Get your Baldrics here……

Loxwood Joust is a fabulous family event where children live out fantasies of dashing knights doing battle on horseback. But away from the main arena presentations and derring-do battles, a group of dedicated artisans – traders skilled in authentic medieval techniques and products – bring their wares to sell, just like peddlers of old.

At this year's event on 2/3 August some 30 specialist traders will attend Loxwood Joust on the West Sussex/ Surrey border. Here we take a look at some of them.

East Sussex based Mousie Murray makes jewellery hand crafted entirely from English Sterling Silver Spoons and Sugar Tongs. These include rings, earrings and pendants, bracelets and bangles. Spoon rings are a very old tradition, thought to have originated in England, c.1600's. Mousie explains “Unfortunately, these days, many spoons are sold to be melted down; however crafting them into statement pieces of jewellery retains our English heritage”.

Surrey based Tracemaille Jewellery create unusual pieces meticulously handcrafted one ring at a time using little more than two pairs of pliers and a range of jump rings. Surprisingly lightweight, they use anodised aluminium, copper, silver plated or sterling silver rings with many pieces being one-offs or limited editions bringing this ancient craft into the 21st century.

Portsmouth's Alan Longmore specialises in 'Giants of History' from the medieval period – portraits in graphite of William the Conqueror and Richard III, or the Three Warriors in oil or pastels. Alan says “Being a realist artist, the heraldry, armour and clothing of my subjects are both a challenge and a joy to paint and draw, which I strive to portray with accuracy.”

Barefoot Leather makes a huge range of leather goods each winter and spends the summer selling at specialist medieval fairs around the UK.  Based on an original 14th century image and made in exactly the same way as the original – dipped in molten beeswax to seal them and make them watertight – the leather water bottles each have a handmade oak stopper too.

Where does the historical re-enactor go when they need new shoes? Time Warrior focuses on historic footwear and leatherwork from the Viking to Medieval period. These bespoke leather goods, including belts, baldrics and quality boots and shoes covering the medieval period, are much sought after by mediaeval performers. Advice for the well-dressed mediaeval foot is to order one size up from your normal size, as some styles are quite narrow.

Forestel specialise in designing, making and supplying fairy frippery for Brides & Faery Folk for hundreds of years (elves & fairies live for a very long time, you know....). Headdresses, fairy wings and accessories are handmade in a little cottage on the remote western shores in The Land Beyond The Land. Ask nicely and they can even give you pointy ears!

Loxwood Joust is open from 10am to 6pm at Loxwood Meadow, West Sussex. Most excellently located just off the B2133 between Wisborough Green and Loxwood, there is ample free parking or a minibus service from Billingshurst railway station. Save money with advance tickets on sale now at www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk

END

Note for Editors

High resolution images of the artisan craftwork are available on request.

Press Contact:        Jackie Ellis    07969 997985          jackie@tourism-angles.co.uk

Ticket information

Advance ticket prices: Adult: £12 / Child (4-14): £6 / Under 4: Free (valid for either festival day).

Gate prices Adult: £15 / Child (4-14): £7 / Under 4: Free / OAP: £12 / Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £38

About Loxwood Joust

Loxwood Joust organiser Maurice Bacon searched the length and breadth of the country for a magical location before discovering enchanting Loxwood, West Sussex three years ago. The site covers seven meadows surrounded by 4.5 acres of woodland. This enables a remarkable transformation into the 15th Century just a short walk from the car park.

Get your Baldrics here……

Loxwood Joust is a fabulous family event where children live out fantasies of dashing knights doing battle on horseback. But away from the main arena presentations and derring-do battles, a group of dedicated artisans – traders skilled in authentic medieval techniques and products – bring their wares to sell, just like peddlers of old.