Heritage

Polish Medieval Tournament & Market

Take a step across the channel and 500 years back in time and join us for a day of Medieval Festivities, Polish style. Savour the sights, sounds and smells (thankfully, just the hearty Polish cooking…) of the age. The day will be packed with entertainment, thrilling combat, dancing and good old fashioned hilarity. You could find out how people really fought in medieval times and observe an actual foot combat tournament. From 40 contenders, only one Knight will emerge victorious.

There is definitely something to fight for. The first place will be awarded with a pair of beautiful yet sturdy hourglass gauntlets, manufactured by a skilled Polish armoursmith Maciej Kotlarz.

Whoever takes the second place, will receive this one-handed sword, based on a sword that was found on the site of the Batle of Castillion, which happened in 1453 in France. Arma, Polish swordsmiths behind this sword, have a long history of durable and strong yet light and elegant blades.

Finally, the third place will be awarded with this pair of beautiful brass spurs - a small but important sign of knightly status. Also produced by the skilled craftsmen from Arma.

For those interested in catching a knight and keeping hold of him, there’s the medieval cookery demonstration. Or if you’re interested in how you might impress him on the dancefloor, why not take part in the medieval dancing demonstration complete with authentic melodic accompaniment from medieval band, Gaita? And finally, for those brave enough to take part, there’s the Peasant Games. No experience is necessary – merely a taste for medieval laughter. And if none of that takes your fancy, you could always a wander along the market streets and cheer yourself by buying trinkets, sweets or maybe even a new piece of armour.

For the exhausted shopper, the reviving qualities of traditional Polish cuisine are well known. A dish best washed down with a mug of home-made Polish mead.

Date: Saturday 25 April
Time: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Venue: Leith Links Park
Tickets: Free Event

Contact: heritage@polishculturalfestival.org.uk

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