Let the battle for summer fun commence! A seriously strong contender for August adventures is Loxwood Joust an immersive medieval and jousting festival that brings the Game of Thrones energy to West Sussex, the PG version, of course. 

Townsfolk, peasants, knights, maidens and of course, Kings and Queens are invited to the enchanted Loxwood Meadow, near Billingshurst, over three weekends (3-4, 10-11 and 17-18 Aug) to get fully involved in the medieval merriment. From battles to banquets, chainmail crafts to themed challenges, there’s a whole load of fun to be had!

Want to pay homage ancient tradition? Read on to find out more about the revelry and rivalry.

Let battle commence with the jousting

You don’t need to go as far as bringing your armour and sword but you will need to bring your cheer – literal and metaphorical – for the jousting. A new arena is being created for this year’s competition – the highest level in the land – we’ll have you know. Loxwood Joust’s team, The Boars, take on the Londinium Lions for a spectacular re-enactment, the less technical description is that trained pros charge at each other on horseback in full armour. You can watch the winning team ride into victory and have a mini history and sports lesson which is a lot more entertaining than a history book! 

Train to become a knight of the realm

Inspired? Then you can sign up to an amazing array of activities including the sword school and archery academy for aspiring knights and warriors. You can see what it really takes to become a knight with a series of specialist workshops for all ages. If you’d prefer to fight on the ground as opposed to horse back, there’s also axe throwing, and crossbow archery for knights in training. 

Upskill and bewitch with new crafts

Pick up a new, or rather ancient, skill and learn how to make old skool bling in an armour-inspired chainmail craft class or create a copper bangle. Want to get your hands really dirty? Have a go at blacksmithing. Or perhaps you need some quieter time and want to do tablet weaving. Whatever you’re in the medieval-related mood for, there are 10 workshops to suit all preferences and personalities, even medieval handfasting and friendship ceremonies!

Solve medieval mysteries and win the Queen’s favour

To keep the energy and entertainment high, there are three new interactive puzzle trails that weave their way across the Kingdom so families can explore all of the land. At key locations you’ll meet with medieval characters who you’ll need to ask some questions in order to get your clue to head to the next stage of the trail and claim your medal. Once you have all three you head to the Royal Quarter to kneel before the queen and claim your title in the Kingdom of Loxwood. A second trail is focused on helping the guards solve a murder. You’ll pick up clues along the way and meet folks who can help before you can claim your reward from the Queen. 

Feast like a King or Queen

Food fit for a king is served at Loxwood Joust’s Royal Banquet where the Queen will be in attendance. All the stops will be pulled out for the themed ‘Legacy of the Boar’ story, with four meats on offer and an array of salads and accompaniments with desert too. They’ll also be an extra portion of entertainment, with the Bards and other musical acts performing as well as the opportunity to play parlour games with your participation required if you choose.

Marvel at medieval performances 

In a more shaded section of site will be the Woodland Stage that provides the pedestal for musical acts on the first weekend internationally renowned Mediaeval Baebes will serenade you. The other two weekends, pagan folk band Trobar de Morte will take charge of the musical notes. The entertainment doesn’t stop there, alongside the full contact jousting you can catch falconry displays, court jesters, witch’s rune reading and medieval torture shows – if that’s your thing! 

Rest your heads fair maidens and knights at the camp site

For the first time at Loxwood Joust, there’s the opportunity to camp on the third and final weekend of the event. They’ve pulled out all of the stops to ensure it’s a relaxed and jovial experience with the traditional festivities carrying on into the evenings. There’s live comedy on 16 Aug, and band Captains Beard on 17 Aug. All the characters from the Loxwood Joust will be around to keep the atmosphere and ambience on point.

Loxwood Joust 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 Aug, The Loxwood Meadow, Loxwood, West Sussex RH14 0AL. Tickets for workshops, camping, parking and banqueting experiences must be booked in advance at loxwoodjoust.co.uk.