MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL ~ Coming June 11 to 14

From the 19th Century to the Middle Ages – for four days in June, Upper Canada Village will be offering visitors a second gateway into the past, to a much earlier era when chivalry and revelry were at their best. From June 11 to 14, the Village will play host to its second annual MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL, the largest event of its kind in Eastern Ontario. The festival will showcase a full array of entertainment designed to amaze and dazzle all ages, in a recreated medieval encampment set on the border of Upper Canada Village.

According to Pat Macdonald, General Manager and CEO of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission which operates Upper Canada Village, visitors to the Medieval Festival this year are going to get a lot more than they bargained for. “Admission to the Medieval Festival is included in Upper Canada Village’s regular admission rates this year, meaning tremendous value ... two historic and entertaining attractions for the price of one!!” Visitors will time warp to the grounds of the Medieval Festival through a castle facade entrance at the east end of the Village, and still have full access to the Village’s authentic 19th century program during the festival dates.

Upon entering the grounds of the Medieval Festival, guests are guaranteed to be entertained, engaged, enriched and educated, finding themselves in a time when wizards conjured secret spells, falcons hunted for their masters, warfare was conducted with trebuchets, and knights jousted on horseback to win royal favour. The festival promises back-to-back entertainment and guests are invited to join in the fun by dressing in their own medieval garb to blend in with the folk on the shire!!

The highlight of the festival will be the Knights of Valour ... renowned for their exciting shows of horsemanship, bravery and chivalry. They will perform two action-packed shows per day (one heavy armour joust and one light) in a style worthy of Kings! The Knights of Valour have been entertaining audiences for over a decade with their jousting demonstrations, one of the hardest hitting sports ever conceived. Between shows, the Knights will meet with the public to talk about the history and chivalry of Knights. Their magnificent horses will be on view throughout the festival.

The festival will offer continuous entertainment outside of the Jousting Tournaments. Colourful medieval performers will present a variety of interactive shows each day. Comedians, dancers and wandering minstrels will create music and laughter throughout the event. Talented buskers Crye and Crudgel (performing duel stand-up, balancing acts, tumbling, stage combat and more), as well as a Wizard, belly dancers, and the “Bakers Dozen” will all add to the faire atmosphere. The Montreal group “Ritournelle” will present a workshop on medieval music, instruments and songs on Thursday and Friday. A Viking encampment, archery demonstrations and armoured and unarmoured combat demonstrations by the Ottawa Medieval Sword Guild are sure to keep the excitement level high. And last but not least, the Royal Court, including the King and Queen and their entourage, will be presiding over a number of events throughout the festival.

There will also be plenty of opportunity to witness the fine craftsmanship of medieval artisans during the festival. Demonstrations in blacksmithing, armour manufacturing, lace-making, leather working and chainmaille making will all be part of the festival’s activities.

Falconry shows featuring “Birds of Prey” will also be offered, with the birds on display between shows. Children of all ages are invited to experience medieval punishments like the stocks and a jail and try their hand at one of several games throughout the festival including Jacob’s Ladder, mini Catapults and a Turtle Race game.. A number of colourful merchants will set up their tents at the festival, offering a wide selection of medieval merchandise and food items. Be sure to stop in at the Bow and Arrow Alehouse and Eatery during the day.

On Saturday evening after the day’s festivities, visitors can take part in a sumptuous and entertaining King's Banquet that starts at 6:00 p.m., complete with medieval-style fare and entertainment. The cost for the banquet, including dinner, entertainment by the Eclectic Revival, and admission for the day program, is $65 for adults (13 & older), and $55 for children (12 & under). GST is extra. All sales are final, and banquet seating must be reserved ahead online at "MedievalFestival.ca" .

The Medieval Festival is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both Thursday, June 11 & Friday, June 12. On the weekend, it is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, and on Sunday June 14. (The event expects to draw lots of school children visiting on Thursday and Friday for a special Medieval Education Program from 9:30 to 3:00 p.m.). The weekend will be filled with continuous shows and entertainment, artisans and merchants … all in true Medieval-style! All performances are included in the price of your festival ticket; games and food are extra.