Verulam Medieval Festival
Verulam School is celebrating the success of its first Medieval Festival, held on Sunday 30th June. Over 400 time travellers – young and old – enjoyed a sunny day of medieval merriment in Verulam’s grounds, masterminded by former Verulam pupil James Silcox. As the founder of Reach the Core – a leading provider of interactive historical experiences – James orchestrated an exhilarating programme of have-a-go activities; displays and re-enactments that put history in visitors’ hands.
The day’s highlights included a full-size jousting simulator; long bow archery and axe throwing; while the festival’s arena hosted thrilling, no-holds-barred contests between professional historical combat teams. Even the spectators were invited to enter the battlefield and take up (foam) arms in a brilliantly informative re-imagination of the Battle of Hastings.
One visitor Emily Kennedy enthused “it was like Warwick Castle had come to St. Albans! What a treat to have such a high quality, and educational day out so close to home, well done Verulam for putting on something different”. Verulam parent Rosemary Hansen said “we went to support the school, expecting a normal ‘fete’. We had such a brilliant day we didn’t want to leave! All of us enjoyed axe throwing, the boys loved jousting and the re-enactments were especially entertaining. Can’t wait to go to another!”
Verulam are keen to build on the success of the festival and have even more ambitious programme planned for next year’s event on 5th July 2020.
