Penton Medieval Midsummer Festival

The Penton villages take a step back in time and becomes Camelot for an afternoon in June with the staging of a Medieval Midsummer Festival.

This will be a family spectacular of medieval entertainment, gaiety and feasting, with competitions, music and fun. This unique interactive event also has an educational element for those who wish to find out more about the rich history of the Penton area.

On the day, Sunday June 23rd, you can:

• thrill to the sight of armour-clad knights of old doing battle with swords and shields; watch archery demonstrations, and even take part yourself;
• see descendants of the birds of prey which were used by the kings and barons of centuries gone by to hunt game;
• immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the fairs of times past with demonstrations of dances, costume and ancient crafts, including spinning, weaving and candle-making; plus shows, games and a variety of stalls.

You can also become part of this pageantry by wearing a costume from medieval times. There’ll be a parade for those children who have dressed in costume to be judged by the knights themselves. They are members of the Medieval Combat Society who’ll be demonstrating their fighting and archery skills and providing so much of the action. As part of the fun there will be a local ‘villain’ consigned to the stocks who will have to endure a fusillade of wet sponges thrown by the visitors.

A competition has already begun to design your own family coat of arms and paint it on a blank wooden shield which you can buy for £10 from the White Hart Inn, Penton Mewsey or calling 07934 042773. However, numbers are very limited so you’ll have to act quickly if you wish to take part. All shields entered in the competition will be displayed around the fairground on the day and there will be a prize of £100 for the best design.

You won’t go hungry on the day thanks to the hog-roast being provided by Penton’s White Hart inn, which itself dates from the 18th Century. Ales, wine and Pimm’s will be available, as will tea and cakes and savoury snacks. A display will recount the history of Penton in Medieval times and there will be the opportunity to take a guided tour of the village’s 12th Century church.

The event begins at noon and there’ll be free car parking close to the Festival site.