Knights of the round table are invited witness a battle of strength and stamina as Wimbledon hosts a medieval jousting tournament this summer.
The unique spectacle will be the centrepiece of the Wimbledon Guild Village Fair, hosted on Wimbledon Common Southside on June 18.
Fully-trained stunt riders in medieval armour will be bringing the fabled sport of jousting full tilt into the 21st Century in front of an expected crowd of 35,000 visitors.
A spokesman for the Knights said: “It is a high-speed action show topped with a soundtrack of both medieval and modern day music that will quite simply rock the common.”
CHALLENGE: Wimbledon Common will be transformed into the Middle Ages
The horsemen’s performances will be at 12.15pm and 3pm and toy shields and swords will be available to children who want to become mini-knights for the day.
Wimbledon Guild head of fundraising, Fiona Healey-Hutchinson, said: “The Knights of Middle England jousting displays are fast, furious and fabulous displays of horsemanship.”
In addition to the tournament, the event will play host to a display of majestic birds of prey with two shows at 11.30am and 2.15pm showcasing their impressive wings in full flight.
COUP DE GRACE: The action-packed sport will have spectators on the edge of their seats
A Waggy Wimbledon dog show will give pampered pooches the opportunity to strut their stuff with judges deciding on a number of categories including waggiest tail, dog the judges most want to take home and best puppy fancy dress (matching owners optional).
The event, sponsored by a number of businesses in the community, will keep the little ones entertained with a children’s village and soft play area, a climbing wall, laser tag and water zorbing as well as opportunities to play tennis, rugby and football.
Judy Jordan, marketing co-ordinator for the tournament, described the event as: “Fun and excitement and thrills and spills, it’s a fabulous day out for the family and for absolutely everybody.
“No matter what your interest is there will be at least one thing that will be brilliant for you and probably several!”
RECESS: If jousting isn’t your cup of tea there will be something for everyone at the fair
The fair is held each year to raise awareness of the Wimbledon Guild with all the money donated at the event going to the charity.
Wimbledon Guild charity has been running since 1907 and works across Merton to improve people’s lives.
The social welfare charity helps people in crisis, with grants, talking therapy, befriending, activities for older people and counselling.
For information visit the website: www.wimbledonguildvillagefair.org.uk
Images courtesy of Wimbledon Guild Village Fair, with thanks
