To be held at Winterborne Came, near Dorchester, Dorset
18th & 19th July 2009
A wonderful historic setting for a new and exciting festival
Tickets now available online please visit the Visitor Tab
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- Just south of Dorchester lies the beautiful Winterborne Valley, with its many medieval settlements and manors. The manor of Winterborne Came, where the 18th century house now stands was granted to William Earl of Pembroke in the reign of Henry VI. Came Park, once the landscaped grounds of Came House will provide a magical setting for 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.
- Visit the historic 14th century church of St Peter's, Winterborne Came (accessible by footpath only - leave your vehicle in the festival car-park), where Dorset Poet William Barnes was Rector from 1862-1886.
- Picnic in the beautiful surroundings of Came Park with its spectacular mature trees and picturesque views (Please note, Came House and its grounds are not open to the public) .
- Come Rain or shine, the show will go on. History has never been this fun!
- Plenty of parking, and easy access from the A352 Dorchester to Wareham Road.
- Less than 2 miles from Dorchester Town Centre on local bus routes.
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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
Please note that the festival is no longer supporting the Landmark Trust due to that organization unilaterally, summarily, and for no good reason cancelling the contract with Chesil Promotions to hold the festival at Woodsford Castle. |
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