Everyone loves medieval history, right? Poverty, plague, princes… and there’s something so beautifully-primal about watching a man clad in metal armor swinging around a sword – how else would one go about explaining the popularity of ‘swords and sorcery’ in the media? This edition of Heritage Window will be a little different to the others presented so far, in that the event in question is not associated with heritage, per say. Loxwood Joust Medieval Festival is an annual historical-themed festival event held in Loxwood, West Sussex featuring costumed actors and historical reenactors. The event is themed after medieval England predominantly (although cannons and muskets feature in certain events) and features a lot of historically-accurate equipment and armor. However, it is based on a fictionalized account of history, and is primarily aimed at providing entertainment, rather than education. All of that said, I’m pleased to report that the festival was a royally-good time and a must-see for all, whether you’re an enthusiast of the medieval aesthetic or a thrill-seeking peasant.
The festival is set out across two large fields in Loxwood, with one hosting a number of craft and food stalls alongside a large jousting and combat arena, and another nestling a number of faux villager’s and soldier’s abodes next to a grassy battleground. There’s plenty to see and do, and the majority of it is pleasingly-authentic. There are traditional knot-tying ceremonies, new age apothecaries and jewelers for purchasing a number of expensive, artisan souvenirs. Even the food offerings contribute to the theming, with roasted chicken legs and pulled pork available alongside the typical modern trappings of ice cream and pizza stands. There are also plenty of opportunities to purchase children’s toys and costumes, allowing for spontaneous immersion – and the aesthetic is definitely something you’ll want to immerse yourself in, considering the sheer number of costumed staff milling around the event, all of whom are more than happy to indulge you in a spot of Merlin-roleplaying. Thankfully, there are plenty of modern facilities around as well, including portable toilets which, whilst disgusting, have an overwhelming advantage over squatting into a hole, middle ages-style.
The highlight of the event, however, was without doubt the titular joust itself. The level of detail which went into the arrangement of the event – from the construction of an era-appropriate arena (replete with an arrangement of colorful banners) to the array of prop weapons featured in the warm-up throw-down, all the way to the magnificent costumes and infectious enthusiasm of the horse-riding announcer, Chaucer – was nothing short of exceptional. The tournament was a joyous crossover between medieval reenactment and modern WWE bouts, with OTT characters and dialogue that could have been ripped straight out of Blackadder. Well-rehearsed but clearly-telegraphed storytelling was employed throughout to ensure that everything ran smoothly and entertainingly. Some of the ‘violence’ was convincing enough that I heard fellow audience members audibly gasping – a testament to the performers, whose job was unenviable in the hot summer afternoon. The inclusion of a secret female participant was also a fun way of ensuring that the event didn’t only cater to a ‘boy’s club’ of spectators, although it was obvious from the moment that her character revealed her true identity that she would prevail as the tournament winner. The battle reenactment was also a lot of fun, although the loud explosions caused by the gunfire did cause a noticeable amount of participants to scurry away – perhaps this aspect was not publicized enough beforehand?
If I have one particular reservation, it’s that the event did not feel particularly COVID-safe. Most of the festival took place in an open-air environment where social distancing was possible, if challenging, but hygiene was not particularly good, especially in the aforementioned portable toilets, where the soap ran out at one point. Furthermore, one of the tournament hype-men actually encouraged us to ‘shout so loud I can see all your spittle in the air’, an unfortunately-chosen statement that probably would have given Chris Whitty a stroke. The event was very busy, and the few walking trails which took you over – rather than directly through – the mud and straw-sodden quagmire, quickly became clogged up with queueing people after the conclusion of certain events. Hopefully the accursed pandemic will no longer even be a factor for the 2022 event, but these issues should definitely be a consideration regardless.
However, in spite of these concerns, I thoroughly enjoyed the event and would happily recommend it to anyone interested in putting aside reality and immersing themselves in a fun historical caricature for an afternoon.
See the official website of the Loxwood Joust here.
Ellis Net 