Eastleigh is to take a dip into the past

Knights and princesses will take the town back to the Middle Ages.

The festival will take place with a host of activities spread across the Swan Centre, Leigh Road recreational ground and Wells Place.

Festival-goers will be able to travel back to the days of jesters, jousting and princesses with live medieval re-enactments, cooking demonstrations, combat and dancing displays and a lot more.

South Wiltshire Falconry will be making a return and will host a show for the public after their display proved a hit in past years.

Residents will also have the chance to indulge their inner Robin Hood by having a go at archery.

At the Leigh Road recreational ground, people will have the opportunity to enjoy a free arts-and-craft table as well as hog roast, a bouncy castle and puppet shows from Hand & Mouth Theatre Company at 11am and 2pm.

A competition to pick the best-dressed princess and knight will be held at the Swan Centre, judged by deputy mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Maureen Sollitt, at 3pm.

Meanwhile, the Millers Ark Mobile Farm will be at Wells Place.

During the day, there will also be entertainment from theWe ssex Ferret Club.

This is the third year theme dieval festival, organised by Eastleigh BID, has been run in the town.

Emily Reason, marketing and project administrator for Eastleigh BID, said: “We work to try to bring people into the town. We don’t work for profit. Having this event is going to be great.

“It’s very important to bring people into Eastleigh. It’s a completely free-of-charge day out and we are hoping for a good turn-out.”

Several local businesses will also be taking part, including the Candy Room, which will be selling sweets, while Tesco staff will handing out free fruit for children.

Registration for the fancy dress competition will start at 2pm in the Swan Centre, while the falconry display will take place on Leigh Road recreational ground at noon.

Activities will run from 11am to 4pm.