A MEDIVEAL fair full of authenticity and revelry will be taking place next month.

The Colchester Medieval Fayre and Oyster Market is to be staged at Colchester Castle Park and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Visitors will get a right royal welcome by Henry VIII on Saturday June 4 and Elizabeth I on Sunday June 5.

Both monarchs will be accompanied by a large retinue of gentlefolk, parading around in regal costumes.

The event will be set to live music from Colchester bands, including authentic medieval music.

Fairgoers will also be privy to the UK's last standing Mummers play, a live play in which several characters engage in combat.

Food lovers will be treated to a medieval spit roast of venison and wild boar as well as wild game and buffalo on offer.

Vegans will be able to sample a medieval pottage, a thick soup made with vegetables and barley simmering away over a wood fire.

There will also be demonstrations of kestrels and hawks flying around, as will as an archery competition featuring longbows hitting an array of targets.

This year's event will feature a section where children will be able to dress up as a knight and roleplay.

Event organiser Don Quinn said: “It is double the fun this year, with far more going on than last year.”

The event will run from June 4 to 5 from 10.30am to 5pm. 

For more information, go to www.foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk/colchester-medieval-fayre.