FAMILIES went back in time as an historic venue held two days of bank holiday medieval fun.

Hedingham Castle put on its Knights of Arkley joust event across Sunday August 28 and Monday August 29.

Knights battled it out in front of the ancient keep, whilst attendees marvelled at their skill and prowess on horseback.

Halstead Gazette: Squad - the Knights of Arkley head to the fieldSquad - the Knights of Arkley head to the field

Events manager at Hedingham Castle Sarah Kershaw said: “The August bank holiday joust is always a popular, busy, end of summer event.

“I think we had around 2,500 to 3,00 through the gate although this is not confirmed.

“The feedback from members of the public visiting on the day I chatted to said they had a fantastic day out.

“A few commented that it was so good that there were no hidden surprises financially, as once they've paid their entry fee, the attractions such as mechanical rolling horse, archery, axe throwing and an activity tent are all free of charge to have a go.”

Halstead Gazette: Sharp - John King takes on the axe throwingSharp - John King takes on the axe throwing

Halstead Gazette: Riding - Sarah Gregory on the mechanical rolling horseRiding - Sarah Gregory on the mechanical rolling horse

Other activities during the event included a living history camp with the Bonivant Household who created a medieval village, featuring demonstrations on how to make a bow, how to dress a knight and cookery.

There was also a family barbaric battle with foam swords and shields, two birds of prey displays and performances from medieval musicians The Colchester Waits.

Halstead Gazette: Bird display - Eden Falconry with Toffee the barn owlBird display - Eden Falconry with Toffee the barn owl

Halstead Gazette: Medieval medley - the Colchester Waits performingMedieval medley - the Colchester Waits performing

Halstead Gazette: Archer - William, age 9, drawing his bowArcher - William, age 9, drawing his bow

On top of this all, the main attraction was the Knight of Arkley joust.

Sarah said: “The Knights skill on their horses is extraordinary. The joust events are my personal favourite.

Halstead Gazette: Pose - the Knights of Arkley with their horses and lancesPose - the Knights of Arkley with their horses and lances

Halstead Gazette: Battlefield - the knights jousting for the publicBattlefield - the knights jousting for the public (Image: N/A)

“We have three jousts planned next year, across the Easter bank holiday, late May bank holiday and the August bank holiday again.

“We use different Jousting teams each event. For example at Easter we have the Knights of Middle England and late May we have The Knights Royal.

“For the early-May Bank Holiday next year we are also planning to turn Hedingham Castle into Camelot! For a three-day event called Excalibur.”