Knights to do battle as Joust of the North returns to Alnwick Castle

The international event involves talented performers and horsemen riding in from all over the world.

Witness at first hand the drama, noise, fear, pageantry and passion as these, highly skilled, brave knights and their mighty horses – in authentic medieval armour and flamboyant, colourful regalia, engage in full combat in this gripping – and at times terrifying – 15th century tournament.

To make the experience even more nerve-wracking for everyone, the skilled contestants will be using real, solid lances, rather than lighter replicas. So, the riders will have to be immensely accomplished to avoid getting hurt.

This Joust of the North is the only event like this in mainland Britain where solid lances are used.

Held in a purpose-built ‘arena’ in the castle grounds, it promises to be one of the region’s most thrilling and colourful spectacles this year.

There will be six knights in total. Prepare to choose your champion!

*Sir Dominic Sewell, who has been jousting since 2000, is considered to be one of the top international exponents of the sport.

*Sir Andrew McKinnon has travelled all the way from Australia to joust at Alnwick Castle and is the event producer of the World Jousting Tournament 2019, held in Victoria, Australia.

*Sir Bertus Brokamp has participated in more than 600 tournaments and mounted performances all over the world including England, Germany, California, Russia and Australia.

*Sir Mike Canfor is a more recent convert to jousting but is a life-long horseman with a particular interest in Iberian horses and classical breeds He teaches fencing techniques to equestrians.

*Sir Michael Sadde served in the French Army then joined the French military horse riding academy in Paris. In 2013 he opened a Jousting Academy and now dedicates his life to the promotion of historical re-enactment. He is writing a thesis on historical riding in the 15th and 16th centuries.