By Melo Ruswa

EASTLEIGH will be thrust back to Ye Olde Days for a medieval celebration.

From knights of the realm fighting to falconry displays and jesters making crowds laugh, the railway town will be taken back 1,000 years as it toasts the Middle Ages.

Eastleigh’s very own medieval festival takes place today with a host of activities the family can enjoy.

There will be free events spread across the Swan Centre, Leigh Road recreational ground and Wells Place.

It follows the ‘Feast of St George’ family fun day organised by businesses in the town last year.

The festival promises to be a ‘feast for all senses’ with events ranging from a hog roast to have-a-go archery.

South Wiltshire Falconry will be making a return, after their immersive falconry display proved to be a hit with the community last year.

The Black Knight historical group will also be on hand to bring the medieval ages to life with action-packed knight fights and medieval cookery demonstrations.

In the Swan Centre, acclaimed storyteller Michael O’Leary who currently boasts a sold-out ‘Hagstone stories’ audio CD, will be transporting visitors to the days of dragons, spells and princesses, with his tales.

Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Jane Welsh, will also be in the shopping centre, after being enlisted to judge a ‘best dressed princess & knight competition’, where the winners will receive an Amazon Kindle.

Although this is only the second time a medieval fun day has been run, the Eastleigh Businesses District hope to make this an annual occurrence.

Emma Cotton, project and website administrator for the Eastleigh BID, said: “Already we have had a strong response from the Eastleigh community in support of the day and encouragement for its return next year.

"Not only is this great for the community but also for businesses.”

BID are hoping the day will draw visitors into Eastleigh, encouraging them to stay and then continue to make return visits.

The events run from 11am to 4pm.

Timetabled activities:

  • 11am – The legend of St. George, Noon – Falconry Display 
  • 12.30pm – Morris Dancers 
  • 12.30pm – Pentacle Drummers 
  • 1pm – Fighting knights display
  • 1.30pm – Ferret display 
  • 2pm – Fancy Dress competition registration 
  • 2pm– Falconry Display 
  • 2pm – Morris dancers 
  • 3pm– Pentacle Drummers 
  • 3.30pm – The Legend of St George