Knights to clash on jousting milestone

ALTHOUGH jousting was popular in Europe between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries, the historic sporting spectacle only arrived in Australia fifty years ago.

The half-century milestone will be celebrated as part of the Victorian Medieval Festival at Kryal Castle later this month when armoured knights head to the fortress to compete for the jousting championship.

“It was 1973 when Australia saw the first public joust featuring the Australian Harris brothers and a tour by the British Jousting Society, heralding the birth of the medieval sport of jousting in this country,” said Kryal Castle’s champion jouster and knight Phil Leitch.

“Since then, we’ve have had three Australian World Champions and countless Australian team victories over teams in Europe, America and the Pacific.

“Of the 12 jousters competing at the festival, we have three former world champions, Australian representatives, and heaps of upcoming talent.

“It will be a hard-fought competition and an honour to celebrate half a century of jousting in this country.”

Set for Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November, the broader Victorian Medieval Festival program will also include a Middle Ages village, Viking battles, a trebuchet, birds of prey show, tavern, kids’ activities, and a night food market.

“This year’s Victorian Medieval Festival will be a brilliant family experience and an amazing educational opportunity that’s also thoroughly entertaining,” said CEO Bart Hamilton.

Australia is home to more than 30 competitive jousters. Visit victorianmedievalfestival.com.au for tickets.