Loxwood Joust promises immersive summer fun for 2021

Medieval festival the Loxwood Joust is stepping up a gear in 2021 with a new participatory element for its ten-year anniversary. It all takes place at the Loxwood Meadow, Loxwood, RH14 0AL on August 7, 8, 14 and 15 (www.loxwoodjoust. co.uk). Organiser Danny Bacon said: “Teaming up with immersive events organiser Mostly Harmless Creations (Crystal Maze Live, Knightmare Live), the Loxwood Joust will this year expand upon its already packed agenda of fast-paced jousting, battle re-enactments and musical performances to offer guests the chance to step inside this year’s story.

“Visitors will get to know the lords, ladies, knights and peasants, rub shoulders with the Royal Court and help decide the fate of the ne’er-dowells that roam the kingdom. “Guests will enter the realm via the magical forest and be met by an array of colourful characters, each with a story to tell, rumours to spread or a favour to ask. Accept the right invitations, choose a quest and become an official Citizen of Loxwood in this unique experience.” Danny added: “With ten exciting years to celebrate, we’re providing opportunities for the whole family to participate in the Loxwood Joust rather than just to spectate. We know from feedback that people love interacting with the Joust’s characters. So, with a quest to become an official Citizen of Loxwood and the chance to have an impact on the outcomes of this year’s story, we are proud to say this will be a first for a festival of this kind.’ Mostly Harmless Creations artistic director Paul Flannery added: “People want to take part as much as watch these days. That’s what we do: we create a framework to allow people to get as involved as they want in the world and the stories we’re telling. It’s the age of play. “Festival-goers will be able to learn from the medieval characters who live in the battle camp, wander the grounds and become entwined in this year’s stories and outcomes.”