Fans of all things Medieval can enjoy a weekend of jousting and family fun in Hurst this summer.
Lances will clash at a Medieval Jousting Weekend, which returns to Dinton Pastures for a second year.
The event offers a range of fun family activities to enjoy.
Highlights include Medieval jousting on horseback, martial arts demonstrations, a bird of prey display flight and a chance to handle some of the birds, children’s donkey rides, archery sessions, arrow break sessions (to be booked separately), an entertainment village, live music, a fun fair, a food market, and local craft stalls.
Executive member for Economic Development, Sport, Leisure and the Arts, Cllr Mark Ashwell said: “After such a successful debut, it’s fantastic to welcome the Medieval Jousting Weekend back to Dinton Pastures.
“With thrilling displays, immersive entertainment and plenty to see and do, it’s set to be an unforgettable weekend for visitors of all ages and a great day out for the whole family.
“We are pleased to welcome back The Knights of Middle England, The Exiles and Berkshire Birds of Prey, and look forward to welcoming new partners to this great event.
“Events like this not only generate income for the council but also bring people together and encourage residents and visitors to make the most of our outdoor spaces.”
Returning jousters The Knights of Middle England from Warwickshire promise to transform Dinton Pastures into a spectacular Medieval arena.
Their team of expert horsemen and women from varying equestrian, stunt and performance backgrounds will deliver a thrilling display of jousting, skill and horsemanship, they say.
The Exiles are also setting up camp, where they will offer martial art demonstrations, ancient tales, and stories of survival in Medieval times.
And Bracknell’s Berkshire Birds of Prey will entertain visitors with impressive flying displays.
Winged performers include Lightning McQueen (a Harris hawk), Bella (a barn owl), Apollo (a peregrine), Stitch (a long-eared owl), Noddy (a kestrel), Pumba (a tawny owl) and Fagin (a western screech owl).
The display flights are dependent on favourable weather conditions, and will not go ahead if winds are too strong, but visitors will still be able to enjoy getting up close to the creatures with a memorable up-close bird handling experience.
Refreshments during the weekend-long event include a barbecue by JL Catering, and drinks from The Happy Bee Coffee Truck, and The Rollin’ Inn Bar.
It will take place at Dinton Pastures Country Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, from 10am until 4pm.
Tickets for each full day cost £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for children, £25 for a family of two adults and three children, and £7.20 for carers.
Children aged two and under enter free.
Tickets purchased on the day will be charged at a higher rate.
There is an option to buy a discounted car parking ticket for £6 in advance on the Dinton Pastures website, plus an option to hire a bell tent to camp on-site.
For information, and to book, visit: wokinghamcountryside.co.uk
