We went to the Joust Festival held at Berkeley Castle, about a half hour drive from where we live. It was a cracker day and turned out very hot. Rod got to handle a Falcon, as you can see here. Thankfully they both behaved themselves...

As the name suggests, the event was centred around the medieval combat sport of Jousting, done by knights of the day. Yes, the one where they charge at each other on horseback with a long wooden stick, hopefully to knock out your opponent and therefore win. We give these modern-day riders kudos for doing this sport, it was spectacular and memorable to see it in real life! And they wear authentic gear. Commendable on a stinking hot day!!

The other 'knight' in the Joust.

The knights had squires to fetch their weapons etc, and here are the four riders for the Jousting display.

A shot of the weapons tent in the Jousting arena. Those lances are very long! And probably quite heavy too...

Jousting also gave rise to other sports to hone combat skills from horseback, and included Darts - not the Pub sort - but throwing an oversize dart at a groundlevel target while galloping past. The knights here are preparing for a run at the target.

One of the successful attempts at Darts by the knights. It's much harder than it looks, we think!

A Joust for real... very courageous sportsmen and horses! The lances have a softer wood end section today, but a piece of one landed not far from Karen at the edge of the arena about 30 feet away.

Another Joust run, they get points for where they hit their opponent and a tally is kept. The winner (medieval times) got to snog the Lady they represented! It was a matter of honour apparently...

Another combat sport display that involved hitting the large round end of a revolving target with the lance, with points awarded for the amount of times it would spin around.

A knight and his squire after the sports finished.

The other knight and his squire.

They also had musical entertainment at the Joust Festival, this truly exceptional group of singers with outstanding harmonies. They even have a CD out or two. Name is Medieval Babes and they are very good.

M B (1).

M B (2).

We also toured Berkeley Castle, very interesting history going back to the 12th century and has been a family home for most of that time. Imagine growing up in such a place. A hide and seek game would be just unfair to visiting children!!

Imposing walls of the castle, which are a very unusual colour almost a purpley-pink.

This is the inner courtyard of the castle.

A view of the castle from the festival grounds nearby.

They also staged a mock battle at the Joust festival. They had a running commentary telling you about how warfare was conducted back then, including how battles began with insults being traded!