Preparations are well underway for the annual Barnet Medieval Festival over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday June 10-11 -- and among the innovations this year will be a medieval fashion show displaying the costumes and attire of nobility and royal courtiers.
Highlight of the two-day event at the Byng Road playing fields will be re-enactments of the 1461 Battle of St Albans and the 1471 Battle of Barnet.
Tickets are on sale in the High Street at the traditional sweet shop Hopscotch, at Barnet Museum, through the festival website, www.barnetmedievalfestival.org and will be available for purchase at the gate.
Hopscotch proprietor Alice Kentish (above), who sells a range of specialist teas and other essential treats, is again promoting her Battle of Barnet blend.
“Battle of Barnet tea is really special and very appropriate, a reminder of the Wars of the Roses.
“It’s a mixture of rose petals and a green China tea called gunpowder – after all, the Battle of Barnet is said to be the first where gunpowder was used.”
Another departure at the festival, now in its fifth year, will be a greater emphasis on craft and living history displays.
Demonstrations of medieval pottery making will be given by Trinity Court Pottery and there will be talks about the significance of medieval armour.
Displaying and retelling the story of build-up to a medieval battle comes to life when visitors have the chance to tour the re-enactors campsite.
Last year there were over 70 medieval tents including those of the traders who served the rival armies and the tent of the apothecary – supplying medieval medicines and potions – attracted considerable interest.
Dr Susan Skedd, who is the festival director and leads the organising committee, said she was delighted to confirm that there will again be displays by mounted knights in armour and men at arms.
Four riders and their horses from the Freelance group – two of whom are likely to be knights in armour – will demonstrate their skill, riding at speed, using swords, lances, and javelins.
Committee member Nevill Rodgers (above right) is looking forward to another innovation with a second group of medieval musicians joining the festival.
A Merrie Noyse – drummer Rod Pomery, Barry Pope, and piper Susan Pope – will be backed up Myal Piper.
“Walking round the re-enactors campsite and hearing medieval music adds to the atmosphere and is quite magical.
“It all helps to build the popularity of the festival which is going from strength to strength,” said Mr Rodgers.
Dr Skedd said she wanted to thank Barnet Elizabethans RFC yet again for their hospitality in hosting the festival and for letting the re-enactors make use of the club’s facilities.
Entry to the festival – from 10.30am to 5pm each day – is £2 for children, and £6 for adults. Full details at www.barnetmedievalfestival.org
