Entertainment

Jousting show to feature at Bruce Festival in Carrickfergus

The festival will feature the Knights of Royal England, Europe's premier jousting team
The festival will feature the Knights of Royal England, Europe's premier jousting team

JOUSTING, falconry and archery will be among a host of medieval-themed attractions at this weekend's Bruce Festival in Carrickfergus.

The free festival takes place from June 4-5 at Carrickfergus Castle and Marine Gardens to commemorate the seizing of Carrickfergus Castle by Edward Bruce in 1316.

It will feature the Knights of Royal England, Europe's premier jousting team, as well as events and entertainment including dramatic re-enactments and medieval battle workshops.

Blacksmith demonstrations, street theatre and traditional storytelling are also included in the line-up of events.

The festival is expected to highlight the medieval connections between Scotland and Ulster and the Bruce campaign in Ireland.

Organisers hope the mix of Ulster-Scots music, drama, battles and arts and crafts will combine to create a great day out for the whole family.

The Knights of Royal England are the premier jousting company in Europe and stage more than 60 shows each year across the globe.

They will be conducting a dramatic jousting tournament on Saturday June 4 at Marine Gardens with chivalry, hand-to-hand combat, mounted challenges and horsemanship.

The jousting team will also be hosting a 'meet the knights' event on the castle green on Sunday June 5, allowing spectators to find out more about jousting in the 14th Century.

Entry to the festival is free and festival-goers can also enjoy free entry to Carrickfergus Castle on the same weekend.

The festival is hosted by the Ulster-Scots Agency and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with the Department for Communities.

Visit the Ulster-Scots Agency's website for more information about the festival.