Plagued by medieval madness (From Stroud News and Journal)

Plagued by medieval madness

SWORDS clashed, arrows flew and richly-dressed nobles feasted as Stroud stepped back in time for a day of medieval madness on Saturday.

One of the highlights of Stroud's 700th birthday celebrations, during the day of special events, capped off by a medieval feast in the evening, was a medieval tournament in Bank Gardens complete with displays of archery.

There was a host of suitably-themed entertainment for the crowds to enjoy, from stilt-walkers and jugglers to hilarious music from the Singing Plague Victims.

After the day's festivities, the night rang with the sounds of the lute and the hurdy-gurdy as wonderfully-costumed Stroud folk attended a medieval feast in the Stroud Subscription Rooms.

Tucking into big lumps of roasted meat and swigging flagon upon flagon of wine and ale, the feasting folk ensured the merriment continued well into the night, with medieval dancing and a fantastic magic show adding to the fourteenth-century fun.

Each visitor to the banquet received a coin that had been specially minted for the evening event.

Organiser Sue Torres, who like many townsfolk had knocked a pair of curtains into a medieval dress, said the day had been a huge success despite the earlier rain.

"We have had a great time," she said. "The weather could have been a lot worse and everybody who was around seemed to enjoy it."

Asked whether the medieval day could become a regular event, she joked: "Yes. Every 700 years."

Many thanks to the Giant Party Shop in Merrywalks Shopping Centre, Stroud, for providing the SNJ with fantastic medieval costumes.

For more information on the range of costumes and fun party accessories available, call the shop on 01453 750075.