Excitement is mounting as the countdown to the country’s largest FREE Medieval Festival begins!

The event takes place this year at St. Mary’s College Gardens, Youghal, on Sunday 22nd August 2010 from 12 – 6 PM.  Events are planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.

Catherine Desmond of the organising committee explained the reasoning behind the festival: “This festival, which is now in its fourth year, is about bringing heritage to life. We always strive to make it enjoyable for all the family and this year’s programme of events is guaranteed to do just that. We have more Medieval Re enactments than ever before and the ‘Kids Kingdom’ is sure to be a big hit with children. We have a new edition to our entertainment this year in the form of a falconry display which we are confident will captivate our entire audience.”

This year sees the event back in its rightful place at St. Mary’s Historic Gardens, Youghal which will be transformed into a spectacular ‘Medieval Village’. Youghal’s Municipal Heritage Committee, the organisers behind the event, are expecting in excess of 5000 visitors to visit the holiday town providing a much appreciated boost to the local economy.

The town, which has been recently designated as a ‘Family Friendly Destination’ by Failte Ireland, is making a name for itself as a holiday location dedicated to cater for the needs of the family.

“It’s free events such as these that attract visitors to Youghal and subsequently provide an economic spin-off to our town”.  said Aileen Ahern of the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group.

Celebrations kick off at 12PM in the ‘Medieval Quarter’ with Medieval Re – Enactments by the wonderful UCC Medieval Society, Medieval Cookery Displays as well as fully choreographed combative scenes which will demand full audience interaction!

The fearsome ‘Freelance Knights of Redemption’ from Wexford will mesmerise its audience as it offers a unique and exciting blend of education, history and theatre.

Speaking on behalf of the Freelance Knights, Paul Wickham said “Our combat displays are as authentic as possible as they are from genuine Medieval Martial Arts. We also have a large display of armour and weapons including examples of replicas showing weaponry from the bronze age through to the last legally worn sword. The Georgian Small Sword”.

The Knights have also been involved in an impressive array of TV and Film appearances both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as fight choreographers.

The ‘Kids Kingdom ‘is always a guaranteed favourite and this year the line up won’t disappoint with the highlight being the ‘Mumbo Jumbo Circus Workshop’. Kids of all ages can learn how to stilt walk or ride a unicycle! With one of the largest bouncy castles in all of cork on the day, face painters, balloon making, shield smiles on faces will be guaranteed!

Visitors are invited to come along and indulge in the finest of local produce at ‘Maid Marion’s Food & Craft Fair’. Hosted by a variety of local traders, as well as from across Cork City & County, visitors are guaranteed there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

As if all that wasn’t enough, the open air stage will play host to some of the best local bands around providing music and entertainment throughout the entire day.

Youghal’s Medieval Festival takes place in St. Mary’s College Gardens, Youghal on Sunday August 22nd 2010 from 12PM – 6PM

If you wish to take a stand at the food & craft fair or get further details on the event contact:

Youghal Municipal Heritage Committee on: 024 – 81800, or email, youghalheritage@mail.com

Issued by:

Youghal Heritage Committee

7-10 Enterprise Youghal,

Emmet Place,

Youghal

Tel: 024-81814

E: youghalheritage@mail.com

All photos taken from previous Medieval Festivals held in Youghal. Photos: www.youghalonline.com/archive