It was time to get Medieval with out first lunchtime event: Jousting! The Cavalry of Heroes arrived just In time to help defeat the evil Black Knight, who wanted to steal all the ice cream in the world. The host laid three challenges before them: skill, tricks, and the joust. Campers flocked to witness the grand event in the main arena, with the banks filled with supporters of the knights. There was power to the girls with Kayley Islington Guides Carnival Fest stating that ‘the girl gonna win’ - it didn’t matter which side! 16th Scunthorpe supported Sir Jammidodger to win, while Martin from Folk Fest wanted Lady Morgana to get knocked off her horse. Hugh also commented on the clothing choice, saying ‘the best clothes is probably the dark knight.‘
After starting the trick-off, the host called for volunteers; however, none of them knew they were offering for their heads to be chopped off! When asking Hertfordshire Scouts on Circus Fest why they offered their head, they said, “Didn’t really realise [what we were volunteering for] until we got over there.“ Thankfully leaders did not need to fill out any forms as a melon was used instead. The Black Knight had a decisive victory in the first challenge.
The trick-off had Lady Morgana, Sir William and Lady Lancelot go head-to-head showing off their best tricks. There were oohs and aahs across the crowd as the knights showed off to the crowds. Lady Morgana rode her horse facing backwards to thunderous applause, and the crowd was in suspense as Sir William stood on his horse while riding. However, in the final show, Lady Morgana got the crowd on her side as cheers roared in her direction, crushing Sir William.
Ultimately, the battle came down to jousting, where Lady Lancelot narrowly beat Sir Jammiedodge. The final battle between Sir William and the Black Knight left lances and rules broken, but the Black Knight won. However, The Black Knight managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when a lowly squire disarmed and captured him in a tense final battle. Sir William said, “I wasn’t surprised to be honest [the Black Knight] is a rotter and rotters always lose.“ The Black Knight refused to comment. Hanna St Albans on the Folk Fest subcamp said, “I think the Black Knight should have won”, and that “I was like so amazed people could shoot arrows into targets from horses it was so cool.“ Finally, Ella St Albans on the Folk Fest subcamp said “It’s hard enough to ride horses, but to do all those tricks it is mind-boggling.“
Jousting was just the first of the lunchtime displays. Visit the main stage every day between 1PM and 2PM for more.
You can check out more of the excitement on our Facebook page.