioner, wandering minstrels and court jester;

a recreated mediaeval battle camp with daring displays of weaponry, archery and cannon fire and a ‘Pelt the Peasant’ fund-raiser for Chestnut Tree House.

In the Children’s Kingdom, little knights and princesses can use their ‘Groats’ for Have-a-Go Archery, wound painting and to ‘Pelt the Peasant’ (in support of Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice).

Companies of actors, wandering minstrels, the court jester, puppeteers and dance troupes entertain in the Mediaeval Market Place being careful to stay on the right side of Gilbert Savage, the executioner, the Mediaeval Housewife and far, far away from those ‘creatures most foul’ the Lepers.

And there are plenty of opportunities to sup fine ales and dine on local organic fayre while enjoying the melodic sounds of the Mediaeval Baebes.

Ticket prices are £12 for adults, £6 for a child aged 4-14 with children under four going free. Tickets are valid for any one festival day.

Gate prices are £14 for adults, £7 for a child aged 4-14, under four’s free, £12 for OAP’s and £38 for a family of two adults and two Children.

For more information and tickets visit www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk