A LEGENDARY fable became reality as a castle took guests back to the time of King Arthur.

Hedingham Castle played host the King, his knights and other characters as it welcomed revellers to its brand new three-day bank holiday extravaganza, Excalibur.

The Excalibur event is the brainchild of Ian Pycroft from Black Knight Historical and took visitors on a journey back in time to the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Halstead Gazette: CROSSING SWORDS: Two knights duellingCROSSING SWORDS: Two knights duelling (Image: N/A)

The event was a huge success, with nearly 2,000 guests coming to enjoy the new event.

Marketing manager Steffi Dry said: “The weather was kind and visitors were able to explore more than 50 tents which comprised the medieval village set up in the Hedingham grounds.

Halstead Gazette: YOUNG KNIGHT: Leo Dry in the castle museumYOUNG KNIGHT: Leo Dry in the castle museum (Image: N/A)

“This included a working kitchen preparing a typical medieval feast for King Arthur, which was then served to him in the King’s Pavilion as guests looked on.

Halstead Gazette: MASS BRAWL: Guests watch on as the knights battle in the arenaMASS BRAWL: Guests watch on as the knights battle in the arena (Image: N/A)

“There was an archers’ camp featuring accurate replicas of yew bows which would have been used in the 12th century and a craft demonstration tent showing visitors some traditional medieval embroidery.

Halstead Gazette: FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD: Prepping the King's lunchFOOD GLORIOUS FOOD: Prepping the King's lunch (Image: N/A)

“There was also Morris dancing, as is traditional for this time of year.”

Elsewhere, in the main arena, visitors were treated to many tournaments with knights in combat and the opening ceremony included children from the audience acting as mascots for each knight.

Halstead Gazette: TAKE AIM: A young archer practicing his skilsTAKE AIM: A young archer practicing his skils (Image: N/A)

There was also storytelling with Taliesyn the Bard, as well as the arming of the knights at their respective tents.

Halstead Gazette: GATHER ROUND: Guests enjoy storytelling with the Lady of the LakeGATHER ROUND: Guests enjoy storytelling with the Lady of the Lake (Image: N/A)

Later in the day, the knights joined the King at the Round Table, an accurate replica which is based on the surviving original at Winchester Castle.

Halstead Gazette: STEADY HAND: Visitors enjoyed testing their archery skillsSTEADY HAND: Visitors enjoyed testing their archery skills (Image: N/A)

Another popular activity was the Trail of Shields.

Steffi said: “All visitors were given an activity sheet on arrival and could start finding clues for the trail as they walked through the woodland to get to the Castle.

“This was a hit with the children and meant they were entertained as soon as getting out of the car.

“As they made their way through the woodland, guests were treated to a perfect timed display of bluebells.”