A MEDIEVAL weekend of thrills and spills came to an Essex venue as an action-packed event made its much anticipated return.

More than a thousand were in attendance as Hedingham Castle welcomed the Knights of Middle England for its Spring Joust.

Despite one sunny and one rainy day, spectators enjoyed the event which was packed with great activities to transport the venue back in time.

Halstead Gazette: Oliver Bowers, nine, poses with the knightsOliver Bowers, nine, poses with the knights (Image: Richard Bowers)

Marketing manager Steffi Dry said: “Sunday was glorious weather and we had around 1,500 through the gates.

“The Eden Falconry with the birds of prey were sadly missed.

Halstead Gazette: Young knights enjoy some medieval duellingYoung knights enjoy some medieval duelling (Image: Richard Bowers)

“But due to bird flu and being shut in for six months, they haven't had the exercise to be able to fly and bird flu is still an issue in the area so it would have been a big risk for them to join us.

Halstead Gazette: An aerial view of the knights in actionAn aerial view of the knights in action (Image: Richard Bowers)

“On Monday despite the typical bank holiday rain and wind we had more than 1,000 in attendance braving the elements, and taking shelter in the castle when it became really bad.

Halstead Gazette: The axe throwing was extremely popular once againThe axe throwing was extremely popular once again (Image: Richard Bowers)

“But the show must go on and it did.

“The only thing not available was the archery while it was raining.

Halstead Gazette: The Knights of Middle England arrive on horsebackThe Knights of Middle England arrive on horseback (Image: Richard Bowers)

“The arrows used are authentic by medieval standards and the feathered fetches become useless if wet.

“However, we did manage a couple of hours archery when the weather broke.

Halstead Gazette: A medieval duo watch onA medieval duo watch on (Image: Richard Bowers)

“The rolling horse and axe throwing were as popular as ever and we had the added bonus of a living history group called 'Pelican-in-her-Piety' doing coin pressing and cooking.

“They had armour and weaponry on display too and a medieval loo with Dr Poo and his Turdis.”

Halstead Gazette: Thousands enjoyed watching the knights joustingThousands enjoyed watching the knights jousting (Image: Richard Bowers)

Hedingham Castle is preparing to head back in time once again in just a couple of weeks as it transforms into Camelot for its Exaclibur event.

The event, from Saturday, April 29, to Monday, May 1, will see all the well-known characters from King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to the brave Knights of the Round Table, Merlin and the treacherous Sir Mordred.

For more information, visit hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/Excalibur.