Castle Fraser is playing host to a medieval joust
Staff and volunteers at the National Trust for Scotland in Iverurie are preparing to transform Castle Fraser into a battleground for a jousting weekend, where the cries of brave knights and the clanging of metal will ring clear in the air.
The grand baronial tower house will be the backdrop to the traditional jousting tournament, which will see the fearless Knights of the Damned take to their steeds on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July to compete for honour and glory.
Jousting originated in the 11th century, and Castle Fraser hopes to relive the thrills and spills of the historic sport.
Castle Fraser has a long history, and property manager Christina Low thinks it’s highly fitting that knights will be once more jousting in the shadow of the castle. She said:
“Our jousting weekend will transport visitors back to medieval times, bringing the sights, sounds and smells of medieval battle to life, showing Castle Fraser as it might have been in the past.”
Archery demonstrations and sword fighting will also be on offer at the two-day event, with medieval warfare, weaponry and battledress also being showcased. Highlights include the opportunity to enrol in warrior school and take part in military drills.
Away from the battlefield you can experience being a middle ages homemaker and take part in cooking and craft activities, and as a souvenir, skilled re-enactors can create realistic looking war wounds that are bound to scare your friends and family.
Tickets for the jousting weekend are available online at www.nts.org.uk.
Special early bird prices are available before Monday July 18 and cost £8 for adults, £5 for children and £22 for a family pass. On the day tickets will cost £9 for adults, £6 for children and £25 for a family pass.
National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is one of Scotland’s leading conservation charities, which relies on the financial support of its members to fund its important work of caring for the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland for everyone to enjoy.
You can join the National Trust for Scotland for as little as £5.25 per month for a family. To become a member, visit www.nts.org.uk/Join/Benefits/.
