To be held at Woodsford Castle, near Dorchester, Dorset
18th & 19th July 2009
A wonderful historic setting for a new and exciting festival
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- Nestling in the beautiful Frome Valley in the heart of Dorset lies one of the most interesting medieval buildings in the south-west of England. It is the remaining part of a 14th Century fortified Manor House known as Woodsford Castle. In this magical setting will be held the first Dorset Medieval Festival, a wonderful evocation of the colour and spectacle of life in the middle-ages.
- There will be some truly unforgettable sights, such as the jousting tournament, the mounted skill-at-arms displays and the mock-battle skirmishes as the knights in their armour practice their fighting skills in preparation for the French Wars. Thrill to the thunder of the horses hooves, the clash of cold steel on armour, and the thud of lances as they find their targets.
- Hands over ears please, as the Warlords demonstrate their ferocious weaponry, representing a history of the development of the cannon from early middle ages with a truly spectacular and deafening display.
- Archers will be showing off the incredible power and accuracy of the English Longbow, and visitors will be able to try their own hands at this most exacting of skills.
- In the tented medieval village many traditional craft skills will be displayed, such as cookery, rush-weaving, wool-carding and spinning, net-making and candle-dipping by skilled re-enactors in authentic clothing recreating the sights, sounds and smells of a busy medieval encampment. Living history at its best.
- Minstrels, jesters, storytellers and magicians will be entertaining the crowds around the castle and also in the tavern, where authentic ales, wines and meads will be available, as will a traditional hog-roast and other culinary delights.
- Enjoy the colourful atmosphere of a noisy medieval market-place – your opportunity to purchase unique gifts of replica medieval jewellery, clothing, furniture, metal-work and many other unusual items.
- The historic castle, not normally open to the public will be available for public viewing.
- Come Rain or shine, the show will go on. History has never been this fun!
- Plenty of parking, and a regular shuttle bus service to the site from Dorchester and Moreton railway stations.
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We are delighted to announce that Europe's finest exponents of medieval rock music will be performing to the public on Saturday afternoon, and later in the evening for re-enactors and participants in the festival. |
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The Dorset Medieval Festival is organised in co-operation with the Landmark Trust. Money from profits made by the festival will be donated to the trust to help with its work of conserving ancient buildings in danger.
The festival is organised by Chesil Promotions. The company name Chesil Promotions is registered to Jerry Bird as a sole trader and has no connection with any events or other activities in Dorset prior to October 2008. See website
Chesil Promotions has been asked by the Landmark Trust to organize some events at another one of its historic properties in the south west.
Watch this space for further details.
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