Spectacular Jousting event rides into town

Re-enacting history

Visitors to Linlithgow can take a step back in time this weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday,(July 2 and 3) a festival of horsemanship, pageantry and music will take place in the town at the Spectacular Jousting event. A host of colourful historic characters will fight to be crowned the King’s Champion in a tournament re-enacted on Linlithgow Peel. The first part of the tournament will be contested on foot, giving spectators the chance to see an impressive display of arms and armour at close range. Tournaments in the High Medieval period are known to have been rough, so this is sure to be a dramatic display. Knights will then take to their steeds for shield-splintering exhibitions of strength and horsemanship in the later part of the programme.

Fran Caine, assistant events manager for Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Spectacular Jousting is always one of our most popular events, so it’s great to bring it back to Linlithgow Palace once again.

“We’ve added a few new elements this year, including bringing the King int o proceedings, and focussing more on hand to hand combat with the tournament of foot.

“Visitors will also be able to cheer for their champion, visit the stables, and find out more about the period from historical re-enactors in the living history camp.

“It’s a great day of entertainment for the whole family, and not one to be missed.”

Outside the main arena, visitors will be able to meet the knights’ horses in the stables, get hands on with Junior Jousting.

Tickets to the event can be bought on the day as well as in advance and are £12 for adults, £ 9.50 for concessions, £ 7 for children (aged five to 15 years old) with under-fives going free.

For details www. historicenvironment. scot/ jousting