Medieval Royal Pageant for Beeston Castle's Jubilee Celebrations
Beeston Castle, Sunday 3 – Tuesday 5 June 2012
The Cheshire plains will ring with the sounds of trumpets, drums and steel hitting steel for three days over the Jubilee bank holiday weekend (Sunday 3 to Tuesday 5 June 2012) as the Castle of the Rock turns to the 14th century for an inspirational patriotic event for the whole family.
Beeston Castle’s Medieval Royal Pageant will see the historic castle taken over by re-enactors from the renowned Lion Rampant group, who will turn back the clock from 21st century Diamond Jubilee celebrations to the 14th century Jubilee of Edward III, a king who transformed the English military into a formidable fighting force during his 50 years on the throne.
Visitors will share the King’s delight as he enjoys displays of strength from his more fearsome knights and, indeed, joins them to show off his own archery skills as the Captain of Archers to launch each day’s festivities in a training session at 10.00am, and later in competition at 12 noon!
The combat switches from ranged weapons to hand-to-hand combat from 1.00pm, as the knights fit in a final training session before the Grant Tournament at 3.00pm, a no-holds barred freestyle combat events which will leave only one champion standing!
“When you think of medieval England, most people would imagine kings dying young, whether on the battlefield or through ill health, but Edward III was not only a vibrant king who ruled for 50 years, but also one of the finest military leaders of the period with a clear goal to make his army the best in Europe,” explains English Heritage’s event manager, Karen Pike. “Edward III is one of the few kings England has ever had who survived to celebrate his Golden Jubilee, having been crowned aged just 13 and ruling until he was 63.”
Those interested in life off the battlefield will not be disappointed at the event either, with a chance to have a go at medieval dances from 11.00am, accompanied by musicians of the period, and watch a performance of the Legend of St George – a knight with whom Edward III would have felt much affinity! – each day at 2.00pm. A living history encampment will also be open for visitors to wander round to meet some of the citizens of 14th century Beeston!
The event runs from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday 3 and bank holidays Monday 4 & Tuesday 5 June, with Beeston Castle itself open from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Admission prices are £6.50 for adults, £6.00 for concessions and £4.00 for children, or free for English Heritage members. Please note that parking charges apply.
For more information, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/beeston or call 01829 260464.
ENDS
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)
Tel: 0113 251 5698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@fim.org.uk
