What would Cardiff Castle have been like 700 years ago? Time- travelling visitors will get the chance to find out when they visit Cardiff Castle on Saturday and Sunday 14 and 15 August at the Grand Medieval Mêlée.
A highlight of the summer holidays, this event promises to be a swift trip back to the Middle Ages with a weekend packed with sword fighting and archery, combat, conflict and contests.
Cardiff Castle will be transformed into a medieval tented village, with the largest encampment ever staged here when re-enactors from the Cardiff Garrison will be joined by re-enactors from Warwick Castle.
Medieval food and craft displays will illustrate how ordinary people would have lived their lives day-to -day; what they cooked, what they ate and how they dressed. The Middle Ages were also turbulent times, when knights were famed for fighting with honour and bravery. Watch combat displays and sword fighting displays with everyone invited to take part in a mass soldiers’ drill under the direction of professional fight director, Mark Vance.
There will also be a special shooting of the Trebuchet, Cardiff Castle’s own colossal medieval catapult.
For children there is the chance to dress up in authentic costumes, take part in the sword fighting school, Have- A-Go archery, or practise their juggling skills. The story-teller, Dylan Adams will also be here to enthral with tales of the real and mythical characters that inhabited these times. A highlight of the day is certain to be the falconry display with expert commentary.
Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “The castle is the perfect location for the Medieval Melee. The day promises to be a great family day out.”
