don't
forget that the Bank Holiday weekend heralds the first MEDIEVAL
MAYHEM celebrations in Sandwich,
Kent
Medieval Mayhem is nearly upon us,
and with coverage in the national press and a BBC film crew on site it
looks set to be one of the area's most prominent events. Don't miss
out!
Friday
25th August
8pm - EARLY
MUSIC CONCERT with MISERICORDIA
The first
event of the weekend, this energetic ensemble of musicians will be
playing a programme of 14th century dance music and song. Courtly love on the
lute and citole, footstamping estampadas with pipes and percussion and the
hauntingly delicate sound of the harp. In Sandwich town's historic Guildhall.
Tickets £5 from The Sandwich Bookshop or on the door.
Licensed bar.
Saturday
26th August
11am -
Medieval Pageant & Procession
The day's
celebrations kick-off at The Quayside as a troupe of medieval giants come
alive and lead a procession around the town. Stiltwalking jesters, costumed
musicians, processional puppets, heraldic flags and banners will add
to the colour and spectacle.
12 noon -
Grand Opening of Market & Fayre, COW LEAS MEADOW, Sandwich.
Arrival of
procession, grand opening by the mayor and fire-juggling
display.
Medieval
Market & Fayre - open until 6pm - FREE ENTRY
-
A
day of theatrical spectacle, with performances by travelling players
Melford hys Companie, music from Passamezzo, dance from Renaissance Footnotes,
wandering puppeteers and more.
-
Medieval marquee hosting
traditional craft demonstrations of basketry, spinning, weaving and
pole-lathing, plus a period haberdashery stall and interactive talk on
historic costume.
-
Still room tent with display
and demonstration of medieval medicine, culinary herbs and folk
remedies.
-
Cook's tent with display and
demonstration of authentic medieval cookery and its
ingredients.
-
Beer tent hosted by
award-winning microbrewer Hopdaemon.
-
Market with stalls from
artists and craftspeople, have-a-go-crossbow range, local food producers,
bookstall, local history societies and a range of medieval food and
drink.
8pm - An
Evening of MEDIEVAL TALES with BEN HAGGARTY
Ben Haggarty
is one of the country's leading performance storytellers. His programme of
medieval tales will draw on legends, classical lore and folk stories that have
been kept alive by storytellers since the middle ages. A must for anyone who
thinks that stories are just for children. Prepare for a unique experience! In
the town's historic Guildhall.
Tickets £5 from The Sandwich Bookshop or on the door. Licensed
bar.
Sunday 27th August
11am - 6pm
MEDIEVAL MARKET
& FAYRE
COW
LEAS MEADOW, Sandwich - FREE ENTRY
-
Medieval combat on
display with top living history group Period Action UK. Visit the military
campaign encampment for demonstrations of the soldier's skill, including
swordplay and archery.
-
Wandering minstrels will
provide a colourful soundtrack to the day's events on gurdy, pipes, crumhorn,
shawm and more.
-
Theatre from travelling players Melford hys
Companie, who will be living the life of authentic medieval entertainers all
weekend.
-
Mock Tournament Joust from
the Theatre of the Small. Don your tourney horse and take part in a
knock-out contest. Suitable for adults and children over 7.
-
Storytelling with medieval tale-weaver Tony
Cooper.
-
Medieval marquee hosting
traditional craft demonstrations of basketry, spinning, weaving and
pole-lathing, plus a period haberdashery
stall.
- Beer tent
hosted by award-winning microbrewer Hopdaemon.
-
Market with stalls from
artists and craftspeople, have-a-go-crossbow range, local food producers,
bookstall, local history societies and a range of medieval food and
drink.
MEDIEVAL MAYHEM is
organised by the voluntary group Bringing Alive Sandwich Heritage and is a not
for profit community event.