maids and minstrels, knaves and knights

Come and gone like a dream, the medieval festival has left us with so many colourful pictures in our mind's eye that it is hard to know where to begin. It surpassed all of our expectations in splendidness and comic value. At any given moment in the three days of festivities, you could see little girls in linen shifts playing in the hay, little knights wielding shields and swords, a brave and bawdy crew around the stew pots and open fire, ladies in long robes, men in tights, and rogues (but nice ones) at the tavern. All ages were represented, the costumes were a delight, and each person brought a special touch to the general ambiance.
We were graced at particular moments by first-rate entertainers: minstrels and storytellers, an excellent mix of musicians, a belly-dancer, the local batucada (Brazilian percussion group), a cheery fellow in green who led everyone in drinking songs and dance (Gilles!), and the Sunday morning mass (with our voices raised in the Ave Maria, impromptu gospel hymn and our very own medieval Stevie Wonder on the melodica). One highlight was the greasy pole, which proved easier for lanky boys than strong men; encouraged by the crowd, they shimmied or hoisted themselves up it to grab the pouches at the top (for their efforts, winning either sausages and ham or dry sticks and stones).
Then the fare. Oh what a menu: roasted ham and turnip soup, freshly baked loaves from the bread oven (which ran almost around the clock thanks to the trusty baker), salad of greens from the gardens, cheese and hard sausages, apple tarts, sage-wine, rose-wine, olives marinated in herbs, stuffed roast lamb, wild chanterelles, raclette (melted cheese on toast), and the last evening, medieval pitas (roast chicken on fresh flat breads with a divine sauce).
Perhaps it was the lamplight and candle glow, but everyone felt there was magic in the air.

Special thanks to all the photographers who have shared their pictures. We will put more up as they get sorted...